2000 Chrysler Concorde LXi - Tests Practical?

I've taken pretty good care of this car and it's served me well. Even
with 123,000 miles, it looks amazingly good. I put a new suspension
system on the car last year (carriage mounts, struts with coils all
around).

If a Chrysler mechanic can do what I think he can, I'd like to have my
car hooked up to their diagnostic machines and printouts of anything
that might be wrong. I've heard there are updates to the computer that
impact such things as fuel mileage and transmission shifting. I've never
been called for any such updates. Specifically, I'd like to make sure I
have no power loss in any cylinder and the transmission is shifting
properly. I do feel a slight hesitation - like a little bump - when it
shifts from low to drive. Around 15 - 20 MPH I'd say. And over the past
6000 - 8000 miles my MPG has slipped about 0.5 MPG but there has been a
change in driving pattern which probably accounts for that (less long
distance; more short with stop and go).

Does it make sense to do this and if so, what can I expect to spend for
such a thorough checkup?

your drop in mileage may very well be due to the dang 10% ethanol fuel we
are all forced to run now......



"jaygreg" > wrote in message
...
> I've taken pretty good care of this car and it's served me well. Even with
> 123,000 miles, it looks amazingly good. I put a new suspension system on
> the car last year (carriage mounts, struts with coils all around).
>
> If a Chrysler mechanic can do what I think he can, I'd like to have my car
> hooked up to their diagnostic machines and printouts of anything that
> might be wrong. I've heard there are updates to the computer that impact
> such things as fuel mileage and transmission shifting. I've never been
> called for any such updates. Specifically, I'd like to make sure I have no
> power loss in any cylinder and the transmission is shifting properly. I do
> feel a slight hesitation - like a little bump - when it shifts from low to
> drive. Around 15 - 20 MPH I'd say. And over the past 6000 - 8000 miles my
> MPG has slipped about 0.5 MPG but there has been a change in driving
> pattern which probably accounts for that (less long distance; more short
> with stop and go).
>
> Does it make sense to do this and if so, what can I expect to spend for
> such a thorough checkup?

Good point. Got a rough idea when that began filtering in? It's been 9
months since I changed driving patterns.

On 3/29/2011 11:56 PM, Rob wrote:
> your drop in mileage may very well be due to the dang 10% ethanol fuel we
> are all forced to run now......
>
>
>
> > wrote in message
> ...
>> I've taken pretty good care of this car and it's served me well. Even with
>> 123,000 miles, it looks amazingly good. I put a new suspension system on
>> the car last year (carriage mounts, struts with coils all around).
>>
>> If a Chrysler mechanic can do what I think he can, I'd like to have my car
>> hooked up to their diagnostic machines and printouts of anything that
>> might be wrong. I've heard there are updates to the computer that impact
>> such things as fuel mileage and transmission shifting. I've never been
>> called for any such updates. Specifically, I'd like to make sure I have no
>> power loss in any cylinder and the transmission is shifting properly. I do
>> feel a slight hesitation - like a little bump - when it shifts from low to
>> drive. Around 15 - 20 MPH I'd say. And over the past 6000 - 8000 miles my
>> MPG has slipped about 0.5 MPG but there has been a change in driving
>> pattern which probably accounts for that (less long distance; more short
>> with stop and go).
>>
>> Does it make sense to do this and if so, what can I expect to spend for
>> such a thorough checkup?
>
>

depends on your state. i first noticed it about 3-4 years ago here in fla.


