I have an '04 automatic coupe that is just now coming up on 30k miles. About two weeks ago it began to "stutter" and "jerk" in any gear(even autostick mode) at low rpm, between 1200-1800 rpm. It will also "lunge" forward during harder braking. Along with the stuttering it vibrates heavily and sounds as if it's coming from the rear end.

I thought it may have been choking and checked the intake(aftermarket cai) and it is fine, no leaks, all couplers tightened and secure. The tranny fluid was also checked and checked-out okay. I haven't received any CEL's but had a buddy scan for codes and it hasn't thrown anything. Today was the first time I've had a chance to get it in to a shop. Owner took it for a drive and was able to duplicate the problem but didn't have any idea where to start. He called a buddy of his who works in a Chrysler service center and was told they hadn't come across this scenario. Checked TSB database and couldn't find anything related.

If that time has come I will just have to take it into a dealer, but before then would like to know if others have experienced anything similar? If so, what are some other things that should be checked?

Thanks in advance for the help.

-Brian

 

sounds like a crankshaft position sensor is going bad....at this point. Use the search feature and read a few of the threads regarding the cps...

 

So, if the CrankshaftPS is "going bad" but hasn't completey failed, will the motor still crank and turn over without any problems? Curious, because I haven't had a problem with it turning over like the other threads mention with a failed CrankshaftPS.

thanks,
Brian

 

if it studders, try turning it off, and restart...if it goes away, it could be the sensor. when they completely fail, then no start...

 

The stuttering and/or hesitation the car has to switch gears along with the loud vibration has been ongoing for two weeks and hasn't gone away even with restarts or drive-by-wire resets, whether cold or warm.

 

I am sure the mechanic looked for any vacuum hoses off and such...so, I am still thinking the sensor is going bad...this would cause rough idle...mine will do it when I start it some cold mornings...I shut it off, restart it, it idles fine...but if I were to try and drive it, it would run as you describe. It's up to you, you can find the part in the search section, under $100 bucks, easy install, and it will go out sooner or later since yours is a '04.

 

You may want to check out the MAF sensor also. On the N/A cars it's located inside the intake under a grid, for lack of a better description. When failing or dirty they will not necessarily post a CEL. You can score a can of MAF cleaner & give it a shot. If it doesn't solve the issue you're not out a whole bunch-o-bucks & then it may be time to think about getting it replaced.

Edit - & please don't forget to let us know what you find!

 

good call Kurts, that is one I had forgotten...good luck either way, but this will give your mechanic something to look at....

 

Please check the throttle body to intake gasket to see that it is not split or leaking, use my hose in the ear idea to search vacuume leaks in that area.

My 2 cents

Woody

 

Today I was able to check the CKP sensor and it checked out ok on the multimeter. Also, I pulled the MAF sensor and cleaned it with MAF Cleaner. Problem is still ongoing. I didnt have enough time to get to the gasket on the throttle body. Although while under the hood with motor turned over, it sounded as if there was a leak. Any other ideas? I will be checking the TB gasket in the next day or two.

thanks for all the help so far.

-Brian

 

well, shoot...I would have thought your mechanic would have looked for any vacuum leaks as I mentioned before. Those things are usually obvious to a trained mechanic. Glad the sensor isn't it. Look at the TB, but since it does it consistantly, I wouldn't think it to be a fuel problem, or electrical, because those problems are usually intermittant, comes and goes...I hope its just a vacuum leak...