Please help me trace erratic engine problem

[Snowball]

I am hoping that someone out there can help me with a recurring problem that I am having with my Jeep.

It is a standard 97 Jeep TJ. I have recently out a 4.5" lift and 33's on it. Lately there has been something weird going on and it is hard to explain what it is but I am going to do my best:

When I am driving the Jeep, mostly when I am taking off from rest, it seems to be going fine and then it is like it is starting to cut out, it doesn't stall but it kind of kangaroo’s along, then when I either stop, turn it off or sometime even shift to another gear, it goes away. It happens at random times and for no apparent reason.

This is how it all started happening, so I took it in to get fixed, and a few things were done to it and appeared to be fine. Just lately, which is about 2-3 weeks later, it has started out by doing the same thing only this time, it will rev around 1500 - 2000 rpms when I and coming to a stop an then after about 15 seconds, it will go back down to normal, or sometimes it will rev around 250-500 rmps and almost stall, then when I hit the gas petal, it will go back to normal....................until the next red light.

I have no idea what it would be. Please help me before I lose my mind!!

Emilee

[apex]

i took the liberty of posting this on another site. Might find some good responses there as well as here.

http://www.4wheeler.ca/index.php?showtopic=21421

best of luck.

[Snowball]

Thanks so much for doing that!!!!! I am anxious to hear what people come up with.

[90YJGIMP]

Is your check engine light coming on at all? Have you pulled any codes from the computer by cyling the ignition on and off 3times?

To determine which Diagnostic Trouble Code(s) are stored in the PCM of your '97 TJ:  Turn the ignition key to the "On" position three times in succession (i.e., On, Off, On, Off, On), within five seconds
 
 The Malfunction Indicator (Check Engine) Lamp will flash the appropriate number of times to indicate the DTC number, with a short pause between the first and second digits  (e.g., 2 flashes of the MIL, followed by a short pause, followed by 5 more flashes, indicates error code 25)
 
 The appropriate DTC will also be displayed in the odometer window
 
What work did you have done by your friend?

[Snowball]

This is why no one knows what is wrong, because the Engine light is NOT on and has never been on. I know it works cause when I start the Jeep it flashes along with all of the other lights. There has been soo much work done to it. To try to get the problem fixed the Jeep has been in the shop 3 times. The mechanic has cleaned every sensor and every intake has either been cleaned or replaced. along with the distributer. The throddle stuff has all been cleaned or replaced as well as the rear drive shaft replaced (needed to be done). There has been many hours or work on trying to fix the problem. This one has stumped my mechanic......

Someone suggested to me today that the AIF motor is starting to stick, so I am going to have replaced next week. Does this sound like it could be a possibility??

[sgo70]

Just a little off topic, but does that work on a 2001 TJ. If so where do you find out what the code means. My engine light has been on since about 2002 and whenever I get it checked they tell me I left my gas cap off.

[calltrex]

I had something kinda like that on a different vehicle and it was irratic

I dont think the engine light came on. Cant remember.

It ended up that it was a oxygen sensor


couple years later it was the same thing


It was wierd

[Spinalguy]

same thing happened to me.
It was the TPS sensor.
TWICE.
Replaced and runs well (before it gernaded :lol: )
Tom

[TJ54]

My 2 cents

fuel pump ?

plugged catalytic converter ?

[gsxtacy]

i don't know much about the newer engines on the jeep, (2.5, 4.0L) but could it be as simple as the timing is off a little? maybe the auto choke on the tbi isn't working rite.  i know i get the same thing if my manual choke isn't positioned right.  you also may have a plugged exhaust system.

just my 2 bits

[padler]

i would bet money on it being you tps or the crank shaft sensor. Same thing happened to me, I replaced both and it runs great.

[gsxtacy]

i would bet money on it being you tps or the crank shaft sensor. Same thing happened to me, I replaced both and it runs great.

wicked, i could learn alot more about jeeps from you guys

thanx!!