Engine Sputters & stumble.

Hello Fredjacksonsan. I have a new problem with my pickup now. When I 'm going down the highway and give it some gas, it wants to stumble like it is not getting the gas. It jerks and kind of sputters. I don't know if it is a gas problem or ignition problem. I've read the manual on changing the fuel filter and man is that a job. You have to lower the gas tank to get to the filter. I don't see why they made it that way. Anyway, Do you or anyone else out there have any suggestions on what I could do to check out?

Thanks for any suggestions to anyone!

sounds like your o2 sensors.

sounds like your o2 sensors.

Well I just replaced the 02 senors about two weeks ago. This was before this problem ocurred. I changed them out to get better gas mileage and they were probably the originals that were in there.

Well I just replaced the 02 senors about two weeks ago. This was before this problem ocurred. I changed them out to get better gas mileage and they were probably the originals that were in there.

1998 SLT, 4X4.
5.9 liter @ 176,000 miles.

Plugs, cap and rotor? How long since a tune up?

Throttle position sensor?

How about catalytic converters? If they're clogged they will restrict exhaust flow.

Plugs, cap and rotor? How long since a tune up?

Throttle position sensor?

How about catalytic converters? If they're clogged they will restrict exhaust flow.


I've replaced the plugs & rotor about 2 months ago. As for the wires,cap,throttle sensor, & catalytic converter, no.

Thanks.

Well I just replaced the 02 senors about two weeks ago. This was before this problem ocurred. I changed them out to get better gas mileage and they were probably the originals that were in there.

So the problem started after you changed the O2 sensors? I'd start there for sure. Make sure you've got the electical connections hooked up properly.

So if it is a problem with the 02 sensors then why did it run great after I installed them? It seems that it should have acted up right afterwards instead of waiting a few weeks.

If you've already tuned it up and it hasn't helped, you're intake gasket is probably blown. There is a new style gasket. Have someone ck the intake gasket. Seen a butt load of 'em.

Sorry, I forgot about the software update for spark knock and a bulletin to re-route the plug wires. This will usually correct the problem if it happens mostly going up hill or under heavy acceloration, most often around 45mph.

Sorry, I forgot about the software update for spark knock and a bulletin to re-route the plug wires. This will usually correct the problem if it happens mostly going up hill or under heavy acceloration, most often around 45mph.

Yes it does do it mostly going up hill and upon accelleration and around 45 mph. I did replace the dist cap yesterday & have not had it on the open road yet to see if this corrected the problem. The old cap was in bad shape. I'm kind of trying to eliminate one at a time.

What do you mean by software update? The wires are in a bad location & the cap was in a place that made me cuss.

Thanks for the reply.

I believe he is referring to this TSB
http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2000/09-05-00.htm

Well my Dodge finally bit the dust today. I was driving to the store and it was sputtering and stumbling and I gave it the gas and when I stopped for a light it shut off and would not start again. I think now possibly the fuel pump could be the problem? Anyway I had to get it towed. For sure now I will find out what it was.
It acted as if it was out of gas and I had a half tank.

Just wanted to update this problem to everyone that has replied.

Thanks for the replies.

The catalytic converter has plugged.

What makes you think that the catalytic converter is plugged?

Thanks for the reply.

From what you described, and the amount of miles it has.

I'm telling you, that's what the problem is.

Thanks man. It is at the car shop to be repaired. They will not get to it until after the 4th. I will let you know what they find.

Well I got my truck back today. They kept it all day checking it & found that the coil was bad. Well they replaced it and that fixed one problem. At least it is running again but it is still hesitating and kind of skipping like before. I think I had two problems. I just don't know where to start looking for this hesitaing. They did not test drive at the garage. They put the coil on and started it up assuming it was all done. I could have put the coil on if I knew that was the problem.

Any suggestions anyone?

Thanks.

The catalytic converter.

The catalytic converter.

Well I know that you keep saying that the catalytic converter is bad but after doing some tests I found these symptoms. When in park and reving the engine it sounds & runs great but when I put it in drive or in gear and hold the brake and give it the gas it runs terrible. So this is happening also in gear going down the road. So I'm thinking a transmission sensor maybe?

Does anybody have a clue as to what it may be? Would the cat make it do this in drive and not in park? Please help!

Thanks.

Here's the easy way to check to see if it's the catalytic converters, if you have an O2 sensor just before them in the exhaust. Unscrew the O2 sensor, leave it out and see if that takes the performance problem away. Allowing the exhaust to escape through the hole where the sensor screws in will relieve some or all of the back pressure buildup.

As far as why it happens in drive but not park, I don't know why the cats would do that. It could be something else, let us know what year/engine/and how many miles on your truck.

No that doesn't always work. We took the pre-cat sensor out of my cat when it was plugged and the motor still wouldn't start. Depends how bad the catalyst broke up I guess.

Rough idle under load, not in park or neutral, also caused by a faulty EGR system (valve & sensor) . Had the same problem with my 95 Ram 5.9L which took weeks to troubleshoot.