Alright, one more shot

I've posted this problem before but no one seems to know. So for the newbs and others who haven't seen it, I need help BIG TIME.

My problem is getting worse every month and is starting to really affect my driving. I almost ran into someones bumper.

Whenever I'm driving, say in 4th gear, and I let off the gas to decelerate, the car buckles forward and feels like it's loose. So once I'm decelerating and slow down to around 25-20 mph and stopping, the car then feels like it's holding on then suddenly it will buckle forward and backward like it's not holding on to the power no more. It just waves back and fourth, almost in a bouncing motion. So when I come do a stop and then start to move, I can gently press the gas or gun it and the car will bang forward. It's no smooth transaction from slow to fast or from stop to go. I can be doing 30, 45, 55, etc. and it does the same thing, It lurches forward when I hit the gas and buckles back when I let off the gas. Even If I let off the gas slightly or just drop it, the car will buckle back harshly.

So the other day when I'm following close to a car and they keep slowing down and gassing it, I'm trying to hit the gas as slightly as possible, but the car will lunge forward and I have to hit the brakes fast cause the I would almost hit the guys bumper. I've been told that the front of the car raises up and down when it lunges forward very high. Same goes for when I let off the gas as slightly as possible, the car will buckle back. It almost has a little hop to it when it does it.

I've tryed revving it up in my driveway, in neutral with my ebrake on the car does not buckle at all or the engine doesn't buckle at all either. It's smooth when I let off the gas and smooth when I hit the gas. So it's not the engine, but what?

Also, when I'm driving say 45 mph, let off the gas, car lunges forward and then hit the gas, the car will sometimes(only 3 or 4 times a week) skip. It's like I'm pressing the gas, but the car justs bounces forward. It's almost like it's not moving but is trying to but rattles the whole car. The whole car will shudder loudly and the whole chassis will rattlel like a tin can, then it'll move and it's fine.

I beg of anyone to help with this. It's getting worse and I have no clue what the hell it could be. Please, any ideas. I think I'm going to cry

Might be your front suspension. Get it checked out. Also, check your motor mounts. Sounds like one of them might be loose, and that would cause your car to buckle slightly. Almost sounds like the lower mount by the tranny.

It probably is the suspension. It's just when I tryed it in the driveway, the engine never buckled or whatnot.

Any way to check the mounts for sure if their good or not? And where's the lower mount for the tranny? Actually, where are all the mounts?

Also I would check your transmission mounts. Maybe even your timing, my car does that shit when my timing is off, also did that when the transmission mounts were shot.

Hmmm. This (http://www.binghamtonlife.com/manual/2gsm/images/91-5-7.jpg) should help a little. Like I said, check out that lower tranny mount, expecially if it's an automatic. The best way to check your motor mounts is to put it in gear, hold the brake and press on the gas. Slowly bring your rpm's up and see if the motor moves alot (have someone help you, and raise the hood). But, try it out and let us know what happens.

The best way to check your motor mounts is to put it in gear, hold the brake and press on the gas.

Doing this while letting the clutch out, like I'm starting to move from a stop? Alright, I'll give it a try once I get off work and after I get my new goodyears put on today.

Okay, yeah... You have a manual..... Right, like your moving from a stop. Just make sure you have someone to watch for ya.

Thanks Fibori, I'll give it a shot later today with my friend and we'll see.

But how much should the engine move, or should it move at all when trying this?

Yeah definatly check the mounts. you can do it an easyer way though, With the engine off put it in first and dont put on the ebrake. Pop your hood and stand infront of it and kinda rock the car forward and backwards and see how much the motor moves. if it moves a whole lot you need new mounts.

It could also be a fuel problem. One time I seen this was someone had put some small round balls in someones gastank, it would fuck with the pickup tube when they slowed down and when they accelerated.

I dont see how it could be mounts, if they were so bad the motor itself would just move inside the engine bay and the car would not raise up like he was saying.

my car basically ran on two motor mounts, when i got in it the motor would hit the firewall and thats how it would stop flexing, not good at all but i still managed to run 14.7's and hit 2.1 60's with that problem and my car never had that problem as stated.

Well, I got with one of my buddys and did this. I pulled up against a parking curve, started the car, pulled the ebrake up, stuck in first and started to let the clutch out and gave it some gas to keep it running. My friend said that the back of the engine, where the DPFI box is, really dipped down alot and looking at the valve cover, the engine didn't move alot but did move. He said the back part was more noticable and that it moved maybe about an 1" 1/2. We even looked at his car, a 91 mazda protege and compared the two, and mine moved alot more than his did. So what do u guys say?

