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rivens
Cruiser Newbie
Posted: Oct 9, 2003, 1:01 PM
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Shudder at idle normal?
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Hi folks,
Not sure if this is the best forum for this post, but it's the closest non-member forum I could find.
I've got a 2003 PT Cruiser, manual trans., 2.4L non-turbo model.
At idle, there is a very noticeable shudder that I can really feel coming up through the drivers' seat and steering wheel. Also, I find that often during acceleration (or even at a steady speed), the engine-power will change slightly but abruptly. (Usually for the worse). It's done this since I bought it (new), so I figured it was normal. It's been driving me absolutely bonkers lately though and I'm desperate to find a fix.
I've taken it to two local dealerships and they've both confirmed that it's normal behaviour, but I find it hard to believe. (No error codes from the car or misfires).
Can other owners confirm that this is normal? If so, does it not drive you completely nuts to have a car that won't drive smoothly?
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Posts: 2 | From: Ottawa, ON, Canada
| Registered: Oct 9, 2003, 12:45 PM
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baddog
Cruiser Addict
Posted: Oct 10, 2003, 7:15 AM
Post #2 of 11
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Re: [rivens] Shudder at idle normal?
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i have 2001 and 2002 pt's, both with manual trans and have not experienced what it sounds like you are describing.
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Posts: 630 | From: upper marlboro, md
| Registered: Dec 6, 2000, 12:00 AM
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rivens
Cruiser Newbie
Posted: Oct 10, 2003, 8:11 AM
Post #3 of 11
(798 views)
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Re: [baddog] Shudder at idle normal?
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Hi Baddog,
After a bit more research, I've found that the rough idle issue I'm experiencing is a fairly common problem, but that it's likely not "normal".
http://www.ptcruiserlinks.com/...ic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2857
http://www.zuko.com/.../PT_Cruiser_Tips.htm
http://ptenthusiasts.org/...amp;page=1&pp=10
I've tried the simplest solution of trying different fuels (and "premium" instead of "regular" fuel), but that doesn't seem to make a difference. I guess I'll investigate some of the other potential solutions next.
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Posts: 2 | From: Ottawa, ON, Canada
| Registered: Oct 9, 2003, 12:45 PM
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baddog
Cruiser Addict
Posted: Oct 10, 2003, 9:12 AM
Post #4 of 11
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Re: [rivens] Shudder at idle normal?
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heeeeeeeeeey rivens,
thanks for the info on that. i hope you get it taken care of with minimal hastle.......
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Posts: 630 | From: upper marlboro, md
| Registered: Dec 6, 2000, 12:00 AM
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dubya
Cruiser Fan
Posted: Nov 2, 2007, 9:59 PM
Post #5 of 11
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Re: [rivens] Shudder at idle normal?
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I'm having the same shuddering issue, at idle. Car seems like it wants to lurch, and the tachometer goes up a little bit during the shudder.
I've found this only happens when I have the AC on, that is, when the compressor is on. Turning the AC to fan only (the white site of the dial on my '03 touring) the shuddering doesn't happen.
I suppose that doesn't mean it is an AC problem but a power problem, so spark plugs make sense. Car only has 28k on it now and hasn't had its spark plugs replaced.
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Posts: 7 | From: louisiana
| Registered: Nov 2, 2007, 9:54 PM
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gatoreye
Cruiser Buff
Posted: Nov 3, 2007, 12:38 AM
Post #6 of 11
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Re: [dubya] Shudder at idle normal?
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You need new plugs and wires.
Had the same problem on mine and this cured it but remember, this engine is not Japanese smooth.
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Posts: 62 | From: kissimmee, florida
| Registered: Jan 11, 2007, 6:29 PM
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silvereagle
Cruiser Addict
Posted: Nov 3, 2007, 9:07 AM
Post #7 of 11
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Re: [gatoreye] Shudder at idle normal?
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I had that problem for a while ,The engine even shut off when i made a right turn at an intersection. .One of the mechanics told me to put in some STP or Chevron Fuel injector clean in my gas tank. So now ,once a month I do that and the engine runs fine.
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big jim
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Posts: 910 | From: New Castle ,Del, USA
| Registered: Aug 6, 2002, 12:00 AM
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dubya
Cruiser Fan
Posted: Nov 7, 2007, 11:38 AM
Post #8 of 11
(545 views)
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Re: [dubya] Shudder at idle normal?
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Quote:
I'm having the same shuddering issue, at idle. Car seems like it wants to lurch, and the tachometer goes up a little bit during the shudder.
I've found this only happens when I have the AC on, that is, when the compressor is on. Turning the AC to fan only (the white site of the dial on my '03 touring) the shuddering doesn't happen.
I suppose that doesn't mean it is an AC problem but a power problem, so spark plugs make sense. Car only has 28k on it now and hasn't had its spark plugs replaced.
Ok, well, problem is fixed.
My dealership diagnosed it as a seizing compressor/radiator fan. Explained that when the fan went from lo to hi speed, it was seizing and putting stress on the engine. Thus, the shuddering.
When the fan failed to go to hi speed, the compressor overheated, thus the poor AC performance recently.
Spark plugs/wires fine. Battery fine.
Replacing the compressor fan was covered by warranty, after deductible. 1/2 day of labor.
Hope this helps others in the future.
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Posts: 7 | From: louisiana
| Registered: Nov 2, 2007, 9:54 PM
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dubya
Cruiser Fan
Posted: Nov 7, 2007, 11:44 AM
Post #9 of 11
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Re: [silvereagle] Shudder at idle normal?
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Quote:
I had that problem for a while ,The engine even shut off when i made a right turn at an intersection. .One of the mechanics told me to put in some STP or Chevron Fuel injector clean in my gas tank. So now ,once a month I do that and the engine runs fine.
Fuel injector cleaner is a good idea, especially if you're like me and you use cheap discount club or grocery store gasoline that is sold without detergents in the fuel.
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Posts: 7 | From: louisiana
| Registered: Nov 2, 2007, 9:54 PM
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LKNSHARP
Cruiser Expert
Posted: Nov 25, 2007, 10:13 AM
Post #10 of 11
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Re: [dubya] Shudder at idle normal?
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I have the same thing happening to mine - 03 Limited w/93,000 miles. Once in a while it will do this after just sitting at a light for extended periods of time. Yesterday when I turned it on, it was running very "choppy" & the engine light came on. About an hour later, I turned it on again & it did not do this. This is leading me to believe the plugs/wires are going bad. Any other opinions?
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Posts: 169 | From: Jacksonville, NC USA
| Registered: Jun 11, 2000, 12:00 AM
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silvereagle
Cruiser Addict
Posted: Nov 26, 2007, 6:41 PM
Post #11 of 11
(418 views)
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Re: [dubya] Shudder at idle normal?
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All so called gasoline off brands have the same addatives as the so called normal brands. The feds make it so.
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big jim
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Posts: 910 | From: New Castle ,Del, USA
| Registered: Aug 6, 2002, 12:00 AM
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