Initial shudder when coasting.

PRODDERS

MEMBER
2004 MITSUBISHI MAGNA
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
75,000 MILES

Hi guys,
I have a 2004 Mitsubishi Magna with a 5spd auto transmission. It's done approx 75,000km (47,000 miles) and up until now it's been fine. About 3 weeks ago I started noticing the gear changes becoming harsh****** and since then it has started shuddering when I take my foot off the accelerator. I notice it most in 3rd gear around 60kph (35mph), but it does it in all gears. It only does it initially when my foot comes off the pedal and then it smooths out again as the revs drop further. Today I did some maintenance which included: Oil change, oil filter, fuel filter, air filter, and fuel system treatment additive which is meant to clean injectors and such, and I sprayed throttle body cleaner in the throttle body and in the idle speed controller section. I then took it for a 20min drive and it's still doing it. I didn't expect it to be fixed, but if you can help me out and give me a suggestion or two that would be much appreciated.
Thanks heaps in advance.
Simon :)
Brisbane, Australia

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Friday, April 8th, 2011 AT 8:26 AM

13 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

If you use a rubber mallett you'll find hrat shield problems easier. Worn engine bearings can be noisy until oil pressure builds.

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Friday, April 8th, 2011 AT 9:09 AM

PRODDERS

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6 POSTS

Your answer has nothing to do with my question. Please re-read my question.

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Friday, April 8th, 2011 AT 9:14 AM

MERLIN2021

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Sorry that answer was suppsed to go to a different question, obviously! Your problem may be due to either a sticking servo piston, or dirt in one of the valves in the valve body, have the transmission fluid changed with th pump station machine as this uses fluid under pressure and cleans the transmission. Also have a look sy engine and transmission mounts. If its more like a bucking feel, check the MAF(mass air flow) srnsor.

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Friday, April 8th, 2011 AT 10:44 AM

PRODDERS

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Thanks for your reply. I've checked the engine mounts and they are all look in good condition. Not sure how to check the MAF properly, but I tapped the top of it while the eingine was running and the engine didn't miss a beat (I saw this basic test in a video online). I'm now guessing it's a transmission problem so I will head down to an auto specialist tomorrow for them to have a look. Will let you know what the outcome is.
Thanks again :)

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Sunday, April 10th, 2011 AT 5:45 AM

MERLIN2021

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Monday, April 11th, 2011 AT 10:25 AM

CLAIREPORTER

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Hi Simon from Brisbane,

Did you find the answer to your problem? My 2004 Magna has started shuddering around 1500 revs and before I take it to a mechanic I would like to know if I can fix it.

Cheers,

Claire

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Monday, August 27th, 2012 AT 5:20 AM

PRODDERS

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6 POSTS

Hi Claire,

Unfortunately I haven't been able to locate the problem. I've done 2 transmission services (pressure flushes & oil changes), changed the idle speed controller (idle speed valve), and changed the throttle position sensor, all with no success. It's a very weird symptom and at this stage I just can't afford to keep spending money on it, especially with no results. I'm now thinking it could be something to do with the fuel pump, but can't really afford to get it looked at.

Can you describe your shudder in any greater detail? Does it shudder when you are accelerating or when you take your foot off the accelerator and coast, like my car does?

Cheers
Simon

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Monday, August 27th, 2012 AT 7:53 AM

CLAIREPORTER

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Hi Simon,

My foot is on the accelerator resting to keep it running at the current speed limit (between 60-80). I will lift my foot off lightly when the shuddering starts, then bring it back down which stops it. The shuddering only starts shortly after I have been stationary then accelerated to 60-80k's. On the highway at 110k's it is fine, humming even.
I have it booked into the garage tomorrow morn, fingers crossed he can help me out. Will let you know.

Claire

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Tuesday, August 28th, 2012 AT 5:48 AM

PRODDERS

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Hey Claire,

I'm no mechanic, but two things I think it could be are either a dirty or faulty idle speed valve, or a faulty throttle position sensor. But again, I'm no mechanic or expert, I have just read that those faults can cause problems like that. I hope the garage can find and fix the problem with minimal expense :)
Let me know how you go.
Cheers
Simon

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Tuesday, August 28th, 2012 AT 11:40 PM

CLAIREPORTER

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Cheers Simon. Took it for a drive this morning with the mechanic who thinks it's the drive shaft. Booked it in for next week so will update if it fixed it or not.
Minimal expense and the Magda do not really bind well. My fingers are crossed too.
Cheerio,

Claire

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Tuesday, August 28th, 2012 AT 11:45 PM

PRODDERS

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Did he give you any more info? Magna's are front wheel drive and to my knowledge don't have a drive shaft(unless you have the all wheel drive version). Did he mention the problem being the torque converter or any other transmission part?
Cheers
Simon

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Tuesday, August 28th, 2012 AT 11:56 PM

CLAIREPORTER

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Hi Prodders,

Sorry the late reply. I have been on an intense course for work the last 10 days which left no spare time. My magna must be the all wheel drive version as there is a drive shaft on each front wheel. The mechanic replaced both of them on Friday for which the shuddering has stopped, so far. Both drive shafts were bone dry, which happens after a certain amount of k's and time. I asked if I could lube them to avoid this in the future for which he said no, as I would need to take the drive shaft off and get in the shafts cylinder. It is a little tricky since it is hooked up to the gear box. So in future if I buy an older car, or own a newish car for more than a year will request the garage to lube them when it is serviced.
The cost was $160 for each drive shaft and $190 for labor which bites, but since I am looking to sell it was either worth it, or will at least equal out. So I keep telling myself.
Hope this helps with your car though probably not if yours does not have front drive shafts.

Cheers,

Claire

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Saturday, September 15th, 2012 AT 1:59 AM

MERLIN2021

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C joints and axles are sealed at the ends with convoluted rubber boots, they are not usually opened up and refilled with grease. If the rubber boot splits ande the grease is thrown out by centrifical force, you should have heard clicking when cornering long b4 you get vibrations.

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