no power after start, then car revs and won't shift

[mbzgurl]

I started the car, it idled ok, put it in "D", backed up, and when I was ready to drive off, it wouldn't go. I had to press the pedal more than halfway before it got going, but it revved really high and moved slow and wouldn't shift up. When I came to the stop sign, the car didn't want to move again, unless I stomped on it. It was so erratic, I went home and shut her off, missed my doctor appointment.
It feels like it could be a clogged fuel filter, but probably isn't. I can't figure this one out. No warning signs, no gas smell, it just suddenly acted up only today. Any clue what it could be? Thanks!

 

[sheward]

It sounds like the car went into "limp mode" This happens when certain error codes arise in the LH module.

The first question from the illuminatii will be "are either the check engine or ASR lights illuminated on the dashboard?"

 

[TerryA]

Sounds like it’s in limp home mode. Probably the Throttle Body but I’m no expert. Dave or somebody will have to chime in.

 

[dreaming.haze]

As mentioned above, this could be limp home mode, you'd potentially note an ASR light on the dash staying lit.

Another further point to look at would be the end the accelerator cable which attaches into the throttle linkage assembly. I had my end fail while driving home from the DMV and it felt the same / similar to limp home mode due to it not having proper movement of the cable. PN: 202-301-00-93-64

 

[gsxr]

Most likely limp mode, accompanied by the ASR fault light on the instrument cluster. It may go away temporarily if you shut off the engine and re-start it, depending on the specific problem triggering limp mode.

Next step (after checking the cable, noted in the previous post) would be to clear all fault codes, drive the car until it happens again, and then check codes again. This will help narrow down the problem.