2002 GC Hesitation/choking on acceleration

Bee · #1 03-22-2009, 12:45 PM

Hello,

I have a 2002 GC, 3.3L. Have owned it for about 1 1/2 years now and never had any problems until recently. Van started hesitating/choking on acceleration when the engine is still cold. RPMs drop for a split second and then go to normal and I take off. Van doesn't stall and runs fine when engine is warmed. It has never done this before.

Took van to the dealer, only issue they could find is the tranny solenoid pack was leaking. Was covered under extended warranty. No error codes.

Anybody have this problem or know what could be causing this hesitation

Please help! I'm afraid to drive my van!

TIA!
Bee

This ad is not displayed to registered and logged-in members.
Register your free account today and become a member on Dodge Forums!

Bee · #2 03-25-2009, 04:30 PM

Just me again with an update. No more problems with the hesitation, but....

Brought van to mechanic to have the fuel filter changed (just to be on the safe side). Got about 5 miles to the store and when I came out, there was a nice puddle of fuel under the van. Apparently the clip broke and the shop had it towed and replaced (free of charge!) due to defective clip.

Then today had some coolant coming out of overflow. Some moron overfilled the coolant, trying to be nice, I'm sure, but freaked me out when I pulled into driveway and then hearing a huge splash. Had to syphon some out.

Oh and the dealer where I bought it has been using 5W20 oil for the FREE oil changes and my engine is knocking, so looks like hubby will be doing my oil changes from now on.

I hope this is it for a while. Time for a drink or 2 to calm my poor nerves!

Bee

Kevioll · #3 04-03-2009, 08:59 AM

So what cured the hesitation? the fuel filter or did it just go away on its own?

Bee · #4 04-04-2009, 01:27 PM

Wish I knew!

Dealer had no problems with any hesitation and neither did the shop where I had the fuel filter replaced. It hasn't done it since.

Maybe it's just me.

But I'm not taking it to the dealer where I bought it for the so-called FREE oil changes anymore. The moron technician was 1/2 quart low on oil, not to mention the oil was too thin for 78,000 miles and he overfilled my coolant.

Bee

Bee · #5 04-05-2009, 10:50 PM

Me again! Still doing the hesitation thing. I took a little road trip and everything was fine. Woke up this a.m. and went to the store and it was hesitating again. I'm trying to narrow this down, but so far it's I've noticed it more when my gas tank is below the 1/2 mark. Don't know if that's it, but hubby cleaned the battery terminals and we brought it to Autozone and they tested battery and alternator and everything checks out good there.

Going to change PCV and see what happens, but just for good measure, I added some fuel injection cleaner. The lady at Autozone suggested changing the Idle Air Control Valve.

I did notice that when I put the van into Park, the idle went up and down a few times, which is also something I haven't experienced with this van.

I appreciate any input!

Bee

rabbler · #6 04-06-2009, 12:01 AM

I would have the fuel pressure tested.
As for the free oil changes ask if you can have 5w30 oil.
If they are truly using 5w20 oil for all their oil changes they could be opening themselves to a whole host of potential legal problems.

master tech · #7 04-06-2009, 12:12 AM

How fast or at what speed are you getting the hesitation? There are two TSB for sag or hesitation, 1st TSB 18-023-04 and TSB 18-008-02. Both are for flashes. If you are having a fuel problem, you may need to remove the fuel pump module and inspect the pick up screen.

Bee · #8 04-06-2009, 11:59 AM

Thanks for the responses!

Hesitation is right on initial acceleration. And mostly happens when the engine is not fully warmed up yet.

Although yesterday went driving around a little. Stopped at store and left engine running, came back and it was a little hesitant.

Fuel problem has crossed my mind, but not where to go, what to do, or how to find out what the problem is.

The check engine light does not come on so no error codes is making it a bit difficult to diagnose.

Thanks for your help, any other words of wisdom are appreciated!

Bee

master tech · #9 04-06-2009, 10:35 PM

Have someone look for the knock sensor between the oil pressure switch and starter. unplug the knock sensor, it will not set a code. There was a problem with the early mini-van with a misfire at times.

Bee · #10 04-06-2009, 10:47 PM

Thank you! Will get that checked out!

Bee