2000 Caravan JERK!!

[simjack]

My 2000 Caravan seems to jerk, it does this at different speeds and setting still. Sometimes just a few bumps, sometimes it just bumps or jerks over and over until I park it. Sometimes it doesn't do it at all. The engine light doesen't go off, so AutoZone say they can't code it.
Thanks
William

[Phoenix1]

Do we have the same problem ?

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=543155

[RIP]

I own a 96 GC so I can't be your..... "2000 Caravan JERK".............................. Sorry, I had to.

"Jerking when setting still" gets my attention. Something exceptionally easy to try is wait till dark, open the hood, start it, and watch for your plug wires arcing somewhere. Your spark plug wire insulation may have degraded over time and is allowing the spark pulse to intermittently short through the insulation to a piece of metal it might be in contact with. Look for scorch marks on the wires. You would think it would generate a code but,....who knows? If thats not it, looks like you and Phoenix1 should keep in touch.

Have you been using nothing but the transmission fluid called for in your drivers manual? (ATF3 or 4) Anything else could give you transmission driveability issues. If it's a transmission problem I'm thinking something with the torque converter. If you can eliminate an engine problem step one would be to get the tranny flushed and serviced even if you're using the correct fluid.

[rfitz3]

Try a new set of spark plugs.

My 97 did the same new plugs was all it needed, i thought transmission too. Thank goodness it wasn't.

[simjack]

Doesn't seem to be plug wires, will replace plugs. It feels like it might be changing gears, say from 2 to 3, back and forth. But it will do it at any speed and setting, waiting for light to change. One day it might be very bad, next day very little. Wife said when I left it running, in park, and went in store it still bumped, but that might have been the a/c. I have only had to add about 1 or 2 quarts of fluid since I bought it new, it now has 60,000 miles on it. I made sure I got the right kind, and got it from a dealer. Dealer says they will have to connect some kind of tester and driver it around to see if they can figure it out. Said they don't fix transmissions, just replace with a new one. Said a new one would cost $1,800.00 at least plus labor. Would like to figure out trouble and fix it without spending the blue book value of it. Will check out any suggestions and ideas I recieve from all. Comments and any help appreciated.
Thank You;
William

[MikeSam]

My one (2000 T$C 3.3L) did exactly the same thing as yours. I thought it was transmission, but it turned out that one of the spark plug wire end conductors (the one with spark plug side) was corroded. Obviously the shop who changed the spark plugs was not careful two years ago.
Once I changed the plug wires and spark plugs (to be safe), all the problems are completely gone.
Hope it is helpful.

[neon_rt]

My 2000 GC 3.3l had a problem that sounds like yours at 85,000 miles.
Turns out that the "100,000 miles" oem plugs like to quit working one at a time starting at about 80,000 miles. I had the plugs changed, injectors cleaned, de-carbon the cylinders and throttle body cleaned. Ran as good at new after the tune-up.
My 2000 GC 3.8l didn't start missing until about 120,000 miles. Had a tuneup, runs like new.

[Phoenix1]

Played around a little and maybe you should try to quick learn the transmission. Not sure if this is the root of every problem but last time when the car acted up I went home quick learned the transmission and it was gone (at least the jerking).

[simjack]

Thank you all very much. I checked the plugs and plug wires several times, daytime and at night. I did not find anything wrong. The bumping got worse and worse. I decided to change plugs and wires anyway. I found they are priced from $30.00 for all, to over $100.00. I put the $30.00 wires and plugs in and the bumping seems to be gone. I have driven over 200 miles and it seems ok. I will probably clean the injectors and throttle body and anything else that might prevent future problems. Again I thank everyone for your time and imformation in dealing with my problem.
Thanks
William

[RIP]

A big thanks to you for coming back and letting us in on the fix. Glad to hear all is well now. Cheers!