Try running some fuel injector cleaner in a tank or two of gas. There have been some members that had some funky running issues and this helped. I'd also think about changing the PCV valve as this is another item some members have replaced to fix an odd idle issue. When was the last time you changed the spark plugs? These are an every 30,000 mile maintenance item as our Patriots use standard copper core spark plugs (not platinum or other extended life plugs).

You wouldn't (or rather jiffy lube wouldn't) be able to "get an air bubble" in the tranny. Any air would bleed out within seconds of starting the engine.

You are close to the 120,000 mile CVT Fluid and filter change, so you may want to have them change that out for you provided they have Mopar CVTF+4 fluid (or equivalent) and can read the trans fluid temp sensor for adjusting the proper level once refilled.

If you want to test if the check engine light is working correctly or not, just unplug a sensor then start the engine. You should get a code almost right away and if you do, then whatever the lag issue is, is likely not ECU/fuel injection related. Then turn the engine off and plug the sensor back in. The engine light will go out by itself after 5 - 10 driving cycles with no faults, or have the code cleared at a shop.

 

the plugs are probably due. I've tried fuel injector cleaner with no results. I'll grab new plugs tomorrow, I know last time we did them we put in extra-long life plugs but I have put a hard 50,000KM on the truck since then so it wouldn't surprise me if they might be part of the problem. Is there a how-to on the PCV valve somewhere? I took out the outdoor temp sensor -light is on. does that mean if the plugs and valve dont then it might be tranny??
You cant change or add the transmission fld on your own with the cvt or was I fed crap about that too??

 

CVT is a sealed, factory or dealer only service unit.

Or if you are especially adept. Capable.

I have read here and there of posters who claim to have opened their CVT, changed the fluid and filter themselves and carried on with no problems. Trouble is you never seem to hear from those types of poster again, no follow up, no pictures, no real info just a "look at what I did" post.

It needs service so infrequently that if you are keeping the vehicle long term you may as well get a dealer to service it for the peace of mind and having them back up the work. In my opinion.

 

Thanks for the clarification on the CVT. I know it was opened once, and luckily at that time my husband was still in the military and they had the tools to fix it since they also had the Mercedes G-Wagon which runs off of the same transmission. I got mixed up with people talking about checking the fluid in a standard. It's been a long day full of mechanics and bad news so my brain is a little overwhelmed.

 

Hmmmm, your problem sounds a lot like what my Pat does. Only it is a manual transmission.
My Patriot has been at the dealer for more then a week but they couldn't find anything.
Here is the thread.
Hope your problem wiil be resolved

 

I'm going in like the next five minutes to buy the PCV valve, there is amazing video on Youtube of a guy changing on a compass but its the 2.4L motor. I'll let you guys know from there if it fixes it, apparently the valve is also a very inexpensive part - I'll let you know if it fixes it. Have you tried changing yours? I'm also going to get the transmission serviced since my girl is about to roll 200,000KM soon time. It wouldn't surprise me if its that since where we were living it was 30KM one way to wal-mart and work let alone anywhere else, we moved back to a city now we walk everywhere and the truck doesn't drive anywhere near as much.

 

- the video.
and I feel you Joriss, no one has any clue what is going on with my car, they kept telling me to bring it back in, but every time I have to get it serviced they always end up keeping it overnight because the motor has to come out. All my bearing/bushings went at the same time, the truck was three days total in the shop. Two in one shop to change what I would call the 'regular' ones, and one day at a alternator shop for the alternator bearing because they had to take the motor out. It was frustrating since we lived in the middle of nowhere and at that time I was very, very pregnant and so worried I'd go into labour and we'd have to call a cab LOL.

 

Okay. Bad News.

So shortly after this without changing the PCV valve, the truck ran beautifully. We changed it yesterday then drove about 100km with no issues. I went go out again to drop my mother-in-law off, now the issue has come back with some serious, serious vengeance. This is the most accurate list I can make to describe the problem.
1) It happens the strongest when accelerating quickly, such as passing or merging on the highway.
2) If I roll up to a red-light/stop sign without complete loss of motion its not as jerky but its still there
3) The jerking seems to be the worst between 3-4-5th.
4) The Electric Throttle Body Light flashes with some really bad jerking, and sometimes the Check Engine Light but neither stay on.
5) It has gone from a single jerk, to a triple jerk motion, with the lights on the dash flashing.

My hubby and I are now at a total loss outside of getting the throttle body serviced, it has been cleaned.

 

Well everyone thanks for your help but we have figured it out.
It wasn't PCV, unclean throttle body. It was my worst fear. It is transmission. I have nothing when I go into sixth gear. It does NOTHING just sits at 2000RPM. I even tried going from 5000rpm in fifth and into sixth, but it just governed down. push the pedal to the floor, nothing. the gear is going in but thats it. so my truck is going in to get serviced. depending on the cost, we're probaby going to be getting rid of my truck.
thanks for your help everyone.


UPDATE: I remain wrong. LOL! My Throttle Body (of all freaking things!) is the issue. The program needs to 'flashed' and I might need the wiring replaced. Apparently my transmission is in fantastic shape and looks 'fantastic' for 183K.

 

Glad to hear its the TB and tranny is good.
Another con to drive by wire

 

Glad to hear! And thanks for keeping us posted


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