Hard Jerking and Hesitating

[mudder1_2000]

I have a 2001 Venture. Just recently while driving at around 50mph and up it will start to jerk really hard every couple of seconds and hesite. If I push the acellerator it feels like it isn't getting any fuel. Just hesitates and jerks. If I slow down to below 50mph or so it will be fine. Also it doesn't do this while driving in the city. Only at higher speeds on the freeway.

Anyone with an answer to this problem? Thanks in advance Corey

[rockwood84]

have you had the codes read? if so what came up? if not go to autozone or some parts store and get them read .most will do it free .

[mudder1_2000]

No I haven't had the codes read yet. I also forgot to mention that It doesn't do it constantly only speratically. I also noticed today that if I am driving behind someone it doesn't seem to do it. Only when there is noone in front of me does it seem to do it.

[rockwood84]

check around the throttle body and throttle air intake hose for any hoses loose or connector loose. might be a problem with the maf sensor [ maf is the aluminum thing in the throttle hose.] how many miles do the plugs and plug wires have on them?

[mudder1_2000]

I will have to take a look at that. I don't know how old the plugs and wires are. I bought the van a year ago and I haven't changed them yet. Does anyone know if there is a way to test the coil packs? Thanks

[mudder1_2000]

So I had my OBD codes pulled today and a total of 3 came up. They are
P1189 - Oil pressure switch circuit
p1626 - Theft system fuel enable
P1811 - Max adapter long shift.

The mechanic pulled one of the plugs and we discovered that they are the original plugs. Quite worn out. I am going to change the plugs and wires this weekend to see what that does. I still don't know how the plugs or wires would only cause a problem on the highway and cause my lights to dim. Anyone with more suggestions? My ears are open. Thanks

[ImpalaRat]

I have an '03 and mine did the same thing. Turned out the coil connections were dirty. (at least that's what the dealer said-apparantly there is a TSB on it). they cleaned all the conections and now no problems (so far)

[rockwood84]

yeah the plugs and plug wires will make it do anything from a small jerk to big time bucking . its according to how much they are worn or how bad the wires are not letting the spark thru them. i had some plug wires fail all of sudden . truck running fine slowed down for a curve truck started to buck. i used 1/2 tank of gas getting to work and the other half getting home. and the truck usually got 25 mpg. it would idle fine just buck and cut up when you were going down the road. had it put on a diagnostic machine and at idle all 8 plugs were hitting when you revved it up it was only hitting on 4 plugs. put a set of plugs in it and set of wires and i left rubber in two gears coming out of the shop on the way home. so plug wires don't always fail slowly..

[mudder1_2000]

The problem has been resolved. I change the plugs, wires, fuel filter and the thermostat (mechanic said it was running too cold). The plugs were very worn and the fuel filter was so plugged that I couldn't even blow air through it. I'm not too sure as to which one of the repais was actually causing the problem, but it doesn't matter, it works. The van drives like it is a brand new now. Thanks to all for the suggestions to the problems. Corey

[rockwood84]

glad you got her purring