Engine Stuttering

phenomeneon21 · Post by **phenomeneon21** » Sun Jan 22, 2006 11:31 pm

Alright, I can't seem to diagnose the problem with this one. My car seems to stutter really bad, to the point that the check engine light comes on. It doesn't do it when I drive regular and shift at around 3,000 RPM's. However, when I try and go WOT, righ at around 3,000 RPM's and beyond it stutters and the engine light comes on, but shutfs off right after I let off the gas. I don't understand what is causing it to do this. The first time I had this problem, it went away when I put new plugs and wires in, but that was about 5,000 miles ago, I shouldn't have to replace them this soon. I already checked the plugs and they don't seem to have an signs of fouling or anything like that, and the wires are in great condition still. My dad borrowed my car for a while and put in a crappy 93 octane from this

y gas station, but that was a while ago and I have already gone through 2 tanks of gas since then, so I don't think it was the gas. If anyone can help, that'd be very much appreciated!

refect · Post by **refect** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 1:40 am

might be coil pack going bad on you....or possibly the TPS (throttle position sensor) or IACV (idle air control valve) going bad? if anything it could even be the injectors being a bit clogged too. run some of the fuel system cleaner through it. you can pick that stuff up at autozone and stuff. i like the valvoline syntec fuel system cleaner personaly..that might help it out a bit. if not, then id say its one of those 3 things above since you already tried the plugs and wires...see if you can see wat code was being thrown. if its something to do with no fuel to the cylinder or somethin clyinder not firing correctly. then it is most likely your fuel intector being clogged or the coil went on you. kinda common for the coil to go. at least from wat ive heard. mine went on me once made my car run like hell at certain amount of throttles and stuff. started out little and eventualy made it to where no matter how hard i pressed the gas it would sputter and backfire and do all kinds of crazyness

dinetuner · Post by **dinetuner** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 3:23 am

try the fuel system cleaner(cuz its cheapest lol) then its most likely your coil pack...bleh!

neonpla · Post by **neonpla** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 5:44 am

spark plugs

phenomeneon21 · Post by **phenomeneon21** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 3:48 pm

alright, i'll be sure to buy some sea foam and put it into the gas tank and might as well put some in through the throttle body, see if that cleans things up. Is there any way to check whether the coil pack is going bad? I imagine getting a voltage meter and checking to make sure that each side is getting a good voltage reading? Hmm, well, I guess I'll try that and see if it smoothes out and if not, I'll just take it somewhere to get it checked out.

quicksilvr · Post by **quicksilvr** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 4:50 pm

phenomeneon21 wrote:alright, i'll be sure to buy some sea foam and put it into the gas tank and might as well put some in through the throttle body, see if that cleans things up. Is there any way to check whether the coil pack is going bad? I imagine getting a voltage meter and checking to make sure that each side is getting a good voltage reading? Hmm, well, I guess I'll try that and see if it smoothes out and if not, I'll just take it somewhere to get it checked out.

Usually when a coil pack goes bad, one of the terminals will be all dark and bad looking. If they are all shiny and look normal, it still might be starting to go bad, but you wouldn't be able to really feel it I don't think. That's just me though...

1/2 Scottish · Post by **1/2 Scottish** » Thu Apr 10, 2008 7:44 pm

Seems like there alot of threads on this stuttering problem and some are subtle and some are worse. Ive had this stutter for awhile but it isnt too bad. I will only get the stutter when coasting in 2nd and I let off the gas and then slightly accelerate again, then i will get some bucking at about 1700 rpm. I also had some SLIGHT hesitation or "lugging" while in 5th gear and I am in lower Rpms. I got some new NGK plugs and it seemed to help a little but it is hard to tell, although the lugging in 5th gear went away. Not much of a big deal, but sometimes i have to feather the clutch so i don't look like a noob while bucking in the parking lot.

I will try some Injector cleaner and maybe plug wires last, just thought i would add my experiece to this thread.

1/2 Scottish · Post by **1/2 Scottish** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 4:13 am

Ok Injector cleaner didn't bring improvement. I may try wires next but...I keep reading about the pcm flash that you can get and that 03's seem to suffer from as it is a TSB, there are many threads on this one. Do you think the stumble matches the symptoms of this TSB? I didn't see anyone mention it on this thread so that is why i am wondering.

MoxHair wrote:Engine Controls - Hard Start/Idle Fluctuation/RPM Sag

NUMBER: 18-024-05

GROUP: Vehicle Performance

DATE: May 17, 2005

THE DRBIII(R) FLASH FILES FOR THIS BULLETIN ARE AVAILABLE ON DealerCONNECT.

FOR MARKETS OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA, THE FLASH FILES AND REPROGRAMMING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON ITIL/ISIS DVD JULY, 2005.
SUBJECT:
Flash: Driveability Improvements

OVERVIEW:

This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with new software.

MODELS:

2003 (PL) Neon

2003 (PT) PT Cruiser

2003 (RS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager

2003 (RG) Chrysler Voyager

This bulletin applies to:
^ PL vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine (sales code ECB or ECH).

