3.8 Transmission problems
 

Just purchased an 07 Pac FWD 3.8. Noticed that there was a shuttering at different intervals in the shifting especially in 4th gear. Took off for a trip from Oh to Fl andther really was an even morenotable shake in the transmission in fourth gear. Called the dealer and was told that the 4 speed trans. has an additional overdrive that is geared very low for better gas mileage and sometimes struggles to find the right gear to be in; and while driving over the Smokey Mtns was told to go to manual shift and stay in 4th.

I would like to think they would be able to engineer a fix around this problem - it's never mentioned in the manual or by the dealer. Really irritating.

Rocket Heart

RE: 3.8 Transmission problems
 

I've never had such a problem with my 04 FWD pacifica with the 3.5. Does the 3.8 require 89 octane or better fuel? The 3.5 litre does not run well with less than 89 octane.

RE: 3.8 Transmission problems
 

No - it only requires 87 octane. I really don't think it's fuel...when I am running 45 - 50mph I am only turning about 15 -1700rpm - highway at 65 is only at 2000rpm so it is really geared low.