Unresponsive accelerator
 

I have a 2007 300 V-8 that I just purchased last month. I has only 17k miles on it. I step on the gas and nothing happens. After pumping the non-responsive pedal it finally after 3 to 10 seconds comes alive and jolts ahead. The issue has happened to me more than 10 times in the preceding month. I'm going to take it to the dealer next week but without error codes I have my doubts. It of course happens intermittently so if the mechanic can't reproduce then what? I'm concerned that when I have to accelerate, like entering a freeway, that it might be dangerous. I[U]t does seem to happen from a start or at a very slow speed and when it is cold. Any help?

Take it to the dealer. You need to get your complaint on the record. You might need to leave it overnight so they can drive it from a cold start. Describe the symptoms as completely as you can and review the write-up sheet prepared by the service representative. You will be asked to sign the sheet so make sure it describes the problem correctly before you sign it.

There may be an error code stored in the computer. Not all error codes result in turning on the check engine light. That model year is probably a "fly by wire" design with an electric rather than a mechanical connection between the gas pedal and the throttle on the engine. Chances are they can fix the problem by replacing one or more components of that system but it's not likely to be covered by warranty after almost 10 years.

Thanks. I will take it to the dealer this week. From what I've seen on the internet it seems to be a problem mostly connected with this year, 2007.

Hi 77300,
Please feel free to keep me updated on this concern after your visit to the dealer for service, I would be happy to follow up if needed.

Anna
ChryslerCares Social Media Specialist

I will, Anna, thanks. I imagine if they can't reproduce this malfunction then they won't resolve the issue. I hope that maybe they can find some errors in the computer system that will clue them on to the issue. I mentioned that even though this car is close to 10 years old, it only has 17k miles, so almost new. Anyway I will let you know either way this week.

Don't forget to let us know what they find.

I took it to the dealer and the outcome was what I expected. Since they couldn't duplicate the non-response from the accelerator they were working blind. They kept it overnight to try it cold in the morning but to no avail. So I knew this would probably happen but the good news is that the car has gone for over 2 weeks without this occurring. The dealer said they updated the PCM (Powertrain Control Module). So I dropped 100+ bucks on the search but that was expected. When/if this does reoccur again I will let you know.

When I took it to the dealer, I could not get it to repeat the symptom. They did update the PCM which i think means POWER CONTROL MODULE which i believe is the computer system. Well that must have been the problem because I have not had a re-occurrence since then. So the 2 weeks of no problems has turned in to over 2 months so I'm quite happy now.

Yes, computer update.

I had something similar happen in a major reconstruction zone with several lanes all shifted around and traffic ones everywhere. No place to stall and block traffic! Anyway I managed to nurse it into a gas station and fish out the manual. I don't remember the details but it was something as simple as turn it off, wait a bit, and restart. And it worked! My manual is in the glove compartment now, out in the freezing cold driveway, so I'm not going to try to find the details, but wherever it was in the manual, it probably was the same "fly-by-wire disconnect" issue.