"jaygreg" > wrote in message
...
> Good point. Got a rough idea when that began filtering in? It's been 9
> months since I changed driving patterns.
>
> On 3/29/2011 11:56 PM, Rob wrote:
>> your drop in mileage may very well be due to the dang 10% ethanol fuel we
>> are all forced to run now......
>>
>>
>>
>> > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> I've taken pretty good care of this car and it's served me well. Even
>>> with
>>> 123,000 miles, it looks amazingly good. I put a new suspension system on
>>> the car last year (carriage mounts, struts with coils all around).
>>>
>>> If a Chrysler mechanic can do what I think he can, I'd like to have my
>>> car
>>> hooked up to their diagnostic machines and printouts of anything that
>>> might be wrong. I've heard there are updates to the computer that impact
>>> such things as fuel mileage and transmission shifting. I've never been
>>> called for any such updates. Specifically, I'd like to make sure I have
>>> no
>>> power loss in any cylinder and the transmission is shifting properly. I
>>> do
>>> feel a slight hesitation - like a little bump - when it shifts from low
>>> to
>>> drive. Around 15 - 20 MPH I'd say. And over the past 6000 - 8000 miles
>>> my
>>> MPG has slipped about 0.5 MPG but there has been a change in driving
>>> pattern which probably accounts for that (less long distance; more short
>>> with stop and go).
>>>
>>> Does it make sense to do this and if so, what can I expect to spend for
>>> such a thorough checkup?
>>
>>

I called a local Chrysler dealer service manager (Summit County Ohio)
and discussed my concerns. He asked if my engine light was coming on.
When I told him "No", he told me he wouldn't be able to tell me anything
by hooking up his machine to the engine. He DID say he could make sure I
had the latest computer updates.

Does it make sense to have a dealership flash the computer? I'd a little
concerned about that old adage, "If it ain't broke... don't fix it." I
was under the impression they could hook their machines to the computer
and simply read the output. He led me to believe he wants to update
it... and see what happens. I'm not too comfortable about that but....
is this recommended for a car with 124,000 miles on it...and no apparent
issues? I simply wanna' keep it that way by catching any significant
issues in advance that I can.

On 3/30/2011 12:20 PM, Rob wrote:
> depends on your state. i first noticed it about 3-4 years ago here in fla.
>
>
> > wrote in message
> ...
>> Good point. Got a rough idea when that began filtering in? It's been 9
>> months since I changed driving patterns.
>>
>> On 3/29/2011 11:56 PM, Rob wrote:
>>> your drop in mileage may very well be due to the dang 10% ethanol fuel we
>>> are all forced to run now......
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>> I've taken pretty good care of this car and it's served me well. Even
>>>> with
>>>> 123,000 miles, it looks amazingly good. I put a new suspension system on
>>>> the car last year (carriage mounts, struts with coils all around).
>>>>
>>>> If a Chrysler mechanic can do what I think he can, I'd like to have my
>>>> car
>>>> hooked up to their diagnostic machines and printouts of anything that
>>>> might be wrong. I've heard there are updates to the computer that impact
>>>> such things as fuel mileage and transmission shifting. I've never been
>>>> called for any such updates. Specifically, I'd like to make sure I have
>>>> no
>>>> power loss in any cylinder and the transmission is shifting properly. I
>>>> do
>>>> feel a slight hesitation - like a little bump - when it shifts from low
>>>> to
>>>> drive. Around 15 - 20 MPH I'd say. And over the past 6000 - 8000 miles
>>>> my
>>>> MPG has slipped about 0.5 MPG but there has been a change in driving
>>>> pattern which probably accounts for that (less long distance; more short
>>>> with stop and go).
>>>>
>>>> Does it make sense to do this and if so, what can I expect to spend for
>>>> such a thorough checkup?
>>>
>>>
>
>

they do have freeze frame capabilities on the factory scan tool, to check
the current operating conditions of the engine and trans. it would be damn
hard to trouble shoot a lot of problems if they didnt. but you wind up
sending 2-3 hours of labor for checking every system in the car. Really I'd
ask about the updates, recalls and leave it at that. if it's running good,
the main thing is keeping all the filters, fluids and belts changed at the
right time for YOUR driving conditions. one of the most common thing folks
forget is the radiator hoses. they do tend to get soft at times, especially
the lower one and can suck shut at highway speeds due to suction from the
water pump, or cracked and dried up. don't forget the diff fluid too.

