Shifting gears jerky, cruise control out

Tiny
LISA ANN MASON
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
Doesn't want to go over 2,000 rpm's. Doesn't want to stay in gear up inclines. Shakes like not in right gear. Not good over 60 mph.
Friday, January 10th, 2020 AT 1:38 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
Hi,

Lisa, is the check engine light staying on when the engine is running? It sounds like the vehicle is in what is called limp mode. This is a protective mode when something is wrong that is designed to let the driver get off the road and to a safe place.

Let me know if the light is staying on with the engine is running.

Take care,
Joe
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Friday, January 10th, 2020 AT 5:58 PM
Tiny
LISA ANN MASON
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Light goes off if driven super carefully, not rushing.
This has been going on for a month. We had pressure sensor issue, fixed. Then oil change where a experienced recommended mechanic added our transmission additive with the oil (instead of oil additive) instead of putting it with transmission fluid. He just told us *I added that bottle (one of 2 he was given, but wrong one!) To the oil." As if he had done nothing wrong. He handed us back the oil additive.

So, we know we need completely fresh oil (blend) and work done.

The car seems fine and can drive fine but when it takes corners when accelerating, it is more sensitive. Going up hills, it often requires one to take all pressure off gas pedal until it drops a gear down. Then it gets right gear or whatever.. Then acceleration slowly is fine a little.

Like at top of each gear range it gets. Shaky, sometimes it drops in; sometimes we must let it stay in lower gear until it accepts it.

If this is some protection mode! It is ineffective since everything still basically works except cruise control.

The engine light has stayed off for days if we simply go under speed limit generally, super gentle acceleration, and watch the rpm's.

? Could it be a pressure sensor? Hopefully husband will be able to answer your next questions. He's worked and now asleep.

Thank you for your time and consideration.
Lisa and Paul
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Saturday, January 11th, 2020 AT 6:52 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
Lisa, since the light has come on, we need to have the computer scanned to retrieve diagnostic trouble codes. Otherwise, it becomes a guessing game. I'm not sure where you are located, but most nationally recognized parts stores will scan a vehicle a no cost. Is it possible for you to have that done and let me know what codes you find?

I have to be honest with you. Based on everything you have said (shifting, no CC, wrong gear and so on) I have a feeling it is related to the output speed sensor, which can affect all of the things you mentioned. However, that is only an educated guess at this point. That's why I need to know what codes are stored.
Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, January 11th, 2020 AT 7:32 PM
Tiny
LISA ANN MASON
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I appreciate your information, time, and kindness.
I read it may be going into.
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Monday, January 13th, 2020 AT 6:35 AM
Tiny
LISA ANN MASON
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
. Idle when I thought it was gear issue. It was another chat user that also had Pt Cruiser. May be vacuum.

We are in AL and currently have only one car. We will get the codes ASAP.

At least the car is doing okay otherwise and goes over 50 miles daily.

Thank you
Lisa and Paul
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Monday, January 13th, 2020 AT 6:39 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
Let me know. If there is a vacuum leak, chances are you will get a diagnostic trouble code indicating a lean fuel mixture. I will watch for your reply.

Take care,
Joe
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Monday, January 13th, 2020 AT 6:40 PM
Tiny
LISA ANN MASON
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Code P0334 and P0335.
Cam shaft position and crankshaft position sensors.
The clerk said 335 meant mechanical but the papers don't say it.

Perhaps timing belt issue caused this.

It has gotten worse. The engines simply shuts off for no apparent reason while moving or upon attempting movement. So far, it's only been while 15 mph or less. But at those times no shaking or changing gear sounds, just off.

It cranks after but has quit immediately after putting in D. We waited a couple of minutes, and it was okay.

We did take it to the Chrysler place in our town but they said they don't even have the diagnostic equipment for 2005's. Really. I'm near Gadsden, Alabama.

We don't mind investing in our car. Even though my ex had her for 2 years, I bought her before him! I drove her off the lot in 2005! Yep. I'd like to take care of her.

Thanks.
Lisa
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Thursday, January 16th, 2020 AT 3:58 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,192 POSTS
Hi,
Do me a favor. If you count eight digits on your vin from the left, that will tell me exactly what engine you have. Do that and let me know what it is. That way, I can be sure I'm providing accurate info. If you look at the attached picture, you will see what I am dealing with.

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, January 16th, 2020 AT 4:04 PM

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