Also, I forgot to mention. When the car does jerk back and forth, u can feel it in the shifter. I don't know if my shifter should be really wigglely when in gear and moving, but you can see it shake when the car jerks or bobs.

Now, what could it be?

Get underneath the car and check your transmission mount (It's on the back of the transmisson/differential). See if it's damaged/broken/loose. It's a good place to start.
Also, try the same test, but with reverse. That will allow your motor to flex back up. Just a good way to check everything.

the shifter is connected to the tranny, so it is in essense part of the engine assembly. It should flex a little (mine moves 1/4 - 1/2" when I step on or off the throttle) - this is a natural movement related to the application of torque when stepping on the gas. However, it shouldn't be extreme.
Check out the link to the pic a few posts up from Fidori again. The engine has one big mount on the driver side to the frame, and the other three are located on the tranny. If any of these are bad, there could be some issues. Also, check your throttle cable and make sure it is not too tight. It should have the tinyest amount of play in it. If it is too tight, it might also make it hard to have the smooth transition from gas on/off but again, it shouldn't be that extreme with only 70hp (STD) or 92hp (DX) under the hood.
V8's make the front half of the car twist dude...and you think your engine is acting torquey :tongue: :uhoh:

it shouldn't be that extreme with only 70hp (STD) or 92hp (DX) under the hood.


Your right, it shouldn't be extreme but that's what it is. I'll check the back tranny mount tommorow and see how it is. And I've tighten the throttle cable a few weeks back but It still has a little play in it, and I've had this problem going on for almost a year now so I'm pretty fed up with it.

I've been thinking but could the dashpot, pcv valve or even the cat. do this?

I would definitely check your tranny mounts. From what you describe this is exactly the problem I had and I never figured it out until I was underneath the car one day and notice that my front tranny mount was not bolted to the front end at all, I found some bolts, put them in and the jerkiness was greatly reduced.

I would definitely check your tranny mounts. From what you describe this is exactly the problem I had and I never figured it out until I was underneath the car one day and notice that my front tranny mount was not bolted to the front end at all, I found some bolts, put them in and the jerkiness was greatly reduced.

That makes me feel so assured! I'll check tommorow once votec is over and I'll reply back. But before I do......... The rubber in the mounts, how can you tell if they're bad or need replacing? Same questions go for the mounts?

Driving home today from school, my engine light came on and I checked the ECU. So I reset it and it came on again which isn't good. Same blinking pattern on the ECU (1 blink for Oxygen Content) so I'm curious now. Could the O2 sensor be doing all this crap? I'm going to replace it as soon as I can.

Alright, heres the lowdown, I believe it's the front tranny mount that is a little below the radiator.

Yesterday, I jacked the engine up from the bottom of the tranny and that put pressure on it so the motor wouldn't move. I ran the car and none of the jerkiness happened, so that means that there shouldn't be anything wrong with the timing or engine itself.

So then I jacked it up even more to allow the jackstands to be placed under the car. Lowered the jack under the tranny and allowed the engine to rest on it's weight like normally. Then I turned it on, stuck it in first gear and let it run. Funny thing is that the car sat there running right at idle, so I got out and started to press the throttle linkage. I believe I got up her up to about 3k and immediatly let go of the cable and the engine lunched forward and then I pressed it in again before it could get to idle and the engine snapped back. I looked at the front transmission mount and saw it jiggle alot when I did the gas. The rest of the mounts barely moved at all.

I looked closely at the front mount and noticed that there is a crack that goes straight down the middle of the mount. I believe that this is the problem.

I don't know much about mounts but it moved alot. Am I right on this or not?

Also, how hard is it to replace the front mount? How do you do it?

yeah I'd say your tranny mount is shot, if you dont have the money to get a new you could could try this- make your own poly motor mounts (http://importnut.net/motormount.htm)

The Prothane motor mount inserts will do wonders also for like 30 bucks... However, if you put them all in your car will vibrate like a mother...

Interesting Article, but I'd rather buy a new one since time is short to work on her now. And that explains why I have wheel hopping when I first launch in the morning. I hope that by replacing it, it will stop the jerkiness and wheel hop. I'm praying on it.

So what's the easiest way to replace them at home? Jack the tranny and engine up relieving the mounts, unbolt them and them bolt the new one in?

