normal ?

[4SPEED]

on my 03 GT creeping in traffic is when I really notice the dead spot at about 7-12mph there is no way to maintain that range of speed. it is either power off-idle or at 12mph and above. does everyone else have this same dead spot?

[Mean Green]

Never a problem on my '03 GT. Is yours a stick and you are letting the rpm's get too low? When is the last time you changed plugs. Have you replaced the crappy OEM plug wires?

[4SPEED]

it is an auto, I have Bosch platinum plugs and the 2wires have not been changed. it's not missing, just a flat spot where no power is.
best way I can describe it is you should be able to maintain any speed but at 7-12 it's like the engine is only at idle. once you hit 12 or 13mph you feel the engine come off idle, like you were at a stop lite and now the lite is green.
just wanted to know if all turbos had this or not. my car is out of warranty and don't want to pay for diagnostics if this is the nature of the beast.

[Mean Green]

There's an on going debate about running platinum plugs in the turbo. All the gearheads I know say don't use them. All the people running high hp in their PT turbo and SRT-4 don't use them. I used stock Copper Plus plugs gapped at .040, in my '03 GT, both when it was stock and modified to 280 hp and I never had a problem with a flat spot. Try and switch out plugs and see what happens. If you are still using the crappy OEM plug wires get some good aftermarket ones like Crane, MDS or Magnecor ones. Even if it's not missing bad wires can still cause problems and the OEM ones don't last long at all. If that doesn't solve it then maybe a dirty injector. You may have to take it in and at least see what the problem is. A good repair shop should be cheaper than the dealer in most cases.

[4SPEED]

I know it's not the plugs, wires or injectors (and I run Techron thru all the time). I was a service manager for 15 years and I know the difference, I thought maybe the fuel mapping or something else may be the cause and this would be considered normal for this car. but yes, I have been planning on changing the coil, plugs and wires anyway

you can actually press the gas pedal(carefully)while in this 7-12mph and the engine does not respond (only idles)...a dead spot

[DMW]

Do you have Stage 1 or no? I always thought the car was fairly sluggish and non-responsive before I installed Stage 1. It was particularly "flat" at lower RPMs.

[strangelove]

The PT is underpowered until 2,000 RPM. 1st gear is there just to get you rolling, so trying to maintain 7 to 12 MPH would be a bit of a head nodding experience. In heavy traffic constantly accelerating out of 1st gear sucks, keep it in 2nd and try not to stop, makes traffic one notch less of a drag.

[fritz_t_coyote]

1- is it throwing Codes?
Plugs, etc, would mean a misfire, which would log as a code.

2- Throttle cable function: pop off the air intake hose and covers, examine throttle body to make sure the cable from the foot pedal smoothly opens the throttle plate. Maybe it is just that the cable is binding and not opening the throttle smoothly.

3- Throttle Position Sensor? The Throttle Position Sensor is what tells the computer to tell the injectors to feed more gas. If the computer 'knows' it has a problem it should be throwing codes; but maybe it is broken and the computer don't know it.

3.1 If you put the trans in Neutral (or park) is the same 'flat spot' there?
Gently ease on the gas and watch for the revs to climb... there should be a linear relationship between your foot and the RPMs. (Take off your work boots... try it with a stocking foot).
If you find a flat spot in throttle response even in Park, I would suspect the TPS.

[black_gt_boosty_hh1321]

quote:Originally posted by 4SPEED

I know it's not the plugs, wires or injectors (and I run Techron thru all the time). I was a service manager for 15 years and I know the difference, I thought maybe the fuel mapping or something else may be the cause and this would be considered normal for this car. but yes, I have been planning on changing the coil, plugs and wires anyway

you can actually press the gas pedal(carefully)while in this 7-12mph and the engine does not respond (only idles)...a dead spot

changing the coil is a waste of money....plugs and wires is a necessity.

[ote69]

just found this [:I]

Technical Service Bulletins Summary

Make: CHRYSLER
Model: PT CRUISER
Year: 2003

Service Bulletin Number: 1803605
NHTSA Item Number: 10017630
Summary Description:
FLASH: ROUGH IDLE OR IDLE FLUCTUATION WITH POWER STEERING OPERATION. *SC