I have a 1990 Camry (Automatic) and it jerks from a stop, similar to how a car jerks when someone is learning to drive a manual transmission. If I accelerate very slowly then the jerks are not felt. Once the rpm is high enough (around 2000 to 3000, I am guessing because there is no rpm gauge in the dash board or I don't know where to look) it runs fine. Same thing happens on reserve. Some time it will stall when pressing the gas and will start again immediately. It is more noticeable on wet days.

Some History:
1. About six months ago, I had similar problem (it was jerking even in idle). I replaced the spark-plug wires along with the rotor cap because I could see arcing between the wires in when hood is open. It ran fine after the replacements.
2. Few weeks ago, the problem resurfaced and I changed the plug wire and rotor cap again. It ran fine on the first day but I have the same problem again.


I think, there is a leak in the manifold because I can feel the exausht heat when getting out from driver's seat.

Could this jerking be related to this manifold leak?

Or should I change the "ignition coils"?


Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks.

You should just give it a good old-fashioned tune-up and go from there with the problem. If the problem persists after the tune-up, then you could move on to what other things you think it could be, like your exhaust leak for example.

I had a problem simliar to the jerkiness and stalling on my 93. It idled very roughly and sometimes would stall while sitting still. From a complete stop it was very jerky. I cleaned the EGR valve and all has been well since then. Hope that helps!