Also, and I know this is stupid, If I replace this mount, will the jerkiness that I experience stop for sure? I almost hit another guys bumper today. It has to stop.

If its that bad you need to check all of your other mounts and make sure they are decent.

I was going to ask and start another thread about the other mount but I guess I'll ask here.

The left tranny mount, on the passenger side, is akward looking. It seem like it's bolted on at an angle, sloping downward a bit but is still bolted on the tranny top. There is also a metal bar the vers off the the left of the mount with a little circle cut into it. Then on the mount where it bolts to the tranny, there is a identical bar that extends out that is adjacent to the top one with a circle cut into it.

Should these be touching or should they be apart like they are now? I can stick my index finger between them and it's a good fit. Any one ever see this before?

Its pouring down raining and my car is in the yard, so i'm not going to go look lol

and yeah just put a jack under it and unbolt the old and and put the new one in.

Its pouring down raining and my car is in the yard, so i'm not going to go look lol

Thanks for attempting to look for me. When you get the chance reply back.

went and looked, mine points down also, and it is supposed to have room between the things so that it will flex some.

Alright, thanks again SilentChamber! :thumbsup: So I guess that it's alright. No need to replace it. It just looked a little odd to me pointing downward like that.

Well, next friday, I'll get payed and will get a front mount and hopefully have it installed by sunday. I'll reply back hopefully saying it fixed it or not. Thanks to everyone for their help. U guys are fantastic!

Bump

I ordered the front mount today, should be in by tommorow morning. But my concern is that it may not be the front mount. Would the problem be more likely towards the rear one or the front? I've read so much on here how the front one doesn't do anything, even it's broken. Do you think I'm fixing the wrong mount?

I just finally found out something, I don't think I should've ordered the front mount. The stupid @#$holes at advance auto parts gave me the wrong one so I'll have to wait another day. But I'm tempting to stop the order now cause I found out there are inserts. I didn't think they made them for our car. I'm looking at the energy suspension inserts, 2 right? and might order.

I mean, I really don't need the whole front mount cause my metal part isn't broken, it's just the rubber inside it cracked all to hell.

Are the inserts all I need to stop engine moving? How well are energy suspension inserts? I need to know sometime soon here guys!

I just finally found out something, I don't think I should've ordered the front mount. The stupid @#$holes at advance auto parts gave me the wrong one so I'll have to wait another day. But I'm tempting to stop the order now cause I found out there are inserts. I didn't think they made them for our car. I'm looking at the energy suspension inserts, 2 right? and might order.

I mean, I really don't need the whole front mount cause my metal part isn't broken, it's just the rubber inside it cracked all to hell.

Are the inserts all I need to stop engine moving? How well are energy suspension inserts? I need to know sometime soon here guys!

I got the inserts, they work too well for my taste. The motor doesn't move at all. It's fine for driving but at idle the motor vibrates the whole car. I may bump the idle a little to smooth things out. They're cheap, give them a try. :) GL

I ordered some from summit today for $19.99 which in my opinion is great. I actually stopped the shipment of the front mount and got a refund but the stupid people that work at Advance auto parts for some reason said I never paid for it when here I have the actual receipts. Oh well, but now I'll wait and we'll see what happens.

Now, JohnB16a2, you said it also as others about the vibrating. How bad are we talking about here. Muscle car bad or just sub-like vibration bad?

I ordered some from summit today for $19.99 which in my opinion is great. I actually stopped the shipment of the front mount and got a refund but the stupid people that work at Advance auto parts for some reason said I never paid for it when here I have the actual receipts. Oh well, but now I'll wait and we'll see what happens.

Now, JohnB16a2, you said it also as others about the vibrating. How bad are we talking about here. Muscle car bad or just sub-like vibration bad?


Well they won't shake the teeth out of your head but I would have to say sub-like vibration bad. It's not bad really, just lots more than stock. Hope this helps.

Good lord, it vibrates like the engines about to fall apart. And this is just the front mount installed. The back one we'll do next week. I just upped the idle to exactly 1k so it smooths it out a little.

Good news, it seems the mounts are the problem. After putting in the new inserts, the car is a little more responsive to what I do. Somehow I can downshift alot better. And from what I've read, the front one will make a little notice but the back one is the main one to replace. I did run around my church's parking lot with the hood up to see if the engine was moving and the front doesn't move at all, the back (the dpfi box) u can tell really dips down though. Hopefully, once I get the back one in it will stop for good. Now, if I insert the back mount inserts, will the car vibrate more and will the engine stop completely?

