The higher the RPM... the more frequent the spark plugs fire. Thsi increases the power requirements. IF the voltage is too low, the ECU will prevent high RPM operation ot avoid misfiring. You Chekc ENgine Light should be comming one. The coumputer is putting your car in "limp mode". Meaning it will operate..but only enough to get it to a service station.

I'd get this fixed soon. You can damage your starter by operating it repeatedly at a lower voltage. It's also putting a large load on you alternator ot supply power to a battery that is gobbling it up.

$200 is crazy to change a battery. Last I checked, Batteries cost under $60, and you only need a 10mm and/or 12mm wrench and maybe a screwdriver to change it... and about 30 minutes. It's something you can do at the WalMart or AutoZone parking lot.... but you'll need someone to jump start you after the change.

 

I changed mine at the SEars Auto parking lot...and I got a 5 dollar refund for giving them back my old leaking battery....

Did you use KY at least cause you got raped for this new battery.
Also, how many miles are on your car? You might still be covered under the warranty.

 

I could see them charging that much.

$200+ = $100 diagnostic + $70 battery + $30 install + tax

 

I also felt 200 was huge, first of all Engine Indicator was on but not Battary Indicator.I am not sure if the problem really is with Battery or not.
$110 for Diagnostic + $97 battery + Tax

 

check your oil a buddy of mine had something like that go wrong with his 99 and it was because he had low oil

 

that's a good point. There could be another less obvious explination. 4 years is a little early for a battery to fail...unless under the right conditions.

 

Not only 4 years ,I drove Just Over 33,000 Miles

 

The battery lite only comes on when the charge rate is to low not when the battery is died. The system sees everything as normal because the altenator is putting out 14.25 volts so the battery lite stays out. The lite is a charge indicator not a battery life indicator.