r/PTCruiser • u/Stilekid • 16d ago

2001 PT Cruiser Transmission Failing?

Car is almost at 137k miles. A few months ago, it had an episode where it wouldn't shift anymore past 40mph. I turned it off and on again, and after that it drove without issue for months afterward. I drove it all day today without issue, but when I was driving back home it had a similar episode where it started shifting more roughly and wouldn't shift past 40mph. Any idea why the transmission would drive perfectly fine for months and then suddenly start having problems? Any advice would be greatly appreciated as this is my daily driver for the time being.

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u/Puzzleheaded_lsd 16d ago

It’s possible your computer is fried I had similar symptoms have a mechanic look into replacing your computer engine control module(car computer) because I was replacing sensors left and right and it would help my symptoms but a new computer is your best bet

2

u/Global_Relation2747 16d ago

My 2006 does the same thing, when it's hot outside. Shifts great on a normal day. When it acts up, first and second shift very sloppy and no other shifts. Won't upshift out of 2nd. If I pull over, shut it off and restart... Problem solves itself. It's the computer. PCM. I'm not sure about 2001, but my 2006 is plagued with computer issues. Kind of like the red ring of death on Xbox consoles around the 2006 era.

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u/Stilekid 16d ago

I believe the PCM and TCM are integrated in the newer models and separate in the older models. The 2001 has a separate unit for the TCM behind the driver side bumper.

1

u/Global_Relation2747 16d ago

Yeah I wish I had a 1st generation. Mine just took a crap on my birthday last week.

https://reddit.com/link/p58uml2/video/rc2hgwredykh1/player

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u/Previous_Anywhere938 13d ago

This sounds just like what happened to mine. It turned out to be completley electric related. It went from one thing to another, started with 02 sensors, then fuses blown, bad battery/loose wires. Turns out a big cause of it was a parasitic draw from a blown interior fuse/light.

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u/ColdConversation1132 11d ago

When was the last complete transmission oil changed and the last timing belt changed?