While driving to my 3rd medical appointment for the day, in 90 degree heat (200% humidity,) with a VERY cranky, SICK baby, my van suddenly wouldn't accelerate. I pushed the gas pedal to no avail. I was going up a hill, so I had to quickly put my hazard lights on and pray the guy flying up behind me would move to the next lane before plowing into the back of me. Fortunately, I was able to coast into a parking lot, (even amidst the honking horns and one-finger salutes from the angry drivers who apparently thought I was purposely going slower to enjoy the dilapidated homes in the area!) When I pushed the gas pedal, the RPM's would go up, but the van wouldn't move. This continued intermittently as I tried to make my way to a safer area and closer to home. I finally made it to a mechanic, only to be told that the (ASE certified) technician was "Unable to duplicate the problem," therefore, there was nothing they could do. (The "Check Engine" light wasn't on!)
SUPER! Soooo, I continued on my journey home, only to encounter the problem AGAIN. SEVERAL times.
The "Check Engine" light finally did come on.... AFTER I got home and was parking in front of my house! I brought the van to a local auto parts store who will check trouble codes - It came back with a few possibilities - ALL of which are costly!
Unfortunately, the guy, after getting the code, ERASED it and cleared the memory! (Of course, it didn't come back on for the drive home, and I cannot safely drive the vehicle in order to see if it will come on again!)
Update from Jun 3, 2014: On 5/31/14, my van was towed to a local Chrysler dealership's service department. They ran diagnostics on it and I was told I should replace the transmission solenoid pack, (to the tune of $1228 plus tax!) The service manager then tells me that may or may not fix the issue.
I also found out that the power train warranty does NOT transfer to a new owner! (Way to back up your vehicles, Chrysler!)
From my research, this issue with the transmission seems to be a common one, yet there is not a recall?? Something needs to be done! Having your vehicle suddenly rev, fail to accelerate, or simply shut off is dangerous! This is a SERIOUS safety issue. Chrysler needs to address this before someone is injured....or WORSE!
Update from Jun 3, 2014: On 5/31/14, my van was towed to a local Chrysler dealership's service department. They ran diagnostics on it and told me the transmission solenoid pack would need to be replaced ($1228 plus tax,) and that MAY or may NOT fix the problem.
In my research, I learned that not only is this issue with the transmission a common one, but Chrysler's power train warranty does NOT transfer to a new owner! (Way to stand behind your vehicles, Chrysler!)
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
While driving to my 3rd medical appointment for the day, in 90 degree heat (200% humidity,) with a VERY cranky, SICK baby, my van suddenly wouldn't accelerate. I pushed the gas pedal to no avail. I was going up a hill, so I had to quickly put my hazard lights on and pray the guy flying up behind me would move to the next lane before plowing into the back of me. Fortunately, I was able to coast into a parking lot, (even amidst the honking horns and one-finger salutes from the angry drivers who apparently thought I was purposely going slower to enjoy the dilapidated homes in the area!) When I pushed the gas pedal, the RPM's would go up, but the van wouldn't move. This continued intermittently as I tried to make my way to a safer area and closer to home. I finally made it to a mechanic, only to be told that the (ASE certified) technician was "Unable to duplicate the problem," therefore, there was nothing they could do. (The "Check Engine" light wasn't on!)
SUPER! Soooo, I continued on my journey home, only to encounter the problem AGAIN. SEVERAL times.
The "Check Engine" light finally did come on.... AFTER I got home and was parking in front of my house! I brought the van to a local auto parts store who will check trouble codes - It came back with a few possibilities - ALL of which are costly! Unfortunately, the guy, after getting the code, ERASED it and cleared the memory! (Of course, it didn't come back on for the drive home, and I cannot safely drive the vehicle in order to see if it will come on again!)
Update from Jun 3, 2014: On 5/31/14, my van was towed to a local Chrysler dealership's service department. They ran diagnostics on it and I was told I should replace the transmission solenoid pack, (to the tune of $1228 plus tax!) The service manager then tells me that may or may not fix the issue.
I also found out that the power train warranty does NOT transfer to a new owner! (Way to back up your vehicles, Chrysler!)
From my research, this issue with the transmission seems to be a common one, yet there is not a recall?? Something needs to be done! Having your vehicle suddenly rev, fail to accelerate, or simply shut off is dangerous! This is a SERIOUS safety issue. Chrysler needs to address this before someone is injured....or WORSE!
Update from Jun 3, 2014: On 5/31/14, my van was towed to a local Chrysler dealership's service department. They ran diagnostics on it and told me the transmission solenoid pack would need to be replaced ($1228 plus tax,) and that MAY or may NOT fix the problem.
In my research, I learned that not only is this issue with the transmission a common one, but Chrysler's power train warranty does NOT transfer to a new owner! (Way to stand behind your vehicles, Chrysler!)
- poscar, San Antonio, TX, US