96 jetta sputters when accelerating

I've been having problems with my manual 96 jetta sputtering when I accelerate at low RPM's. Once I reach about 2000-3000 RPM the sputtering stops and the car drives fine. This only happens when I try to accelerate fast. If I accelerate slowly then there usually isn't a problem. Also, when I run the heater, there is a gas smell in the car. I'm not a car guy so I'm not exactly sure what is wrong. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

First check all the maintenance items; filters, plugs, cap rotor, wires, etc.... Check for oil leaks onto the exhaust.

I just got a 1995 Jetta from my Mother who hasn't been driving this car since she got a new Toyota. She was having the same problems with the Jetta. She took it many times to the dealer and they weren't able to fix the problem or didn't know what caused it. Full tune up was done as well.

I got the car and I am able to duplicate the issue. During take off if I push on the pedal slightly it will sputter, but if I press 1/4 of more it will not sputter. Even if I am driving at high rpms and I let of the gas and then press the gas lightly it will sputter.

I am still searching for a fix on this.

I have a 95 Jetta that had a similar sounding problem for many months until I found the greatest VW mechanics on earth. If the car sputters only at a certain RPM, have someone check the engine speed sensor. It didn't happen all the time, but when it did, it was almost like the car was coughing. The Engine Speed Sensor was fixed and it's been fine for 2 years now.


I just got a 1995 Jetta from my Mother who hasn't been driving this car since she got a new Toyota. She was having the same problems with the Jetta. She took it many times to the dealer and they weren't able to fix the problem or didn't know what caused it. Full tune up was done as well.

I got the car and I am able to duplicate the issue. During take off if I push on the pedal slightly it will sputter, but if I press 1/4 of more it will not sputter. Even if I am driving at high rpms and I let of the gas and then press the gas lightly it will sputter.

I am still searching for a fix on this.

my 96 did the same thing. i changed the air filter and noticed i had a whole in the tube that goes from the air box to the motor. you might also have a slight vacume leak