I've had this issue for a while now (SOHC, v6). When I have to accelerate faster than normal, such as having to "jump out" in heavy traffic, My car will shudder while accelerating and very slowly get up to speed (actually easier to do the slow acceleration than to let it shudder. that's how slowly it goes when I do it.) When I'm in an area where I can slowly accelerate there's no issue. I can't push anymore than 1/4 of the way on the gas without it shuddering. The harder I push the gas, the worse the shuddering gets. I've had it suggested that I change the fuel filter... I did and that didn't solve the issue. Any ideas as to what it might be?

Also, for some reason it only has first, second, and third gear. And reverse of course. I have to keep overdrive turned off, because if I have it on, it goes through first gear but if it tries to shift to second, it revs like it's in neutral.
If I could, I'd upload a sound clip so that anyone who'd like to help can hear it, but I don't think that's possible here.

and something I've been wondering for a while... what the heck is the A/T button for? I know it consumes more fuel when it's on, but other than that... I have no clue.

I can do small things when it comes to vehicles, but not mechanically inclined when it comes to major things, so you won't have to dumb it down when suggesting. (haha)

 

sounds like 2 problems- gearbox electrics+ torq sensor, and clutch slip.
Do the revs rise without any increase in speed?

 

-edit-
i see they do.
Clutch plate(s) slipping/chattering. Replace.
Also do a oil flush on the trans.

-edit again-
check hydraulic fluid in clutch actuator, replace and bleed if needed, or adjust if cable clutch. if no fix, then look at replace clutch fibre plate, pressure plate and thrust bearing.

 

Yeah, that's the deal with the overdrive. It'd be like driving and shifting into neutral, and obviously the car would slow down. So that's why I have to keep the overdrive off.

With the shuddering when accelerating, I had meant to mention that fuel system or injector cleaner helps just a little, but doesn't improve it a lot.

I appreciate you taking the time to repond to my issue. I have been in love with this car since the day I got it so I'm a bit upset with the issues it's having.

 

injector cleaner wont do sfa for your clutch
unfortunately being fwd, changing them is pita unless you have an engine hoist at hand. And will likely cost thousands at a dealer.

The 6Gs are awesome engines. Entirely wasted in fwd autos. But i understand the love.

 

Yeah, I had it checked out by our local mechanic early this morning. If I'm remembering correctly I think It was something along the lines of "overdrive clutch" being no good.

As far as the second problem, I had a bad camshaft or it was crank position sensor. I'm still a bit scatterbrained from being in the heat and driving in Nashville traffic...

I know both of these are probably expensive parts so I'm kind of glad the guy doesn't charge much for repairs or we'd be totally screwed.