^ PT vehicles equipped with a 2.0L or 2.4L engine (sales code ECC or EDZ).

^ RS vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine (sales code EDZ).

^ RG vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine (sales code EDZ).

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:

All Vehicles

The vehicle operator may experience idle fluctuation.

PL Vehicles with a 2.0L Engine (sales codes ECH) or a 2.0L engine and manual transmission (sales code ECB and DD5 or DDR)

The vehicle operator may experience one or more of the following:
^ Hard start at temperatures between 9°(48.2°F) and 65°C (149°F).

^ RPM bump while driving when the A/C is turned on.

^ RPM sag on throttle tip-in or tip-out.

DIAGNOSIS:

Using a Scan Tool (DRBIII(R)) with the appropriate diagnostic procedures on TechCONNECT, verify all engine systems are functioning as designed. If DTCs are present, record them on the repair order and repair as necessary before proceeding further with this bulletin.

If the customer describes the Symptom/Condition is present, perform the Repair Procedure.

PARTS REQUIRED:

SPECIAL TOOLS/EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:

REPAIR PROCEDURE:
NOTE :Whenever a controller is programmed, the software in the DRBIII(R); must be programmed with the latest revision level available.

NOTE :If this flash process is interrupted/aborted, the flash should be restarted and then follow the directions on the DRBIII(R).

1. Before beginning the reprogramming procedure, remove any old flash reprogramming files from the DRBIII(R) memory. To clear the memory from the MAIN MENU:

a. Simultaneously press the "MORE" and "YES" keys.

b. A screen will appear requesting a "COLD BOOT".

c. Follow the on screen instructions by selecting the "F4" key.

d. When the DRBIII(R) reboots to the MAIN MENU, proceed to Step # 2

2. With the ignition switch in the "RUN" position, determine the original part number of the PCM currently in the vehicle. Using the DRBIII(R) select:

a. "DRBIII(R) Standalone"

b. "1998 - 2005 Diagnostics"

c. "All (Except Below)"

d. "Engine"

e. "Module Display"

f. Record the "PCM part # " on the repair order for later reference.

3. Connect the DRBIII(R) to TechCONNECT. Open TechTOOLS and verify that the "DRBIII(R) Status: Connected" message is in the upper right corner of the TechTOOLS screen.

4. Enter the "PCM part # " recorded in Step # 2 in the "Parts Criteria" area and select "Show Updates". TechTOOLS will populate the appropriate calibration.

5. Select the calibration.

6. Select the "DRBIII" radio button which is next to the "Download/Update" button.

7. Select the "Download/Update" button.

8. Monitor the "Flash Download/Update Progress" window on the TechCONNECT and follow the instructions on TechCONNECT. When the flash process is complete, proceed to Step # 9.

9. Disconnect the DRBIII(R) from TechCONNECT.

10. Open the hood, install a battery charger and verify that charging rate provides approximately 13.5 volts.

11. Connect the DRBIII(R) to the vehicle.

12. Download the flash from the DRBIII(R) to the vehicle. Using the DRBIII(R) select:

a. "Vehicle Flash"

b. Follow the directions on the DRBIII(R) screen. When the flash process is complete, proceed to Step # 13.

NOTE ue to the PCM programming procedure, a DTC may be set in other modules (TCM, BCM, MIC, SKIM, etc.) within the vehicle, if so equipped. Some DTC's may cause the MIL to illuminate. Check all modules using "Module Scan", record the DTC's, and erase these DTC's prior to returning the vehicle to the customer. Erase any DTC's in the PCM only after all other modules have had their DTC's erased.

NOTE :The following step is required by law.

13. Type the necessary information on the "Authorized Modification Label" p/n 04275086AB and attach near the VECI label (Fig. 1).

POLICY:
Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

TIME ALLOWANCE:

FAILURE CODE:
Disclaimer :This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair.
Copyright © 2006 ALLDATA LLC
Terms of Use

Tell me what you all think.

Post by **occasional demons** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 7:48 am

Since it is only occuring at 3000 rpm and above and when the TB is opened. I would lean towards coil getting weak, TPS, o2 sensor, fuel pressure/volume. Maybe not in that order, but that's what I would look at, also get the codes off your odometer. See sticky. If the CEL comes on it will store that code. That should help narrow down the cause. Edit: Also add plug wires to that list.

Swordfish2Cowboy · Post by **Swordfish2Cowboy** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 1:44 pm

My R/T likes to stutter a bit if it's not at WOT. If I'm cruising along in 4th going 35MPH and at 2000 RPMS, the engine will have a minor stutter. I'll go check for codes but I doubt I'll find anything. I've been thinking it's the TPS, though.

1/2 Scottish · Post by **1/2 Scottish** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 3:30 pm

1/2 Scottish wrote:... then i will get some bucking at about 1700 rpm...

Actually it is happening below 3k rpm, I have kinda thread jacked phenom but he hasn't posted since 2005 so I think i am good for now

And to clear things up I haven't gotten any engine codes. Still think it is the TPS/o2/flow/coil ?

TommyB · Post by **TommyB** » Mon Feb 06, 2012 4:33 am

SPAM