Slight hesitation / judder on acceleration

[Stevo96]

Hi guys,

The X is a 4.4i, 2003. I've started to get a slight hesitation when the revs are low and I accelerate slightly, when I really put my foot down the hesitation isn't there but if I just touch the throttle it happens. Any ideas?

[cham]

torque converter slipping. mine has done this forever. putting it into sport mode will stop the slip.

adding dr tranny instant judder fix will also calm it for a while

[Stevo96]

I also have an oil leak at the bell housing, this couldn't be related could it? Ie could the oil be coming from the gearbox?

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by Stevo96

I also have an oil leak at the bell housing, this couldn't be related could it? Ie could the oil be coming from the gearbox?

A trans level check may be in order

[Stevo96]

Is this something I can do?

[cham]

put car on 4 ramps. Loosen fill plug. start car, then remove fill plug. if you get seepage, then level is fine.

if dry, consider adding some transmission fluid.

HOWEVER, I would be hesitant to say you have a leak unless you see visible signs under the car. Could have a rear main seal leak of oil, not transmission fluid.

Might be worth a trip to mechanic to be certain

M

[mferek]

My car's been doing this for a while now. It only happens in certain RPM ranges and in certain gears (usually ~2200-2450 RPMs and 2nd/3rd gears). I've checked the transmission fluid level a couple times and it's good. I've read other places that it's possibly caused by the torque converter but i'm not sure how to test/confirm that. I know my TC fluid has never been changed so maybe that would help? I forget if sport mode eliminates the problem or if I just shift differently than the car does so I don't see the problem. I'd love to make it stop as it's rather annoying, but it doesn't seem to really DO anything...

[cham]

yea, low fluid levels cause either harsh shifts or slipping. this is a torque converter
problem without question