[MrHappy]

New issue starting to creep up and I searched but didn't find anything specific to this:

On the first startup of the day (usually in the morning, but not always, and cold temps aren't an issue) when I first put the car in reverse to back out of the garage, the whole car shakes and sputters like it's going to stall out, then eventually revs back to normal and I can go in reverse and be on my way. It never used to do this and only does it on the first start of the day after it's sat overnight. I've tried different gas stations to make sure it's not a fuel issue but no luck. Any ideas?

Also, I seem to be getting an annoying vibration in the steering wheel and accelerator at random times (on the expressway is most noticeable). Thinking it might be out of balance Contis (about 6k miles on the non-self sealers) or an alignment issue? Will take advice on this too!

 

[Dood]

Hi MrHappy, I too, have the shudder in reverese first thing in the morning. It's not as bad as you've described but disconcerting none the less.

New issue starting to creep up and I searched but didn't find anything specific to this:

On the first startup of the day (usually in the morning, but not always, and cold temps aren't an issue) when I first put the car in reverse to back out of the garage, the whole car shakes and sputters like it's going to stall out, then eventually revs back to normal and I can go in reverse and be on my way. It never used to do this and only does it on the first start of the day after it's sat overnight. I've tried different gas stations to make sure it's not a fuel issue but no luck. Any ideas?

Also, I seem to be getting an annoying vibration in the steering wheel and accelerator at random times (on the expressway is most noticeable). Thinking it might be out of balance Contis (about 6k miles on the non-self sealers) or an alignment issue? Will take advice on this too!

 

[MrHappy]

Anyone else have this? I can't imagine it's either normal or good? On a cold, cold morning I could somewhat see this, but not every day no matter the weather, and especially not almost stalling out.

 

[Mr.DJ]

My car used to have that particular problem (although not so pronounced) as well, but now it rarely occurs; however, my car has an inherent (possible transmission-related problem), which has haunted my car since 'day one'. Supposedly, after a long discussion between Chrysler's west coast technical rep and the engineers back at DCX, the latest 'TSB' should've have 'fixed' the problem....but, only time will tell. :wink1:

 

[SK 300C]

I have also noticed a shudder when selecting reverse after starting the car for the first time each day. Based on experience with older rear wheel drive cars I tried selecting neutral for 10 seconds or so before reverse and the shudder is gone. Perhaps the torque converter drains over night and needs time to fill, or it takes a few seconds for fluid to be pumped to all areas of the transmission (ie clutch pistons etc.). On some previous Chrysler automatics the recommendation was to warm up the car in neutral rather than park because fluid circulates to more areas of the transmission. The same may be true for the 300C.

 

[II kings 9:20]

No problems here.

 

[LWOOD]

There is a new thread entitled NewTSB:Tranfer Case Shudder. It is in problems and dealer service...I'm on my way out so can't provide the link but you need to look at that thread and have your car serviced accordingly.

 

[MrHappy]

I have the RWD though, not AWD like in the TSB. *Sigh* I just want her to run right and not squeek like someone is shaking a box full of mice!

 

[MDTII]

I have the RWD though, not AWD like in the TSB. *Sigh* I just want her to run right and not squeek like someone is shaking a box full of mice!

The idle drop issue sounds calibration-related. Take it to the dealer and ask if you have the latest engine calibration. If not, they should update it for free.

Also, is your A/C on when the idle drop is noted? A/C compressor engagement can cause brief fluctuations in engine speed, especially after soak periods (when in open loop).

The vibration issue (especially if it in noted in a specific speed range) sounds like an out of balance tire.

What engine package do you have? 3.5L?

 

[MrHappy]

No A/C, it's right when I first start the car for the day and put it into reverse (no a/c, no heat, no fans, heck, usually even no radio). And yeah, I am going to have them check the tire balance... I just hate going in with 10 things on a list every time.

