Hi all, our 2014 latitude 4x4 has the “bucking” problem and all of research indicates spark plugs. I changed them out at 30k miles as per the service interval, and we are now at 84k. The only thing is it seems to be totally fine at full throttle, or if I use the “auto stick” to manually select gears. It only happens when I’m at 1/4 to 1/2 throttle and the transmission is trying to decide whether it wants to switch gears. Are there any other common problems like TCM failures?
6-speed patriot bucking partial throttle
mcusuma1
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Hi all, our 2014 latitude 4x4 has the “bucking” problem and all of research indicates spark plugs. I changed them out at 30k miles as per the service interval, and we are now at 84k. The only thing is it seems to be totally fine at full throttle, or if I use the “auto stick” to manually select gears. It only happens when I’m at 1/4 to 1/2 throttle and the transmission is trying to decide whether it wants to switch gears. Are there any other common problems like TCM failures?
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When I first changed my spark plugs, it was kinda like this. Plugs weren't gapped properly. Check that yours are still in good shape and gapped properly. If they need replaced, you might be able to extend the interval with some Champion double-platinum spark plugs. Some Patriots like my 2010 with the CVT like them ok if they're properly gapped, others won't run on anything but the original NGK coppers.
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Could be the improperly gapped plugs work better at higher RPM, or have a less noticeable problem there. Timing and spark and whatnot all play into how smoothly an engine runs, though I'm not nearly mechanically inclined enough to know exactly how.
This may seem odd, but have you checked the motor mounts? Our engines aren't the smoothest things out there and maybe the mounts are allowing a lot of movement. And at full throttle it feels better due to the mount being moved to an extreme against the mount body.
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Hmm Mine was bucking commonly and then yes new plugs helped. Have you changed your fluids? Wouldn’t hurt it to clean the sensors too or throw a new oxygen sensor in for kicks and giggles.
Doing transmission fluid changes on this car is essential for smooth running.
Yeah I’ve actually done all fluids on schedule including rdu and ptu…also transmission fluid was changed over a year ago by a body shop after a deer hit took out a transmission line (it was fine for a long time after so probably not that). Did brake fluid change too to go above and beyond…oil changes always on time, spark plugs on time at 30k and 60k…air filters done, it’s a very well maintained car.
Also I did more driving with the auto stick (manually selecting gears) and it never bucks doing that. It likes to do it in full automatic mode and it’s “considering” changing gears (best way to describe it). I ordered a USB link cable and plan to buy either Appcar FCADiag or AlfaOBD to check for module codes, does anyone recommend one or the other?
Thanks for the input, I’ll keep everyone updated.
Also I did more driving with the auto stick (manually selecting gears) and it never bucks doing that. It likes to do it in full automatic mode and it’s “considering” changing gears (best way to describe it). I ordered a USB link cable and plan to buy either Appcar FCADiag or AlfaOBD to check for module codes, does anyone recommend one or the other?
Thanks for the input, I’ll keep everyone updated.
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They are similar in function, but Appcar is only for MS Windows pc's.
AlfaOBD has versions for both PC and Android devices; and is licensed to a device rather than locked to a VIN so it can be used on more than one vehicle.
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I think these patriots have adaptive learning to the transmissions based on the driving environment and conditions.
Have you tried pulling the battery to do a reset? I guess it helps with shifting for a while..
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Mine did this too. Turns out it was the throttle position sensor. So I bought a new throttle body but still hadn't worked, then found out all I needed to do was clear the codes with code reader then to be sure I hooked my battery terminals together overnight so the jeep would realize it was fixed. It was almost as tho the system needed to be sure that it wasn't still messed up. Almost like a kid faking sick until they realize you know they are faking. Haha good luck
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If you're running factory style plugs you want to change them every 30k.
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