I have 191,000 on my 96 LHS i am currently not driving it due to a bad
trans, but otherwise the engine is still running strong, and clean as a
whistle inside.

by the way, what engine is in there? 3.5?


"jaygreg" > wrote in message
...
>I called a local Chrysler dealer service manager (Summit County Ohio) and
>discussed my concerns. He asked if my engine light was coming on. When I
>told him "No", he told me he wouldn't be able to tell me anything by
>hooking up his machine to the engine. He DID say he could make sure I had
>the latest computer updates.
>
> Does it make sense to have a dealership flash the computer? I'd a little
> concerned about that old adage, "If it ain't broke... don't fix it." I was
> under the impression they could hook their machines to the computer and
> simply read the output. He led me to believe he wants to update it... and
> see what happens. I'm not too comfortable about that but.... is this
> recommended for a car with 124,000 miles on it...and no apparent issues? I
> simply wanna' keep it that way by catching any significant issues in
> advance that I can.
>
> On 3/30/2011 12:20 PM, Rob wrote:
>> depends on your state. i first noticed it about 3-4 years ago here in
>> fla.
>>
>>
>> > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> Good point. Got a rough idea when that began filtering in? It's been 9
>>> months since I changed driving patterns.
>>>
>>> On 3/29/2011 11:56 PM, Rob wrote:
>>>> your drop in mileage may very well be due to the dang 10% ethanol fuel
>>>> we
>>>> are all forced to run now......
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> > wrote in message
>>>> ...
>>>>> I've taken pretty good care of this car and it's served me well. Even
>>>>> with
>>>>> 123,000 miles, it looks amazingly good. I put a new suspension system
>>>>> on
>>>>> the car last year (carriage mounts, struts with coils all around).
>>>>>
>>>>> If a Chrysler mechanic can do what I think he can, I'd like to have my
>>>>> car
>>>>> hooked up to their diagnostic machines and printouts of anything that
>>>>> might be wrong. I've heard there are updates to the computer that
>>>>> impact
>>>>> such things as fuel mileage and transmission shifting. I've never been
>>>>> called for any such updates. Specifically, I'd like to make sure I
>>>>> have
>>>>> no
>>>>> power loss in any cylinder and the transmission is shifting properly.
>>>>> I
>>>>> do
>>>>> feel a slight hesitation - like a little bump - when it shifts from
>>>>> low
>>>>> to
>>>>> drive. Around 15 - 20 MPH I'd say. And over the past 6000 - 8000 miles
>>>>> my
>>>>> MPG has slipped about 0.5 MPG but there has been a change in driving
>>>>> pattern which probably accounts for that (less long distance; more
>>>>> short
>>>>> with stop and go).
>>>>>
>>>>> Does it make sense to do this and if so, what can I expect to spend
>>>>> for
>>>>> such a thorough checkup?
>>>>
>>>>
>>
>>

It has a 3.2 engine. All hoses and belts were changed as scheduled...
new water pump replaced when the timing belt was replaced as well.

Any idea what that slight hesitation is was the car shifts at very low
speed? I can often "baby" it and avoid it from slamming into gear. But
then... I'm not even sure it's the transmission. It reminds me of a
universal joint on older cars. I remember that feeling (and replaced the
joint myself if I can recall correctly...a bout 45 years ago.)

The car starts to roll fine with no "bump" until it reaches 10 to 15
mph. Then it's a slight hesitation and I get the sensation that a gear
is suddenly catching. Not hard, but enough to create a "bump". A
passenger wouldn't even notice it unless I described it and pointed it
out when it happened. Been doing that for years but it seems to be a
little more noticeable.

