Chrysler Repair: 2000 Cirrus 2.4: engine surges at speed, manual shift transmission, autozone

Question
Hey Roland, My 2000 Cirrus 2.4 "surges" while maintaining speed (55-60)on the flatland or downhill, with or without the cruise. Any thoughts?  Thanks,Jeff

Answer
Hi Jeff,
If by "surges" you mean the rpm goes up but not the speed, that would indicated a slipping clutch (convention clutch if a manual shift transmission or internal clutch if an automatic transmission). If an automatic then I would check the fluid level in the trans and if normal then get a fault code readout (free at an Autozone parts store or about $40 at an independent shop) to see what the trans controller might have logged as the reason for the surge (ask for the 4-digit fault code number). Let me know any codes and we can go from there. If your automatic trans fluid is low, use only ATF+4 and don't overfill it.
Roland