2004 PT Cruiser automatic is very sluggish

[sdjaybird]

Hey, I've just gotten a "new" used 2004 cruiser automatic (not the Turbo model) and the acceleration is awfully sluggish. Any suggestions on how to improve the acceleration? Thanks!

[CREWZIN]

Depends what you mean by sluggish. If your used to a Vette (like mine) then yea, it's a bit sluggish. It's a 3000+ car with 2.4 liter engine and it's built for cruising.

The best thing to do is change the plugs and wires, a couple extra pounds of air in the tires and a free flow air intake. That's not going to give you a kick-in-the-pants upgrade but it will make sure your getting the best the PT can give you.

Not being sarcastic, but you should have taken it out for an hour before buying it to see how it ran and then try the turbo model. You probably would have ended up with the turbo.

Happy Cruising.

[soonercruiser]

1. Auto tranny loses energy mechanically, as compared to stick shift; so will be sluggish.
2. If it is not a turbo, you need to open the breathing tube - AirRaid air intake system gives you much better pedal response. Made a great difference in my NA soonercruiser.
3. If the plug & wires are an unknown quantity/mileage wise - get aftermarkets from Race&Street. OEM ignition parts are poor.

[sdjaybird]

Thanks all,yes the 2004 PT cruiser was given to me as a Christmas gift but they did look first for the turbo model but it was not available,so I am stuck with the non-turbo....named her Ruby. By sluggish I mean when I accelerate,lets say onto a freeway ramp, the car is very slow to kick into gear( it is an automatic transmission). Or when I accelerate in every day inner city driving,the car takes off very slowly. My last car was a manual toyota truck and I guess I am used to movin' fast when I wanna....cant seem to get that kinda response with Ruby. Opening the AirRaid breathing tube,extra tire pressure,getting new plugs and wires are good recommendations,I guess. Dont know their age as she was bought at a dealer. I have heard that the standard PT ( not Turbo model ) has poor pick up and acceleration.....maybe I just have to accept that?

[garyerrol]

That's interesting. I have a 2001 LE with auto trans that I always thought had a lot of get up and go. You mentioned Interstate ramps, I have one on my way home each evening that both has a sharp curve about half way and has an incline. I have no problems getting up to Interstate speed as I merge. No, it's not as peppy as vehicles with more powerful engines, but then again, I didn't want one of them, I wanted a PT Cruiser, and that's what the vehicle I drive daily is!

[CREWZIN]

sdjaybird,

You might want to think about having the transaxle flushed if your anywhere near 30-50,000 miles. It's weak link and if you plan on keeping the PT awhile, a worth while investment.

[quicksilverdon]

Originally Posted by CREWZIN

sdjaybird,

You might want to think about having the transaxle flushed if your anywhere near 30-50,000 miles. It's weak link and if you plan on keeping the PT awhile, a worth while investment.

That's what I was thinking...
How many miles? If it's 50,000 or so, a flush of the auto trans is a VERY good idea. Be sure they use ATF + 4 transmission fluid.

[sdjaybird]

I have never heard of a "transaxle flush"...and yes, it just went over the 40,000 mile mark. yes, the sluggishness does seem to be related to the automatic transmission engaging....I am so used to a manual clutch when I want to lunge forward quickly, as onto a freeway ramp.I appreciate the suggestion.

[CREWZIN]

Transaxle, trans, transmission, whatever you want to call it, it's all the same and "flush" is a way of changing ALL of the fluid (about 16 quarts) instead of just dropping the pan and changing out only 4 quarts.

[sdjaybird]

AHHH....I see. I will relay to my mechanic,thanks!