We just bought a new/used car on Sunday and of course our luck is now the car is driving funny. We called and the dealer has agreed to look it over. I am taking the car there today. I am the worst person to try and describe something - especially when it has to do with a car and how it drives. So - lets see if it makes sense to you guys and if anyone has any helpful tips that I can add to when I speak with the repair people that will get the best results of a possibly bad transmission?
When I drive and get clost to 30 mph the car tries to start shifting but it jerks alot. Usually the rpms go up to 4 or 5 rpm's and then shifts smoothly back down to about 2. Well in this car it tries to get to 4 rpms and then falls down to 2 rpms and then jumps back up to 3 rpms then back down to 2 rpms and then back up to 4 rpms. It seems once I get up to 40 mph the transmission to starts to shift more smoothly. Granted tho I have only driven the car 2 days and in morning/evening traffic. So I have yet to go much faster then 40 or 50 mph.
So what do you think? Just say exactly that? Should I add anything? Did it sound like I know what I am talking about?
My husband test drove the car and drove it home for the 2 hour drive and didn't have any issues. The car sat for 3 days before I hopped in it to drive (since my Durango ran out of gas, lol). Oh ya - it is a 2006 Chrysler 300 Limited AWD if that means anything.
Thanks!
Here is a possible answer from my son, who is a Chrysler tech:
Sounds like a system fault or failure; it might be losing communication with the tc module, and might need to be reset.
Hi! Haven't read yet. Gimme a few minutes!
Aw! I feel special!
Ask about Recall ID # 23853 to see if it's been fixed yet.
Also, ask if there are any known TSB's out on it for trans issues. Because you still have a drivetrain warranty and if a TSB issue is NOT resolved before your warranty is up, you are responsible for the cost.
****THIS IS NOT NORMAL NO MATTER WHAT SPEED OR ACCELERATION****
I wouldn't rule out a transmission issue. But it could also be fuel related. The transmission only shifts once the engine is up to a certain speed. It could have bad gas, fuel injector problem, programming issue (these newer cars have a ton of computers in them).
Just tell the dealer exactly what you stated here, be specific telling them the speeds you are at when you experience this.
Keep us posted.
I'm putting my betting money on spark plugs.
Let us know what you find out!
More things to ask yourself....
Does it run more smoothly because it is warmer? You said it sat for 3 days, was it a cold morning when you tried it? Have you driven it more than the one time? Did it run better after it had "warmed up?' Did you your or your husband fill it with gas or the dealership? Was it a gas station you normally frequent? Does it seem to chug on take off?
Definitely get them to look at it and stay on their case about it. Also check out the lemon laws you have in your state.
Good luck and keep us posted! (BTW, give them as much info as you can, your description sounds fine.)
I'm not MechanicMama but it sounds like the transmission is having trouble shifting and needs to be adjusted...
If this were an older car - I could help more - but the newer ones? nope. going by what I know...sorry can't be of more help.
Are you having trouble with "get up and go"? For example - trying to enter onto the highway - does it struggle to get to speed? Does it shift hard then too? Or does it only shift hard when it's lower speeds?
I would have the mechanic ride with you - so you and he/she can experience the trouble together...i had to do that once as it didn't happen when the mechanic drove the car...darn it!! But it did it when I drove it...funny!!
Transmissions slip, not sure if that makes sense. Like you are hitting the gas and the engine revs but there is a delay before the drive engages. I wouldn't call it jerking. Like normally the car accelerates with the engine, with transmission issues the car is a bit behind. It does tend to be more noticeable at lower speeds because at higher speeds the car is coasting to some extent so even though it is still slipping you don't notice it.
I know I am doing an awful job of explaining it. I swear it is one of those I know it when I feel it kind of things. :)
