When I started my car & pressed the gas to back out, my car hesitated then shot back. same thing in drive.?

Question

I have a 2000 Dodge Intrepid (automatic). Could it be my transmission or maybe my fuel injector? When I press the gas its like its in neutral at first but then its like my car jumps into gear and then shoots forward or back if in reverse. Its been doing this for 3 days so far. Is a sign of something simple like not letting it warm up first or is it a sign of a major repair? Any quick fix suggestions?

p.s If it means anything its been cold as crap the last 3 days and everytime the car reacted this way I had just turned the car on.

Answer 1

First thing I'd check is the transmission fluid. It expands when hot and contracts when cold. If you are low and now very cold it could be low enough to not pickup when the car is first cranked. Putting in gear and then "reving the engine" with the gas will cause the fluid to suddenly pickup and jam the car into gear with the engine already revved up. that causes you to "lurch" backwards or forwards depending on what gear. Especially if this gets better once you drive it and the car warms up. The expanding fluid from the heat might then rise to the level just high enough to allow the transmission to work. Running it low on fluid will rapidly ruin it if that is the problem. Good luck either way.

Answer 2

Had a similar problem not too long ago. Its most likely not the temperature, I live in Minnesota. Take the car in and have the tech. check the vacuum lines, in connection with the fuel system.

Most likely not the fuel pump, as a fuel pump usually just goes out.....period. Transmission could be to blame, but you would usually see other signs of a bad transmission. i.e. Shifting hard, downshifting poorly.

Answer 3

It could be something simple your best bet to find out is to take your car to a parts store and let them run an OBD test that would probably tell you where to start. Then you can fix it.

Answer 4

transmission... its a dodge.....nuff said