2003 Chrysler Town and Country: shudder or vibration when accelerating

Filed Oct 7, 2009 · Engine, Visibility · 92,151 miles · MD

We are the original owner of a 2003 chrysler t & c. In august, 2009, my wife began experiencing problems with the window motor suddenly becoming inoperable for a short period of time, then suddenly working again. One day, as I was driving the van, the check engine light came on. I immediately parked the vehicle. After a few days, the car restarted and the check engine light went off. However, on august 20, the check engine light came on while I was leaving a conference. After less than mile, then van began shuddering, the lights began blinking then the vehicle died. I was traveling at approximately 40 MPH when this occurred. The van would not restart, in fact the only thing I received was a click. I had the car towed home and again left alone. This time, the when I turned the key, the response was just a click. Also, there was an electrical drain that caused me to replace two batteries. In order to keep this from recurring, I disconnected the negative post. After checking and replacing the starter as well, I had it towed to a facility who confirmed the problem was a bad PCM. The cost to remedy this was $750.

Filed Aug 17, 2009 · Electrical, Fuel system · 99,700 miles · NC

Our 2003 chrysler town and country ex model which has been well maintained with periodic maintenance, was being driven at highway speed when the engine began to shudder and engine light illuminated. A strong odor of gasoline was present, so the van was towed to a local garage. The original diagnosis was a bad fuel injector (at 99,700 miles, not totally abnormal). We had a new injector installed, however on the way home the same issue recurred. The shop then said the computer gave a huge list and was likely defective. We had the car towed to the local chrysler dealer. At the dealer, they agreed, and replaced the computer, however the problem was still present. The electrical technician, then spent 2 days tracing the problem. As it turns out there were about 8 or 9 of the 12 wires in the fuel injector wiring harness were bare and shorting together causing the car to run badly, and polluting the oil with fuel in the process. There is an obvious bend in the wire at the point where the bare wires were in the harness. This harness is hidden from view by a protective sleeve, and there were no cuts in the sleeve. The dealer stated that our van provided them with the information needed to fix 3 other vans they couldn't fix before. The bare wiring ruined our PCM, and in the presence of the extra fuel vapors, was extremely dangerous, basically a bomb waiting for the right spark. Because this problem was found in other vehicles, and it is a major safety issue, I believe it warrants investigation, and a possible recall for all vans with this same engine harness. Chrysler was no help in resolving the issue, which in my view was either an installation error or faulty part. Although, there was no external property damage, the faulty part cost me $1400.00 in repairs and the loss of use for 2 1/2 weeks. The wiring harness is available at my home, and I will be happy to send it upon request.

Filed Jan 1, 2009 · Steering · 10,450 miles · CT

This vehicle was purchased new by me on 03/29/03. After 6 months the power steering pump became noisy and the steering would shudder. I brought the vehicle to the dealer on 11/03/03 @ 10,450 miles. Dealer replaced power steering return hose under warranty. The steering is still noisy and still shudders. On 02/02/04 @ 13,083 miles, vehicle brought to dealer due to power steering fluid leak and shuddering. Leak fixed, power steering still noisy and shudders. On 03/25/04 @ 15,622 miles brought to dealer because power steering is noisy and still shudders. Told by dealer that they couldn't find anything wrong. On 03/29/05 @ 30,408 miles brought to dealer because power steering still noisy and shudders. Dealer performed recall d-37, replaced power steering return hose. This did not correct the problem. This problem still continues to this day. I have all the records pertaining to this problem.

Filed Mar 26, 2008 · Steering · 75,000 miles · MA

About 6 months ago I started hearing a whine/groan when making sharp turns. It was originally decided that I need a new power steering pump. I took my vehicle in while getting my tires changed it was then switched to I needed a new power steering rack. Every garage told me something different. 1500 dollars later I am with a new power steering pump, reservoir, rack, cooler hose, and fin packed hose and still the whine and shudder and groan while making sharp turns or into parking spaces. I am in tears and feel helpless with this vehicle. It's in gorgeous condition, however totally unaware of if I want it anymore to drive my children around in due to safety concerns. After spending 20k + on a vehicle, where is the customer service and satisfaction??

Filed Apr 2, 2007 · Steering, Transmission · 56,250 miles · MN

Events leading up to failures on 2.28.07, I purchased a 2003 chrysler town & country lxi with 56,000 miles from arlington acura in palatine, il after a carchex inspection & test drive. Upon driving home to minnesota that day on interstate expressways, I encountered two major mechanical problems: failure, consequences & repairs 1. Shuddering & leaking rack & pinion - dealer advised these are common failures for this model and recommended replacement for $800 asap because a dry cylinder will lock the steering column. Chrysler will not replace under it's 7/70 powertrain warranty, so I will have to pay this when I get the money. 2. Jerking transmission shifting from 1st to 2nd gear - during four visits, dealer attempted to find cause, spending $3,000 in warranty repairs. They said chrysler's star tech service told them this was "a known problem for which there is no current fix." a subsequent e-mail from me (the owner) to chrysler resulted in a boilerplate letter saying the problem was a dealer issue. My wife has cancer and a heart condition and cannot bear the strain of a malfunctioning transmission on her "new" car.