'03 with torque converter dampening problem

[popspt]

Help! PopsPT went to the dealer with 300 miles on it because of the shimmy between 15 and 20 mph and a shimmy when backing up at incline. Dealer said its normal. Seems it also happens on some '02's. Dealer says its the vibration dampner for the torque converter. Says the fluid flows in a figure 8 and caused the problem. Personally I find it completely unacceptable. Any one with this experience?

[MichaelDay]

No, that is not "normal". I have an '03GT with no autostick problems other than an occassionally hard downshift to first just before coming to a stop.


2003 Almond GT AutoStick, body colored rear splash guards and hood struts, chrome gear shift, AC, and vent knobs.

[TheSelfProclaimed]

I would have to agree with MichaelDay. I've got a six month old '02 and and GT '03 and neither have evidence of any shimmying at any speed below 120. I don't know above 120 since I haven't taken off the speed limiter on either car. Anyway, the '02 is an automatic and has no issues whatsoever in relation to shifting. I've back it up an incline only six or seven times all of which worked out smoothly, I got it to about 15 or 20 or so going in reverse.
The GT is an autostick and does display a little rough downshifting when coming to a full (and controlled) stop from highway speeds. Personally I don't use the full auto at all, I prefer the autostick so with that in mind the rough downshifting is not an issue. Like the '02 the GT drives smoothly in reverse. I've had it to about 15 mph aswell.

'03 GT Deep Cranberry All stock (for now)

[popspt]

Well I think I may have misled you. The shimmey occurs at 15 to 20mph fwd and at any speed in reverse. Especially at an incline in reverse. Also it has a torque steer problem. Pulls to the right on acceleration.

[MichaelDay]

Pops, as I said, the transmission shimmy is not normal and you should either find another dealer or tell that one he is full of it.

As far as torque steer, yes, it is there if you hammer it particularly at low speeds. DC did a fairly good job of controlling the torque steer but particularly with the Turbo, it will let you know it is front wheel drive.



2003 Almond GT AutoStick, body colored rear splash guards and hood struts, chrome gear shift, AC, and vent knobs.