2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser Problem. Is it an innocent Engines fault? This is the question:
Long Question: My model is a touring edition with cruise control. Automatic transmission. After an oil change i had a few months ago, I had a problem where the engine would shake while I’m stopped at an intersection or in idle, but it would only do it while the A/C was on. Then about mid-may i had a problem where I was driving on the highway at around 70mph and the car just started slowing down. I didn’t have my foot on the brakes, I had it on the accelerator, and it just kept losing speed. When I got it to start picking up speed again it wouldn’t let me go over 65mph. Recently after that it started doing it frequently, and when it does this I can use cruise control at all. I was able to get the car running right sometimes by turning the car off and then back on. Then a few days ago I tried to go into town and the problem showed up again as usual and I pulled off the road to restart it and when I tried to turn it back on it just made a repetitive clicking noise, and it wouldn’t turn on at all. Has anyone had the exact same problem cause I don’t know what’s wrong, but I start college in a couple weeks and I need my car fixed before then.
Short Response: Yeah, yeah, yeah, this is a really common question with a fast answer. You probably do not have an engine problem, you may have an ECU problem or a TCU problem or you have a transmission problem. If I owned this car I would take it to the dealer or a competent repair shop ASAP and have a diagnosis performed and get the problem fixed fast. Or you will end up with a considerably more expensive issue, assuming this problem JUST started.
Essentially, the computer is sensing a problem with the transmission, most probably. Regardless, whatever is happening is more than likely, the computer is sensing the problem and throwing the car into “limp-in” mode. No matter what is causing your car to “limp”, it is a signal or sign that something is obviously wrong and needs repairs. It is factory setup so the transmission basically sticks in 2nd gear, obviously inhibiting the cars performance so you will, take it in immediately for repairs, do not exacerbate the problem by waiting around or spending a lot of time waiting for some forum junkie to supply the answer you want to hear.
Hopefully, your question is answered. Although this is a common complaint, it needs a qualified diagnosis by someone who has a diagnostic scan tool and knows how to use it. Realistically speaking, problems on modern cars can not be accurately diagnosed without having the car hooked up to a diagnostic tool. Don’t waste your time, or more important, your money. For more answers call one of our experts at GotEngines.com @ 1-888-344-8044 now, for some free, quality advise.