Glad to hear that was the problem. I actually know something!! w00t!

Good lord, it vibrates like the engines about to fall apart. And this is just the front mount installed. The back one we'll do next week. I just upped the idle to exactly 1k so it smooths it out a little.

Good news, it seems the mounts are the problem. After putting in the new inserts, the car is a little more responsive to what I do. Somehow I can downshift alot better. And from what I've read, the front one will make a little notice but the back one is the main one to replace. I did run around my church's parking lot with the hood up to see if the engine was moving and the front doesn't move at all, the back (the dpfi box) u can tell really dips down though. Hopefully, once I get the back one in it will stop for good. Now, if I insert the back mount inserts, will the car vibrate more and will the engine stop completely?

Good to hear you seem to be on the right track.

I would think after you install the rear mount the car vibrate a little less. Right now all the engines movement is concentrated on the back mount (the one with the most free play). I really don't think my car vibrates too badly but everyone's perception is different.

Good to hear you seem to be on the right track.

I would think after you install the rear mount the car vibrate a little less. Right now all the engines movement is concentrated on the back mount (the one with the most free play). I really don't think my car vibrates too badly but everyone's perception is different.


I can only hope that it does stop it a little more. Hopefully I'll reply back once the back one is in to see if the the problem is fully solved. But for now, I'm already happy :)

It's been awhile but I finally got around to getting it to my local shop to see what they could do. They told me today that they took the mount off to put the inserts in and said not only is it solid, it's also cracked from the center bolt all the way down and it's huge. I could never see since I was I was looking up. So they stuck it all back together and told me that it was my choice on whether I wanted the inserts in or a new mount. Now, from your guys previous years behind me in owning these civics, what would you say. Should I try the inserts or should I just get the whole mount and be done with it? And will the whole mount last longer than the inserts too cause I don't want to deal with this problem down the road?

Bumping this one more time cause I need to know by monday.

And last question, I promise. The inserts came with two metal rings, what are they used for?

Bumping this one more time cause I need to know by monday.

And last question, I promise. The inserts came with two metal rings, what are they used for?

If they are the washers they go on either side of the inserts. There is a shaft that goes through the mount that the bolt goes through. They are just big enough to fit over the shaft.

It's been awhile but I finally got around to getting it to my local shop to see what they could do. They told me today that they took the mount off to put the inserts in and said not only is it solid, it's also cracked from the center bolt all the way down and it's huge. I could never see since I was I was looking up. So they stuck it all back together and told me that it was my choice on whether I wanted the inserts in or a new mount. Now, from your guys previous years behind me in owning these civics, what would you say. Should I try the inserts or should I just get the whole mount and be done with it? And will the whole mount last longer than the inserts too cause I don't want to deal with this problem down the road?

I say give the inserts a try, they aren't too hard to put in and they will definitely last the life of the car. Like I mentioned before, the only thing you will have an issue with is the level of vibration. But a small boost in idle should get rid of most of the vibration. GL

Also don't worry about asking questions! :)

here is my little story with mounts. broke my first one. no big deal. broke a second mount. okay, now driving is starting to suck. BAM! 3rd mount breaks. it felt like i busted an axle. replaced them and now it's all fine and dandy. after the first broke, it wasn't too long before the 2nd. after the 2nd it was rather quickly that the 3rd went.

my point? you might just want to replace them all. you could find 1 used mount to get you by. you could pick up all used mounts. pick up all new mounts. whatever floats your boat, and your wallet allows

sorry for the late reply...i was out of town and am trying to catch up

here is my little story with mounts. broke my first one. no big deal. broke a second mount. okay, now driving is starting to suck. BAM! 3rd mount breaks. it felt like i busted an axle. replaced them and now it's all fine and dandy. after the first broke, it wasn't too long before the 2nd. after the 2nd it was rather quickly that the 3rd went.

my point? you might just want to replace them all. you could find 1 used mount to get you by. you could pick up all used mounts. pick up all new mounts. whatever floats your boat, and your wallet allows

sorry for the late reply...i was out of town and am trying to catch up

Thanks ami.

