My wife's 850 recently developed a strange characteristic while idling. FWIW, It's an automatic transmission. The car will jerk while at a stop light (or anywhere for a prolonged time. It isn't a huge jerk but because your foot is on the brake, the engine idle is affected. My wife described it to me as "missing a beat". ;) However, after taking it for a ride, it has a definite affect on the motion of the vehicle and engine idle. It also happens in reverse. The transmission seems to be fine and exhibits no other problems. I changed the fluid about 40k miles ago.

I'm a little suspicious after reading about '93 850s and their chronic transmission problems. I'm wondering if anyone is familiar with this or could point me in a good direction?


-jack

After 40k miles, your tranny fluid could probably stand to be changed. It might even clear up your problem.

Good luck.

Hi

What does the engine idle like with the transmission in 'N' neutral? My guess is that your tranny is ok but the motor may need a tune up.

Matt

when the car is in neutral, the idling is fine and steady. It only does this jerk when in gear. I recently (1.5 years ago) put new plugs and wires on it. The only thing I haven't done recently is the distributor and rotor. Do you still think it's the engine?

-jack

is the rpm gauge steady or lobing?
If its steady probably your front engine mount or your right engine mount.
Check your top one to see if its broken. (the rubber insert) You can rock the car (engine off and in park) and see if the rubber in mount is separating or not and how far the engine rocks back and forth.