On 4/1/2011 8:18 AM, Rob wrote:
> they do have freeze frame capabilities on the factory scan tool, to check
> the current operating conditions of the engine and trans. it would be damn
> hard to trouble shoot a lot of problems if they didnt. but you wind up
> sending 2-3 hours of labor for checking every system in the car. Really I'd
> ask about the updates, recalls and leave it at that. if it's running good,
> the main thing is keeping all the filters, fluids and belts changed at the
> right time for YOUR driving conditions. one of the most common thing folks
> forget is the radiator hoses. they do tend to get soft at times, especially
> the lower one and can suck shut at highway speeds due to suction from the
> water pump, or cracked and dried up. don't forget the diff fluid too.
>
> I have 191,000 on my 96 LHS i am currently not driving it due to a bad
> trans, but otherwise the engine is still running strong, and clean as a
> whistle inside.
>
> by the way, what engine is in there? 3.5?
>
>
> > wrote in message
> ...
>> I called a local Chrysler dealer service manager (Summit County Ohio) and
>> discussed my concerns. He asked if my engine light was coming on. When I
>> told him "No", he told me he wouldn't be able to tell me anything by
>> hooking up his machine to the engine. He DID say he could make sure I had
>> the latest computer updates.
>>
>> Does it make sense to have a dealership flash the computer? I'd a little
>> concerned about that old adage, "If it ain't broke... don't fix it." I was
>> under the impression they could hook their machines to the computer and
>> simply read the output. He led me to believe he wants to update it... and
>> see what happens. I'm not too comfortable about that but.... is this
>> recommended for a car with 124,000 miles on it...and no apparent issues? I
>> simply wanna' keep it that way by catching any significant issues in
>> advance that I can.
>>
>> On 3/30/2011 12:20 PM, Rob wrote:
>>> depends on your state. i first noticed it about 3-4 years ago here in
>>> fla.
>>>
>>>
>>> > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>> Good point. Got a rough idea when that began filtering in? It's been 9
>>>> months since I changed driving patterns.
>>>>
>>>> On 3/29/2011 11:56 PM, Rob wrote:
>>>>> your drop in mileage may very well be due to the dang 10% ethanol fuel
>>>>> we
>>>>> are all forced to run now......
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> > wrote in message
>>>>> ...
>>>>>> I've taken pretty good care of this car and it's served me well. Even
>>>>>> with
>>>>>> 123,000 miles, it looks amazingly good. I put a new suspension system
>>>>>> on
>>>>>> the car last year (carriage mounts, struts with coils all around).
>>>>>>
>>>>>> If a Chrysler mechanic can do what I think he can, I'd like to have my
>>>>>> car
>>>>>> hooked up to their diagnostic machines and printouts of anything that
>>>>>> might be wrong. I've heard there are updates to the computer that
>>>>>> impact
>>>>>> such things as fuel mileage and transmission shifting. I've never been
>>>>>> called for any such updates. Specifically, I'd like to make sure I
>>>>>> have
>>>>>> no
>>>>>> power loss in any cylinder and the transmission is shifting properly.
>>>>>> I
>>>>>> do
>>>>>> feel a slight hesitation - like a little bump - when it shifts from
>>>>>> low
>>>>>> to
>>>>>> drive. Around 15 - 20 MPH I'd say. And over the past 6000 - 8000 miles
>>>>>> my
>>>>>> MPG has slipped about 0.5 MPG but there has been a change in driving
>>>>>> pattern which probably accounts for that (less long distance; more
>>>>>> short
>>>>>> with stop and go).
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Does it make sense to do this and if so, what can I expect to spend
>>>>>> for
>>>>>> such a thorough checkup?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>
>>>
>
>

got any idea what trans is has? 604? 606?