Well, got the shop to put it in today and the motor is stiff as a brick but still moves a little but not nearly as much as it did. The vibrations are awful but I'll get used to it. But taking it for a test drive proved nothing. It stills jumps back and forward when letting off or hitting the accelerator. So now I'm really pissed off cause I was for sure that was the problem and that's what you all pinpointed too. So what else could it be? Now these are just other things I'm randomly thinking of, but how about:

- ignition timing
- catalytic convertor
- axles
- clutch itself
- clutch adjustment needed
- loose throttle line (though I've tightened really close to not being too tight)

So if you would excuse me, I'm going to go hit my head on the desk here. Damn car, just run properly.

Thanks ami.

Well, got the shop to put it in today and the motor is stiff as a brick but still moves a little but not nearly as much as it did. The vibrations are awful but I'll get used to it. But taking it for a test drive proved nothing. It stills jumps back and forward when letting off or hitting the accelerator. So now I'm really pissed off cause I was for sure that was the problem and that's what you all pinpointed too. So what else could it be? Now these are just other things I'm randomly thinking of, but how about:

- ignition timing
- catalytic convertor
- axles
- clutch itself
- clutch adjustment needed
- loose throttle line (though I've tightened really close to not being too tight)

So if you would excuse me, I'm going to go hit my head on the desk here. Damn car, just run properly.

Sorry the inserts didn't help, a while ago you mentioned the dashpot. Did you get a chance to check that?

Sorry the inserts didn't help, a while ago you mentioned the dashpot. Did you get a chance to check that?

The day I checked it was the day I bent my radiator hose and broke it so I haven't gotten a good chance to check it out yet.

Okay, I've been trying to narrow it down to what could possibly be doing it and this is what I've come up with. Please correct me if what I say is wrong or whatever you say cause I need help. If the car is sitting on all fours, parked like normal in my driveway, I rev it up, giving and letting off the gas and the car does not jerk at all. It's solid and there is no pauses or clunks at all. So here's a list of things that could not be the problem.
- Timing belt
- Spark Plugs
- Dist.
- Fuel Injection system
- Bent valves
- Radiator coolant
- Throttle linkage /-can't be-/
^^^^These things would definently show signs of jerkiness, but since the car is on the ground and not moving than they can't be the problem cause then the jerkiness would happen. Am I right?

Now, when I jacked up the front of the car under the tranny letting both front wheels dangle in the air, I started the car and let it run in first gear. So then I hit the gas, both letting off and giving it gas and the jerkiness is relevant. It's exactly what happens when I'm driving. So thinking of this, here's a list I came up with on possibility's since they're happening only when the car is suspended like this.
- Mounts (but can't be since I put energy suspension inserts in)
- Dashpot /-can't be-/
- Axles
- Clutch
- Differential inside tranny
- Clutch adjustment /-can't be-/

Okay, still with me? I'm hoping on it.

Now I forgot to mention this earlier, but I can almost play around with this problem when moving. There's almost a dead spot in the accerelator where I can make the jerkiness go back n' forth really fast. And also, it seems like when letting out the clutch when it engages, it makes the car jerk too everytime, especially when downshifting. That's when it's worst. But I've tightened the throttle cable to what it says in helms and it makes no difference. But I remember one time when I tighten it too far where it got stuck and rev's up and the jerkiness in driving and shifting were gone. But I can't drive around like that.

And when I bought the car, the cv joint was busted really bad so we got a reconditioned axles for the left side of the car from napa. Before that, we got one from pep-boys and when we tried it, it didn't fit in the splines. But the napa one did but could we have gotten a wrong axle? It's just a suggestion.

So what do you gus say about all this? It's been frying my mind now for the last 6 months since I've gotten really ticked off about it and now I'm pretty darn pissed. :banghead:. I'm actually considering getting rid of it and just getting something else but the car has potential and I really can't do it. Help please.

Are there any trouble codes? Is the CEL (Check engine light) on? Make sure all the wire harness connections are seated properly.

All connections are good and the only engine light that is on right now is the 02 sensor one. I haven't had a real good chance to replace it yet.

A bad O2 sensor will make it run like crap maybe that's the problem?

I think now is the time to replace it so maybe it will fix it, but I won't know till it's in there. Also, if a clutch is not adjusted properly, could it do this too cause when I turned the knob today left to loosen it, the knob started to spin really freely and the thing won't move anymore so I'm turning right now to get it adjusted. Maybe it isn't tight.

I think now is the time to replace it so maybe it will fix it, but I won't know till it's in there. Also, if a clutch is not adjusted properly, could it do this too cause when I turned the knob today left to loosen it, the knob started to spin really freely and the thing won't move anymore so I'm turning right now to get it adjusted. Maybe it isn't tight.

