2003 Aerio SX...needing help from the mechanically inclined (and that's NOT me!)

[w2e]

Okay ladies and gents...
I own a 2003 Suzuki Aerio SX 2wd with approx. 43K miles. Everything has been fine until this year.

First....grinding brakes. Note that the brake pads did NOT need to be replaced, they were fine, just Suzuki's inability to maintain lube on the break components (according to my mechanic...but if that sounds like a crock, please let me know).
That problem has since been fixed (it took 4 visits to the shop, but at least that problem is "at bay" for now).

Now for the doozy and where I really need some help.

Recently, after getting my battery replaced (it died), my "check engine" light went on. Apparently I had a spark plug that needed replacing. Right after that happened I noticed that at higher speeds (50-60 mph) the car would "jump" and almost loose power when I took my foot off of the accelerator. Left it with the mechanic today, and he thinks it may be a tranny issue. Fuel injector cleaner has been done and all other services have been maintained. Could it really be a tranny issue or is my mechanic full of it?

Another possibility stated by the mechanic is when the battery was replaced the car did not maintain power so the system "lost its memory" on how I drive therefore when driving on highways at higher speeds (I do more city driving at lower speeds than hwy driving at higher speeds) it looses what gear it should be in since it is not familiar anymore (because it lost its memory). Again, if this sounds like a crock, let me know.

And if it is a tranny issue, does anyone know what the Suzuki warranty is on such issues and the expiry of such warranty's? Keeping in mind I bought the car in Canada in 2003 and then moved to the US the following year (only mentioning as I'm not sure if that has any bearing on the warranty).

Before I pick up the phone and call Suzuki myself, I thought I would put these issues out there to see if anyone has any wise advice. As I'm sure you can see, I'm in need of some as I'm not exactly a car expert!

Thank you for your words of wisdom in advance!

Replies to this message:

[billbon8]

Hello,

I have an 03 Aerio. Last year, I removed the battery to clean the terminals. Although it will wipe out the memory, it won't change the driveability at all. I suspect that all you have is bad spark plugs. These are somewhat expensive ($8/ea), but I would replace these first. Also, if you're concerned about the tranny, remove the drain plug (10 mm allen key) and check the fluid. When I changed mine it looked a little dark but not too bad for 70k. I measured what came out (about 3 quarts) and put back the same. This car uses Dexron III and I would also check the level hot once you've changed it out. Good luck...

Bill