"jaygreg" > wrote in message
...
> It has a 3.2 engine. All hoses and belts were changed as scheduled... new
> water pump replaced when the timing belt was replaced as well.
>
> Any idea what that slight hesitation is was the car shifts at very low
> speed? I can often "baby" it and avoid it from slamming into gear. But
> then... I'm not even sure it's the transmission. It reminds me of a
> universal joint on older cars. I remember that feeling (and replaced the
> joint myself if I can recall correctly...a bout 45 years ago.)
>
> The car starts to roll fine with no "bump" until it reaches 10 to 15 mph.
> Then it's a slight hesitation and I get the sensation that a gear is
> suddenly catching. Not hard, but enough to create a "bump". A passenger
> wouldn't even notice it unless I described it and pointed it out when it
> happened. Been doing that for years but it seems to be a little more
> noticeable.
>
> On 4/1/2011 8:18 AM, Rob wrote:
>> they do have freeze frame capabilities on the factory scan tool, to check
>> the current operating conditions of the engine and trans. it would be
>> damn
>> hard to trouble shoot a lot of problems if they didnt. but you wind up
>> sending 2-3 hours of labor for checking every system in the car. Really
>> I'd
>> ask about the updates, recalls and leave it at that. if it's running
>> good,
>> the main thing is keeping all the filters, fluids and belts changed at
>> the
>> right time for YOUR driving conditions. one of the most common thing
>> folks
>> forget is the radiator hoses. they do tend to get soft at times,
>> especially
>> the lower one and can suck shut at highway speeds due to suction from the
>> water pump, or cracked and dried up. don't forget the diff fluid too.
>>
>> I have 191,000 on my 96 LHS i am currently not driving it due to a bad
>> trans, but otherwise the engine is still running strong, and clean as a
>> whistle inside.
>>
>> by the way, what engine is in there? 3.5?
>>
>>
>> > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> I called a local Chrysler dealer service manager (Summit County Ohio)
>>> and
>>> discussed my concerns. He asked if my engine light was coming on. When I
>>> told him "No", he told me he wouldn't be able to tell me anything by
>>> hooking up his machine to the engine. He DID say he could make sure I
>>> had
>>> the latest computer updates.
>>>
>>> Does it make sense to have a dealership flash the computer? I'd a little
>>> concerned about that old adage, "If it ain't broke... don't fix it." I
>>> was
>>> under the impression they could hook their machines to the computer and
>>> simply read the output. He led me to believe he wants to update it...
>>> and
>>> see what happens. I'm not too comfortable about that but.... is this
>>> recommended for a car with 124,000 miles on it...and no apparent issues?
>>> I
>>> simply wanna' keep it that way by catching any significant issues in
>>> advance that I can.
>>>
>>> On 3/30/2011 12:20 PM, Rob wrote:
>>>> depends on your state. i first noticed it about 3-4 years ago here in
>>>> fla.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> > wrote in message
>>>> ...
>>>>> Good point. Got a rough idea when that began filtering in? It's been 9
>>>>> months since I changed driving patterns.
>>>>>
>>>>> On 3/29/2011 11:56 PM, Rob wrote:
>>>>>> your drop in mileage may very well be due to the dang 10% ethanol
>>>>>> fuel
>>>>>> we
>>>>>> are all forced to run now......
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> > wrote in message
>>>>>> ...
>>>>>>> I've taken pretty good care of this car and it's served me well.
>>>>>>> Even
>>>>>>> with
>>>>>>> 123,000 miles, it looks amazingly good. I put a new suspension
>>>>>>> system
>>>>>>> on
>>>>>>> the car last year (carriage mounts, struts with coils all around).
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> If a Chrysler mechanic can do what I think he can, I'd like to have
>>>>>>> my
>>>>>>> car
>>>>>>> hooked up to their diagnostic machines and printouts of anything
>>>>>>> that
>>>>>>> might be wrong. I've heard there are updates to the computer that
>>>>>>> impact
>>>>>>> such things as fuel mileage and transmission shifting. I've never
>>>>>>> been
>>>>>>> called for any such updates. Specifically, I'd like to make sure I
>>>>>>> have
>>>>>>> no
>>>>>>> power loss in any cylinder and the transmission is shifting
>>>>>>> properly.
>>>>>>> I
>>>>>>> do
>>>>>>> feel a slight hesitation - like a little bump - when it shifts from
>>>>>>> low
>>>>>>> to
>>>>>>> drive. Around 15 - 20 MPH I'd say. And over the past 6000 - 8000
>>>>>>> miles
>>>>>>> my
>>>>>>> MPG has slipped about 0.5 MPG but there has been a change in driving
>>>>>>> pattern which probably accounts for that (less long distance; more
>>>>>>> short
>>>>>>> with stop and go).
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Does it make sense to do this and if so, what can I expect to spend
>>>>>>> for
>>>>>>> such a thorough checkup?
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>
>>

Yes; the DGX 4 speed.

