2006 Dodge Stratus Prefomance

I don't know what "snatching" means, but for the other symptoms, the place to start is by reading and recording any diagnostic fault codes. You can do that yourself on Chrysler products by turning the ignition switch from "off" to "run" three times within five seconds, without cranking the engine. Leave it in "run", then watch the code numbers show up in the odometer display.

If there are no fault codes, you'll need a scanner to view live data to get an idea of what is going on.

The first thing, again, is to read the diagnostic fault codes. If there are none, you might suspect the fuel supply system. A good suspect is the pickup screen on the end of the fuel pump's pickup tube. You may be able to get a clue by connecting a fuel pressure gauge and hooking it under a wiper blade so you can watch it while you're driving. The pressure might go up and down a little, but if you see it drop a lot when the problem occurs, suspect that screen. I've had to replace it twice in my '88 Grand Caravan but my symptoms were different because my fuel supply system is designed differently than yours.

Many auto parts stores rent or borrow tools and they'll have the fuel pressure gauge.

I'm racing a dying laptop battery. I'll be back in the next day or two to see how you're doing.

The cruise control just takes the place of your foot on the accelerator pedal but there is a lot of electronics involved, so it's unlikely there is any relationship with that system.

It sounds like you're describing the "throttle-by-wire" system. Those are very dangerous to work with. You remember all the trouble Toyota had a couple of years ago. With those systems, a simple, reliable, two-ounce throttle cable has been replaced with five pounds of computers, sensors, and a motor-actuated throttle assembly. When you press the accelerator pedal, you are not opening the throttle. You are sending a signal to a computer, the computer sends a voltage to the throttle motor, and the motor opens the throttle to raise engine speed. When you use the cruise control, it also causes the same computer to run the throttle motor. There is no difference in how the throttle reacts.

It IS possible the computer is doing something differently based on whether the request comes from the accelerator pedal or the cruise control switches, but that is not a cruise control issue. It is a computer issue that would have to be diagnosed.

There is nothing you can disconnect to solve a problem or concern. There are so many safeguards built into these systems because they are so dangerous. A car is already a very bad environment for computers to live in due to rain, snow, salt, vibration, and heat. All of these things will result in a lot of electrical problems, so when working with safety-related systems, there are a lot of things built in to protect you from a runaway car. If you disconnect anything, or if a wire corrodes through, etc, the system will shut down and all the engine will do is idle. Even when problems are repaired, some systems won't start working again until diagnostic fault codes are erased and / or the system is reset by the dealer. That requirement is often included so the dealer can verify the system is working properly.