96 grand am 5 speed 2.4 jerking

[stangmach104]

The car starts fine and idles fine. Runs good all the way through first gear, but then in second gear if you put pedal about half way down it just starts jerking like its not getting enough fuel or something. Once you get it passed 4000rpm its fine but gets worse with the same problem through all the rest of the gears. Fuek filter is about 2 years old, new coil pack, spark plugs? Fuel pump? I've never had a fuel pump go bad so I don't know if this is a sign or not. Appreciate any help, thanks.

[GTP Dad]

Welcome to AF!!

First thing to do is change the fuel filter. This sounds like a fuel issue due to the fact that it runs at other times. Do you get a SES light when the car does this? If so the codes would be helpful. If not then I would check the fuel pressure after changing the fuel filter. If it drips the problem may be with the fuel pressure regulator and finally the fuel pump. I would purchase and use a good quality fuel injector cleaner as well.

Hope these ideas help!

[stetzz05]

i had similar prob with my 97 2.4. thoguht it was filter too. after going through the whole fule system found out it was bad engine module.

[stangmach104]

Today I put some sea foam in with half a tank ran it for a bit, changed the spark plugs, then changed the fuel filter, now it just jerks harder and in all the gears from about 1300-2500rpm after it get past the 2500 mark its fine runs great and idles great. I can run it wide open and the fuel keeps up so I dont think its the pump anymore, maybe EGR valve needs to be cleaned, I've even heard accelerator pump (I didnt even know about this). When I finally find out what the heck is wrong with this then I got to find out why a lake forms in the backseat and front drivers side

[stangmach104]

is this what you're talking about? I found this on ebay for $25

Grand Am '96 Elec Cont Module (ECM); 4-146 (2.4L)

[stangmach104]

alright heres the new thing... i work overnight from 11-7, I walked out to my car around 7:20 am. it was roughly 35 degrees out (Minnesota), car ran fine, no jerking at all good acceleration. Got on the highway put it half way down still good. Got of highway and engine temp is right in the middle of temp gauge. No the jerking starts and gets bad luckily i live right of the highway. Now I'm lost all over again with this problem

[GTP Dad]

Change the temperature sensor, it is possible that it is sending incorrect information to the ECM and when it is colder the sensor is working properly. Three other items are possible, transmission speed sensor, bad fuel injectors or bad ECM.

Good Luck!

[97grandamld9]

Have the ignition module check, most autoparts stores should be able to do this for free. If that checks out, try replacing the coil housing cover (buy only the AC delco unit, the other ones are junk)

[stangmach104]

sorry for no heads up, just got back in town from army thing. Heres whats up.... Replaced both o2 sensors, fuel filter, spark plugs, coil pack, air temp sensor. This is what it does now. first gear right after I start it if i put a little pressure on the accelerator it goes lean instantly and tries to kill but i save it with the clutch. Then it will take off and go lean and seems to almost misfire like crazy. But as soon as I get up to speed it stops and runs fine. Takes forever getting to any speed after 25. The bucking effect almost stops the car. It does this at all temperatures now and in all gear except reverse and neutral. If it was the fuel pump wouldnt it do this in neutral? So these are what Im getting ready to try next... throttle position sensor, egr valve, crankshaft sensor. Maybe fuel pressure regulator.

[stangmach104]

oh and car starts up great, no problems