On 4/2/2011 4:15 PM, Rob wrote:
> got any idea what trans is has? 604? 606?
>
>
> > wrote in message
> ...
>> It has a 3.2 engine. All hoses and belts were changed as scheduled... new
>> water pump replaced when the timing belt was replaced as well.
>>
>> Any idea what that slight hesitation is was the car shifts at very low
>> speed? I can often "baby" it and avoid it from slamming into gear. But
>> then... I'm not even sure it's the transmission. It reminds me of a
>> universal joint on older cars. I remember that feeling (and replaced the
>> joint myself if I can recall correctly...a bout 45 years ago.)
>>
>> The car starts to roll fine with no "bump" until it reaches 10 to 15 mph.
>> Then it's a slight hesitation and I get the sensation that a gear is
>> suddenly catching. Not hard, but enough to create a "bump". A passenger
>> wouldn't even notice it unless I described it and pointed it out when it
>> happened. Been doing that for years but it seems to be a little more
>> noticeable.
>>
>> On 4/1/2011 8:18 AM, Rob wrote:
>>> they do have freeze frame capabilities on the factory scan tool, to check
>>> the current operating conditions of the engine and trans. it would be
>>> damn
>>> hard to trouble shoot a lot of problems if they didnt. but you wind up
>>> sending 2-3 hours of labor for checking every system in the car. Really
>>> I'd
>>> ask about the updates, recalls and leave it at that. if it's running
>>> good,
>>> the main thing is keeping all the filters, fluids and belts changed at
>>> the
>>> right time for YOUR driving conditions. one of the most common thing
>>> folks
>>> forget is the radiator hoses. they do tend to get soft at times,
>>> especially
>>> the lower one and can suck shut at highway speeds due to suction from the
>>> water pump, or cracked and dried up. don't forget the diff fluid too.
>>>
>>> I have 191,000 on my 96 LHS i am currently not driving it due to a bad
>>> trans, but otherwise the engine is still running strong, and clean as a
>>> whistle inside.
>>>
>>> by the way, what engine is in there? 3.5?
>>>
>>>
>>> > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>> I called a local Chrysler dealer service manager (Summit County Ohio)
>>>> and
>>>> discussed my concerns. He asked if my engine light was coming on. When I
>>>> told him "No", he told me he wouldn't be able to tell me anything by
>>>> hooking up his machine to the engine. He DID say he could make sure I
>>>> had
>>>> the latest computer updates.
>>>>
>>>> Does it make sense to have a dealership flash the computer? I'd a little
>>>> concerned about that old adage, "If it ain't broke... don't fix it." I
>>>> was
>>>> under the impression they could hook their machines to the computer and
>>>> simply read the output. He led me to believe he wants to update it...
>>>> and
>>>> see what happens. I'm not too comfortable about that but.... is this
>>>> recommended for a car with 124,000 miles on it...and no apparent issues?
>>>> I
>>>> simply wanna' keep it that way by catching any significant issues in
>>>> advance that I can.
>>>>
>>>> On 3/30/2011 12:20 PM, Rob wrote:
>>>>> depends on your state. i first noticed it about 3-4 years ago here in
>>>>> fla.
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> > wrote in message
>>>>> ...
>>>>>> Good point. Got a rough idea when that began filtering in? It's been 9
>>>>>> months since I changed driving patterns.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> On 3/29/2011 11:56 PM, Rob wrote:
>>>>>>> your drop in mileage may very well be due to the dang 10% ethanol
>>>>>>> fuel
>>>>>>> we
>>>>>>> are all forced to run now......
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> > wrote in message
>>>>>>> ...
>>>>>>>> I've taken pretty good care of this car and it's served me well.
>>>>>>>> Even
>>>>>>>> with
>>>>>>>> 123,000 miles, it looks amazingly good. I put a new suspension
>>>>>>>> system
>>>>>>>> on
>>>>>>>> the car last year (carriage mounts, struts with coils all around).
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> If a Chrysler mechanic can do what I think he can, I'd like to have
>>>>>>>> my
>>>>>>>> car
>>>>>>>> hooked up to their diagnostic machines and printouts of anything
>>>>>>>> that
>>>>>>>> might be wrong. I've heard there are updates to the computer that
>>>>>>>> impact
>>>>>>>> such things as fuel mileage and transmission shifting. I've never
>>>>>>>> been
>>>>>>>> called for any such updates. Specifically, I'd like to make sure I
>>>>>>>> have
>>>>>>>> no
>>>>>>>> power loss in any cylinder and the transmission is shifting
>>>>>>>> properly.
>>>>>>>> I
>>>>>>>> do
>>>>>>>> feel a slight hesitation - like a little bump - when it shifts from
>>>>>>>> low
>>>>>>>> to
>>>>>>>> drive. Around 15 - 20 MPH I'd say. And over the past 6000 - 8000
>>>>>>>> miles
>>>>>>>> my
>>>>>>>> MPG has slipped about 0.5 MPG but there has been a change in driving
>>>>>>>> pattern which probably accounts for that (less long distance; more
>>>>>>>> short
>>>>>>>> with stop and go).
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Does it make sense to do this and if so, what can I expect to spend
>>>>>>>> for
>>>>>>>> such a thorough checkup?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>
>>>
>
>

