hesitation when accelerating at low speeds

[dynodon]

I have noticed in three different 300C's a slight hesitation or lack of smoothness when accelerating gently to moderately from a stop. This goes on through about 30 mph, and maybe into 3rd gear.

It is somewhat like having a slight misfire, but I don't really think that is it. more like an ignition control problem?

Anyone else notice this? Is there a fix that anyone knows about before I start taking the car to the dealer.

I do not have AWD (2WD version) and it is just over 900 miles so far.

Don
Illinois

[jjs]

I have noticed some sluggishness in that area as well. Like the torque doesn't really become apparnet until already off the line.

You might want to read this found using SEARCH...

Hesitation when the pedal is to the floor

[cmego]

What I notice is when rolling on light throttle if I press slowly to 1/2 throttle the slushbox trans doesn't realize I might really want a downshift. Silly me, I should just jump on it and show 'em who's the boss. I've never had a delay from a standstill - that reminds me of a sticky choke. Couldn't be that, so perhaps a clogged injector or debris in the intake?

[dkals]

I have the same problem as cmego. Cruising around 25 to 35, give it gas and there is a delay for a good 2 seconds. Than I have to give it more gas. This includes being in 3rd or 4th gear. It is like the car realizes, oh you wanted to go.

[II kings 9:20]

I think this is the nature of the tranny, a couple of flicks of the wrist on the shifter will help. I have not noticed it as sluggishness but a slowness to downshift which requires more right foot.

[joey]

I notice the hemi hesitation too. When driving around town and on the freeway, if I know I am going accelerate hard, I down shift two gears with the slap stick.

[dynodon]

JJS,

Thanks for the link, but this doesn't have anything to do with downshifting.

When pulling away from a stop, up to about 45mph, if I am just accelerating gently, at 1/3 or less throttle, the car seems to lunge and surge, maybe those are better words than "hesitation". I will try a search for those words.

This is a very subtle surging, but it is there for sure.

My car, and at least 2-3 others I have driven does this quite a bit. I don't remember it on the very first test drive I took several months ago, but it could have been there.

anyone else notice this? you probably have to specifically look for it.

Don
300C

[jcsganga34]

This could be due to the software on the car which adapts to your driving style. Drive the car aggressively from when you start it first thing in the morning. You will find that the car will be much more responsive during the day. Especially if you include a couple of WOT runs. If you have been taking it easy on the car I've noticed that performance does take a hit until you teach the car what your intentions are. I'm sure others have noticed it as well. Just giving some suggestions, not sure if this is your problem or not.

[developerx]

Try it with ESP turned off and see if there's a difference.
There is on mine.

[dkals]

If you turn off the esp, will it still kick in if the car gets out of control. I kind of like knowing I have an extra safety feature.