My wifes 2002 Sebring with the 2.4 liter DOHC I4 has about 115,000 miles on it. The timiing belt, water pump and tensioner were replaced about 10,000 miles ago. This car has been very good with the exception of a trans fluid leak that just turned out to be the hose clamps needed tightening. Recently we notice that when going uphill and the rpms are dropping, there might be a single buck as you slowly press the accellerator. At this point we apply more gas and it downshifts as it should and continues to drive normally. It doesn't do it every time we drive it. Checking the trans fluid shows the level to be a bit high, probably from when I changed the fluid and filter last year. Could that be the problem or should I check something else?

 

A whole month and not one reply. Surprising! Oh well. It turned out to be excessive spark plug gap, just in case anyone was following this. Happy motoring.