a fluid and filter change ( NOT a flush) and getting the dealer to do TCM
update, might be the trick there. its the quickest and cheapest most likely.



"jaygreg" > wrote in message
...
> Yes; the DGX 4 speed.
>
> On 4/2/2011 4:15 PM, Rob wrote:
>> got any idea what trans is has? 604? 606?
>>
>>
>> > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> It has a 3.2 engine. All hoses and belts were changed as scheduled...
>>> new
>>> water pump replaced when the timing belt was replaced as well.
>>>
>>> Any idea what that slight hesitation is was the car shifts at very low
>>> speed? I can often "baby" it and avoid it from slamming into gear. But
>>> then... I'm not even sure it's the transmission. It reminds me of a
>>> universal joint on older cars. I remember that feeling (and replaced the
>>> joint myself if I can recall correctly...a bout 45 years ago.)
>>>
>>> The car starts to roll fine with no "bump" until it reaches 10 to 15
>>> mph.
>>> Then it's a slight hesitation and I get the sensation that a gear is
>>> suddenly catching. Not hard, but enough to create a "bump". A passenger
>>> wouldn't even notice it unless I described it and pointed it out when it
>>> happened. Been doing that for years but it seems to be a little more
>>> noticeable.
>>>
>>> On 4/1/2011 8:18 AM, Rob wrote:
>>>> they do have freeze frame capabilities on the factory scan tool, to
>>>> check
>>>> the current operating conditions of the engine and trans. it would be
>>>> damn
>>>> hard to trouble shoot a lot of problems if they didnt. but you wind up
>>>> sending 2-3 hours of labor for checking every system in the car.
>>>> Really
>>>> I'd
>>>> ask about the updates, recalls and leave it at that. if it's running
>>>> good,
>>>> the main thing is keeping all the filters, fluids and belts changed at
>>>> the
>>>> right time for YOUR driving conditions. one of the most common thing
>>>> folks
>>>> forget is the radiator hoses. they do tend to get soft at times,
>>>> especially
>>>> the lower one and can suck shut at highway speeds due to suction from
>>>> the
>>>> water pump, or cracked and dried up. don't forget the diff fluid too.
>>>>
>>>> I have 191,000 on my 96 LHS i am currently not driving it due to a
>>>> bad
>>>> trans, but otherwise the engine is still running strong, and clean as a
>>>> whistle inside.
>>>>
>>>> by the way, what engine is in there? 3.5?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> > wrote in message
>>>> ...
>>>>> I called a local Chrysler dealer service manager (Summit County Ohio)
>>>>> and
>>>>> discussed my concerns. He asked if my engine light was coming on. When
>>>>> I
>>>>> told him "No", he told me he wouldn't be able to tell me anything by
>>>>> hooking up his machine to the engine. He DID say he could make sure I
>>>>> had
>>>>> the latest computer updates.
>>>>>