Scratch that off the list. I adjusted the clutch to normal specs yesterday and was a little off but it can't be it. Also, it can't be the dashpot either cause I unhooked the vaccum line and it revved up to 3k, so I adjusted to 2.5k like the manual says. But nothing has changed. So scratch that off the list too. And the throttle linkage is fine too as I checked that and adjusted as needed. so scratch that off three.

Maybe your right, Johnb16a2, it could be the 02 sensor. I searched it up and read what problems people were having and no one said anything about a clunk on acceration but they said thier cars ran like crap. I'm still getting about 38 mpg regular. I also hear that bubble like noise from the exhaust too so that may lead to it and the car is running really rich cause of the egg smell.

Got a question, does the car smoke (like white) when this surging is going on?

Pure clean co2 coming out. It's funny u ask that though cause when it gets colder, my car still smokes after driving it for like half an hour. It's not blue or nothing but steam. Most cars warm up and quit smoking, but mine just keeps pooring out after driving for a while.

Honda-tech guys said it could be the TPS and the ignition timing. Is it worth it to check it out.

Maybe the TPS but I would think the problem would be there all the time not just when your driving but who knows.:confused:

my guess would be tps since you said it didnt do it when you had the throttle cable too tight and your description of a dead spot just my :2cents: though

Okay, as I'm getting madder at the problem, I'm learning more about how bad it is. Now I'm starting to feel it in the clutch area too. Whenever I'm shifting gears and let out the clutch to engage, the car will jerk like it does with hitting the gas and letting off the gas. One time today, my foot slipped off the clutch (business shoes) and when the clutch engaged, the car jerked badly. So whatever the problem it is, it's also happening with the clutch too. Just wanted to post that up and maybe you guys can give me some advice?

I did go out today and checked the tps by unplugging it and driving the car around and the car started idling all crazy and the ecu light came. The ecu light has never came on for it and the idle has never been that crazy, so my tps, I'm guessing, is alright, but once I find my voltmeter, I measure it and tell u what I've found.

It's just I can't get over what it could be. I mean it only does it when I'm moving but when the car is still, it's fine and shows no signs of the problem. It must be mechanical for all I know in the drivetrain. God, if there was someway to fix this.

Big update!

Finally had time on my hands today and got a friend to come with me. We jacked the car up again letting the front tires spin freely and started to hit the gas and now the jerkiness has stopped. When I jacked it up before, it did (this was before the motor mount inserts) jerk a whole lot, but since the inserts are in, It's stopped and no matter how hard I tried on the pedal, I couldn't get it to jerk.

So we let her down on all 4's and run her around and sure enough, it's jerking again. So we test the voltage on the tps and it read fine, 5v. So then we tried the ignition timing and the red mark is off so we timed her back to normal and then run her around. The jerkiness is still there but the car pinged like crazy.

Now how can that be if the car is timed right, but pings like crazy (it's loud)? I don't know a whole lot about the timing belt, but is it possible the timing belt may have skipped a tooth? Cause in order to the get the red mark lined up, we had to advance the dizzy all the way till it stopped, all the way to where it wouldn't move anymore. This isn't good, right?

I'm gettin so sick of trying to find the problem, that I'll quit for a while and come back. Hopefully, after the first of the year, I can get a mechanic to figure it out, but now, I need to focus on school and here shortly, college. So once I find anything out, I repost back. Maybe one day we can finally solve this unsolvable problem. But I have one last question that sparks my interest.

Since my alternator is starting to show it's age, could that really be why that maybe whenever I launch, the car isn't getting enough electricity and is making it jerk hard?

And one more thing, is say when going through the shopping parking lot, when my foot is steady on the accelerator holding at 5 mph, the car will lurch forward and back like it's not holding the power steady. And the whole time, I'm not moving my foot at all but it's steadly on the pedal. This is the dead spot that I was talking about earlier where I can play with the pedal and make the car move back and forth harshly. It just's not steady, but it wobbles back and fourth on the power band at around 5mph, but above that it's fine. Any help?

Did you check your front suspension? When your motor mounts went out, (if they were alltogether bad) it could have damaged your front suspension, allowing it to flex back and forth. Get the car up on all 4's and shake the tires back and forth. If you can hear noise, or they can move more than they look like they should, you could have a bad bushing(s). Just another option.

Based on your description, I agree the TPS needs more investigation. GL