This is my first post, so be gentle ... I have a 2004 Chrysler Sebring Coupe, (I know, I know ) which was designed and built by Mitsubishi for Chrysler. Anyway, it has the Mitsu 6G72 3.0L engine and Mitsu F4A51 Transmission. I'm experiencing a shudder whenclimbing hills, even if moderate, and when accelerating, but this only happens at highway speeds and while accelerating to highway speed. At lower speeds and from a standing start, acceleration is completely normal with no shudder whatsoever

Here's what's been done so far:
[ul][*]New plugs - NGK Iridium[*]Had the Chrysler garage check for engine and transmission codes (intermittent MAF code only)[*]Rotated tires[*]Replaced transmission fluid - Mitsu SPIII[*]Cleaned throttle body[*]Used injector cleaner - Techron[*]New air filter[/ul]
One "oddity" that I did notice while changing the plugs wasdark "stains" between the intake ports on the gasket,intake plenum, andintake manifold. I don't know if this indicates leakage between the port or not? I did clean the surfaces of all three items thoroughly before reassembly.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance!

Scott

 

tires need to be balanced maybe. Does it do it when your on the highway at a constant speed or only when accelerating?

 

Only when accelerating or climbing a hill...

 

its a shuddering torque converter clutch.
you need to have the transaxle FLUSHED COMPLETELY, using ONLY mitsu trans fluid. Nothing else should be used.

 

I've already flushed the transmission with 13 qts of Mitsubishi SPIII ATF, no change... However, I was looking things over this evening and discovered that the lower motor mount, which transfers the torque from the engine to the frame, has a huge rip in it. Could this be the cause of the problem?

Thanks!

 

BTW, I also had the wheels balanced today, no change...

Does the Transaxle have to be power flushed or is a simple fluid replacement (following recommended procedures of course) adequate?

 

power flushed.

it really sounds like a torque converter shudder. Does this condition happen immeadiately after a cold start, or does it take awhile? I ask because the torque converter clutch doesnt engage until the trans reaches about 140 degrees, so the shuddering issue may not be present until 5-10 minutes into your drive cycle.

how many miles are on your car?
Also, if it is infact torque converter shudder, a total fluid change usually takes care of it. But in a few percent of the situations a new converter MAY be needed (although I have yet to see that actually happen).
heres a small sample of the TSB about it.

 

^^ I would say that, that about covers it, lol.

 

Manybrews, thanks for the information!!! The problem occurs onlywhen the transaxle warms up. The car has ~128,000 (nearly all highway, 70mph+) miles on it. I did a completefluid change earlier this week (with Mitsubishi SPIII) with no change to the problem.

As I stated earlier, this is essentially a Mitsubishi with a Chrysler logo on it. I had the fluid replaced by the dealership at 50,000 and 100,000 miles. I'm starting to think that they may have installed Chrysler ATF +4 instead the required SPIII. Bottom line, I'm going to take it to a Mitsubishi dealership next week to have the Transaxle completely flushed and fresh SPIII installed (darn, I hate to dump $85 worth ATF I just installed). How much does this typically cost?

Thanks again.

 

probably around 200 bucks.

I realize its a chrysler badged mitsu; Ive worked for mitsu for 15 years.

the milage on it almost assures it to be torque converter shudder.