>>>>> Does it make sense to have a dealership flash the computer? I'd a
>>>>> little
>>>>> concerned about that old adage, "If it ain't broke... don't fix it." I
>>>>> was
>>>>> under the impression they could hook their machines to the computer
>>>>> and
>>>>> simply read the output. He led me to believe he wants to update it...
>>>>> and
>>>>> see what happens. I'm not too comfortable about that but.... is this
>>>>> recommended for a car with 124,000 miles on it...and no apparent
>>>>> issues?
>>>>> I
>>>>> simply wanna' keep it that way by catching any significant issues in
>>>>> advance that I can.
>>>>>
>>>>> On 3/30/2011 12:20 PM, Rob wrote:
>>>>>> depends on your state. i first noticed it about 3-4 years ago here
>>>>>> in
>>>>>> fla.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> > wrote in message
>>>>>> ...
>>>>>>> Good point. Got a rough idea when that began filtering in? It's been
>>>>>>> 9
>>>>>>> months since I changed driving patterns.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> On 3/29/2011 11:56 PM, Rob wrote:
>>>>>>>> your drop in mileage may very well be due to the dang 10% ethanol
>>>>>>>> fuel
>>>>>>>> we
>>>>>>>> are all forced to run now......
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> > wrote in message
>>>>>>>> ...
>>>>>>>>> I've taken pretty good care of this car and it's served me well.
>>>>>>>>> Even
>>>>>>>>> with
>>>>>>>>> 123,000 miles, it looks amazingly good. I put a new suspension
>>>>>>>>> system
>>>>>>>>> on
>>>>>>>>> the car last year (carriage mounts, struts with coils all around).
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> If a Chrysler mechanic can do what I think he can, I'd like to
>>>>>>>>> have
>>>>>>>>> my
>>>>>>>>> car
>>>>>>>>> hooked up to their diagnostic machines and printouts of anything
>>>>>>>>> that
>>>>>>>>> might be wrong. I've heard there are updates to the computer that
>>>>>>>>> impact
>>>>>>>>> such things as fuel mileage and transmission shifting. I've never
>>>>>>>>> been
>>>>>>>>> called for any such updates. Specifically, I'd like to make sure I
>>>>>>>>> have
>>>>>>>>> no
>>>>>>>>> power loss in any cylinder and the transmission is shifting
>>>>>>>>> properly.
>>>>>>>>> I
>>>>>>>>> do
>>>>>>>>> feel a slight hesitation - like a little bump - when it shifts
>>>>>>>>> from
>>>>>>>>> low
>>>>>>>>> to
>>>>>>>>> drive. Around 15 - 20 MPH I'd say. And over the past 6000 - 8000
>>>>>>>>> miles
>>>>>>>>> my
>>>>>>>>> MPG has slipped about 0.5 MPG but there has been a change in
>>>>>>>>> driving
>>>>>>>>> pattern which probably accounts for that (less long distance; more
>>>>>>>>> short
>>>>>>>>> with stop and go).
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Does it make sense to do this and if so, what can I expect to
>>>>>>>>> spend
>>>>>>>>> for
>>>>>>>>> such a thorough checkup?
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>
>>