Q: RPMs go up and down

asked by on February 10, 2016

Usually, after driving for about an hour, the RPMs go from around 2, jump up to 3, then back down again, accompanied by a jolt. This happens until the car is turned off and rested for about 30 minutes. I have also had it happen without driving for a long time.

Hello. Your car is equipped with a computer-controlled transmission, so a scanner should be connected, the system checked for codes, and the data analyzed. This vehicle doesn’t have a dipstick for the transmission, so a special procedure must be followed to verify the trans level. You didn’t mention at what speed or in which gears this occurs, but a 1000 rpm difference sounds like it’s jumping between gears (i.e., gear 3, to 2, back to 3). You may need the aid of a mechanic to check the trans level and connect a scanner, and consult your last road test for a proper diagnosis.

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