 

[Mr.DJ]

Update

My car used to have that particular problem (although not so pronounced) as well, but now it rarely occurs; however, my car has an inherent (possible transmission-related problem), which has haunted my car since 'day one'. Supposedly, after a long discussion between Chrysler's west coast technical rep and the engineers back at DCX, the latest 'TSB' should've have 'fixed' the problem....but, only time will tell. :dunno:

Update:

The latest 'TSB/Flash Fix' still didn't 'fix' the problem...it's going back to the dealer again on Monday. :bs2:

 

[MrHappy]

Wow, sounds waaaay to familiar to mine.. except you can throw in the front dashboard popping issue (and yes, had the tsb done and then undone and about to have it done again with the dash replaced)... *sigh*

 

[DarkFury]

My new Heritage has this issue...

I didn't know if I should take it back to the dealer yet or if it was some "known issue".

Kinda weird when it vibrates like that in reverse...

 

[lmhoward]

I got it big time. First time in reverse and it shudders like its running on 5 cylinders. After 3 seconds or so, all is normal. My AC is never off by the way. As far as the vibration, I have it at between 52 and 56. No other speeds. Feels like I'm driving on a grooved surface. Speed up or down and it goes away. Normally I'm stuck in traffic or going way to fast so I hardly ever notice the vibration. I sometimes think its a resonance of the MDS that only occurs at a certain speed, but I can't be sure. I wonder WTF but after 2 years I don't worry about it. One day if its bad enough perhaps the dealer won't say all is normal and actually investigate what the cause is. My dealer is in denial mode and couldn't care less. Thank goodness its such an incredible car otherwise.

 

[jeepgrady]

I got it big time. First time in reverse and it shudders like its running on 5 cylinders. After 3 seconds or so, all is normal. My AC is never off by the way. As far as the vibration, I have it at between 52 and 56. No other speeds. Feels like I'm driving on a grooved surface. Speed up or down and it goes away. Normally I'm stuck in traffic or going way to fast so I hardly ever notice the vibration. I sometimes think its a resonance of the MDS that only occurs at a certain speed, but I can't be sure. I wonder WTF but after 2 years I don't worry about it. One day if its bad enough perhaps the dealer won't say all is normal and actually investigate what the cause is. My dealer is in denial mode and couldn't care less. Thank goodness its such an incredible car otherwise.

If you have an early build "C", the shudder is probably the infamous exhaust drone that plagued us all when we first got our vehicles. There is a tsb for it. DC updated the exhaust system which got rid of our problem. In order to see if you have the old or new exhaust system: Crawl under the vehicle. Where the rear exhaust pipe exits the muffler on the drivers side, the bolts holding the pipe to the muffler should have what looks like a spring on them. If you do not have this spring, the entire exhaust system will be changed by your dealer. Look under the tsb section to get all the details.

 

[Irwin]

I have the 05 C mfg in 9/04. Never got the shudder and have the original transmission & exhaust. The temperature was down to single digits too at times. Great car!.

 

[eman]

New issue starting to creep up and I searched but didn't find anything specific to this:

On the first startup of the day (usually in the morning, but not always, and cold temps aren't an issue) when I first put the car in reverse to back out of the garage, the whole car shakes and sputters like it's going to stall out, then eventually revs back to normal and I can go in reverse and be on my way. It never used to do this and only does it on the first start of the day after it's sat overnight. I've tried different gas stations to make sure it's not a fuel issue but no luck. Any ideas?

Also, I seem to be getting an annoying vibration in the steering wheel and accelerator at random times (on the expressway is most noticeable). Thinking it might be out of balance Contis (about 6k miles on the non-self sealers) or an alignment issue? Will take advice on this too!

 

[eman]

Mine also on both issues.2005 AWD 33,000 miles. Wheel balance was done on a Hunter Road Force and it is better but not 100%.I had it back to the dealer at least 5 times on the Tranny Shudder and finally they really looked at it.Left it for 2 days so they could expereince it first thing....Found 2 o ring seals on the shift solinoids were leaking and it was low on fluid.DAH....Its fixed.No more shudder.

 

[ssl]

yep! im having the same problem with the shuttering. I have noticed that in the morning, if I put it in reverse and hold the brake for 5 seconds then release, the shuttering is not so bad but if I turn on the car and put it in reverse a let go of the brake right away, the car shutters pretty bad. Maby I need to look into it. I was going to start a new tread on this problem but I guess I found it

ssl

 

[adairb77]

My car feels like I hit something when I backup and turn first thing in the morning

The sound is loud and the whole car shakes when it happens. It's in the dealership and they're not giving me any good reasons.