Engine is Jittering When Throttle is Applied

[PunchedSalad]

For months now my engine has been having a strange issue. Anytime any amount of throttle is applied (even by cruise control) the RPMs will jump up and down a few hundred RPMs almost once every second. This happens at any speed, regardless of gear or if we are manually applying throttle or if cruise control is on. This issue occurs as soon as the car starts accelerating and doesn't go away even on long drives. The engine is at 112,000 miles.

Personally I believe it's an issue related to the engine but the dealership we brought it to is claiming the torque converter detonated and metal shards have spread throughout the transmission and we need to replace the entire transmission. We're going to be bringing the car to a different mechanic for a second opinion once we get it back. Has anyone else had similar issues? Am I crazy in thinking they are trying to screw me over?

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[BLUEOVALRACER]

For months now my engine has been having a strange issue. Anytime any amount of throttle is applied (even by cruise control) the RPMs will jump up and down a few hundred RPMs almost once every second. This happens at any speed, regardless of gear or if we are manually applying throttle or if cruise control is on. This issue occurs as soon as the car starts accelerating and doesn't go away even on long drives. The engine is at 112,000 miles.

Personally I believe it's an issue related to the engine but the dealership we brought it to is claiming the torque converter detonated and metal shards have spread throughout the transmission and we need to replace the entire transmission. We're going to be bringing the car to a different mechanic for a second opinion once we get it back. Has anyone else had similar issues? Am I crazy in thinking they are trying to screw me over?

Have the Spark Plugs ever been changed?

 

[o0260o]

I would believe it. People are starting to have gearbox issues after 80k.

 

[PunchedSalad]

Have the Spark Plugs ever been changed?

Not yet, I had plans to swap those out this weekend since I didn't want to pay $600 for them to do it

 

[thomasm23]

For months now my engine has been having a strange issue. Anytime any amount of throttle is applied (even by cruise control) the RPMs will jump up and down a few hundred RPMs almost once every second. This happens at any speed, regardless of gear or if we are manually applying throttle or if cruise control is on. This issue occurs as soon as the car starts accelerating and doesn't go away even on long drives. The engine is at 112,000 miles.

Personally I believe it's an issue related to the engine but the dealership we brought it to is claiming the torque converter detonated and metal shards have spread throughout the transmission and we need to replace the entire transmission. We're going to be bringing the car to a different mechanic for a second opinion once we get it back. Has anyone else had similar issues? Am I crazy in thinking they are trying to screw me over?

Read through this thread. It sure sounds like your issue.

https://www.broncosportforum.com/forum/threads/torque-converter-shudder-adventure.11649/

 

[BLUEOVALRACER]

Not yet, I had plans to swap those out this weekend since I didn't want to pay $600 for them to do it

Let us know if the spark plugs solve the problem!! 112,000 miles is way overdue for a Plug change IMO especially on a Turbo Charged engine.

 

[Broncocat]

I would believe it. People are starting to have gearbox issues after 80k.

Because the fluid change intervals are garbage. Change it early and the transmission will last a long time.

 

[thomasm23]

Not yet, I had plans to swap those out this weekend since I didn't want to pay $600 for them to do it

The spark plugs are not your issue. The torque converter is your issue. Try the Lubegard fix. It may save you thousands of dollars. It worked for me.

Please keep us updated.

 

[BLUEOVALRACER]

The spark plugs are not your issue. The torque converter is your issue. Try the Lubegard fix. It may save you thousands of dollars. It worked for me.

Please keep us updated.

How do You know the spark plugs aren't the issue if He's never had them Changed in 112,000 miles?

 

[thomasm23]

How do You know the spark plugs aren't the issue if He's never had them Changed in 112,000 miles?

A spark plug issue would not create the rhythmic pulsation showing on the tachometer.

This is a torque converter shudder. Usually caused by degradation of the transmission fluid. However, a mechanical issue with the torque converter can also create this problem.

 

[BLUEOVALRACER]

A spark plug issue would not create the rhythmic pulsation showing on the tachometer.

This is a torque converter shudder. Usually caused by degradation of the transmission fluid. However, a mechanical issue with the torque converter can also create this problem.

So a miss fire[spark lugs] wouldn't show on the Tachometer that's news to Me?So You think the Spark Plugs are still good after 112,000 miles? And I don't care what anyone says It could use plugs with 112,000 miles on it. IMO I wouldn't rule the spark plugs out until they were replaced.

 

[thomasm23]

So a miss fire[spark lugs] wouldn't show on the Tachometer that's news to Me?So You think the Spark Plugs are still good after 112,000 miles? And I don't care what anyone says It could use plugs with 112,000 miles on it. IMO I wouldn't rule the spark plugs out until they were replaced.

How would a spark plug issue cause a tachometer pulsation once a second like a clock?

 

[BLUEOVALRACER]

How would a spark plug issue cause a tachometer pulsation once a second like a clock?

How would the torque converter do the same thing? Please let Him change the plugs and post back with his update!! IMO if it's the Torque Converter and it's been doing it for months the Torque Converter would have gave up by now!!

 

[o0260o]

It's the same as letting a clutch slip on the upshifts. Feels to me like the torque converter is not engaging properly

 

[Zack46]

Could it be the spark plugs?

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