Questions and Answers

Chevy Venture Jerking Him Around Q. Dear Vince, Here is my situation: 2003 Chevy Venture Van 3.4 liter Automatic transmission (4T65-E) 36,000 miles Fuel injected ABS P/S, A/C Rack and Pinion Steering

I bought this car used with 32,000 miles and have not had it in extensive stop and go traffic until just lately. Between 5 and 10 mph in stop and go traffic, the car jerks when the gas is reapplied. It just reached 36,000 miles over the weekend, so I am right at the end of the warranty.

I am curious if there is a known problem with these cars. It also tends to creep backward easily when stopped on an incline and in drive. I am thinking it is either the automatic transmission clutch going bad combined possibly with an idle speed that is lower than it should be.

I know the idle speed is computer controlled, so is there any direction I can focus on when taking this back to the dealer? I did purchase an extended warranty, but I'm afraid that this is more of a drivability complaint and not a total failure of the vehicle so I am not sure what the dealer will want to do.

Please let me know if there is anything else I should be checking. The transmission fluid seems to be at the right level and looks and smells normal. Your advice is appreciated.

Thanks,
Brian

A. Your best bet for this problem is get it to a dealer as soon as you can. They can usually get it covered if it's a major problem so close to the end of the 3 year/36,000 mile mark. May be just a loose connection or chaffed wires somewhere.