92 Taurus 3.0 sluggish

Hi, my 1992 Taurus L 3.0 is having a problem with sluggish acceleration and jerking during accelleration. Also the engine light comes on randomly especially if you try to accellerate too fast. It typically gets worse in hotter weather. Today there was a fuel smell while driving and it was jerking and almost stalling after leaving a red light. Any help with possible scenarios I might be facing? I know the fuel filter has probably never been replaced and the car has just over 100K miles. Could this be the problem?

That is a good place to start. Also how long since last tune up? Air filter replacement and general maintenance items?

See if any of the local chain auto parts stores in your area will read the codes at no charge. If not, since you have an OBD-I car, you can pull the codes without a scan tool.

In the mean time, you may want to inspect under the hood of your car for rotted, loose, cracked, or broken vacuum lines. The raw fuel smell may be due to your car running very rich. If that's the case, your catalytic converters will be getting REALLY hot trying to convert all the unburned fuel to water and won't last too long that way.

A general tune up as way2old suggested is a good start if that hasn't been done recently. In the process of the tune up, you may find some suspect vacuum lines. When checking the air filter, make sure the Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor is plugged in. Also make sure the air intake tube from the air filter housing to the throttle body is properly seated and snug.

-Rod