2001 Chrysler Town and Country Engine stutters on takeoff

JEFFADADDY

MEMBER
2001 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
80,000 MILES

I have a 2001 Town & Country with 3.8L. When warm, the engine stutters and sometimes dies on take-off. It will also stutter sometimes with the same rapid jerking when pressed hard at other speeds. It never dies at idle, and will not stutter in reverse gear, even when acting-up badly in forward gear (even when I try to make it happen). The engine light and code readings report that the computer can't see the camshaft or crankshaft sensor. The dealer was able to make it happen in the shop and replaced the camshaft sensor after testing it when the problem was occurring. It didn't help. I don't know if it is related, but the transmission was rebuilt three weeks ago (very expensive). This started last week. Any reply is most appreciated.

Saturday, July 25th, 2009 AT 1:56 AM

3 Replies

BMRFIXIT

MECHANIC
19,053 POSTS

This bulletin applies to RS vehicles equipped with a 3.3L or 3.8L engine (sales code EGA, EGH or EGM) and a EGR valve. EGR valves were installed on all 2001 models and some 2002 models.

SYMPTOM/CONDITION
The vehicle operator may experience a surge. This conditions is more noticeable at 40-50 mph with the transmission in full lock-up on a slight incline under heavy load.
DIAGNOSIS
Using a Scan Tool (DRBIII(R)) with the appropriate Diagnostic Procedures, verify all engine systems are functioning as designed. If DTC's 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

CAUTION:These service only PCM's and TCM flash should only be installed to fix this exact condition.

Replace the PCM

This PCM and TCM flash should not be installed for any other purpose.

Also another thing you may check is

Hook van to scanner and check if its down shifting when forced under load
as tranny may getting stuck in higher gear bogging down engine up hill or forced down shift

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Saturday, July 25th, 2009 AT 5:59 AM

JEFFADADDY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hi BMRFIXIT,

The van stutters and dies at take-off, from a standing start, with light pressure on accelerator. When it's particularly bad, it happens at around 1000 RPM.

But in reverse it disappears under the same conditions, even when the stutter is particularly bad in forward gear.

It doesn't involve transmission lockup.

What else could it be?

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Saturday, July 25th, 2009 AT 12:01 PM

BMRFIXIT

MECHANIC
19,053 POSTS

Only in forward gears !
Which still make me think of tranny issues,
if its an engine should do it in forward and or reverse
consider checking TCM for codes

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Saturday, July 25th, 2009 AT 3:22 PM