hesitation / jerking at 1500 to 2000 RPMs

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BOBSWIFE2
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1999 Ford Ranger automatic 4x4 Hi, my truck is doing this hesitation/jerking sort of thing when the RPMs are between 1500 and 2000. My mechanic says the only thing he felt when he drove it was that it needed a front end alignment which he doesn't do.
I took it for the alignment (and 2 new tires), but that didn't have any effect on the jerking.
Once the RPMs get up over 2000, everything runs fine.
A guy riding in my truck today felt it and said he thinks it might be the universal joint. I don't know the first thing about what makes a truck run, so I don't even know what the universal joint is, but the problem seems to me to be connected to something to do with the fuel system. (which, for all I know, the universal joint might be. :? )
The check engine light was on and the computer scanner thing said it needed an O2 sensor and an ERG (?) valve, which I had put on, but that didn't have any effect on the jerking either.
This truck never did get good gas milage, about 16 mpg, but lately its down to about 12 mpg. Very frustrating. Any help would be greately appreciated. Thanks.
Nov 10, 2007 at 1:52 PM
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MERLIN2021
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 17,250 POSTS
Do you know the codes that came up? and is the check engine light on now? EGR replacement, usually the PCM will set a P0401 code if this is the case, remove the egr and clean all the carbon out under the valve, all the way to the throttle bore. I use a length of coathanger for this. Then you have an EVR, which controls the EGR, if you can pry the cap off and remove the filter and clean it with water, let it dry and replace it. Here's a few pics of the EVR...


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_EVR_003_1.jpg


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_EVR_005_1.jpg


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_EVR_004_1.jpg

Nov 11, 2007 at 1:15 AM
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BOBSWIFE2
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Thank you for responding.
I don't know what codes came up, AutoZone put the tester on it and just told me what it said was wrong. The check engine light is back on, so I will tell the guy who put the EGR valve on to take it off and clean it out.
Could it have anything to do with the universal? Thanks.
Nov 11, 2007 at 9:21 AM
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98RANGERXLT
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Does it jerk when standing still of moving.
Nov 12, 2007 at 11:48 AM
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BOBSWIFE2
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Only when moving. Its like it jerks the whole truck, just a short, little jerk, but it keeps doing it as long as the RPMs are between 1500 and 2000.
Nov 13, 2007 at 6:38 AM
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98RANGERXLT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 301 POSTS
you could take the driveline off and have it balanced
Nov 13, 2007 at 1:55 PM
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MERLIN2021
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 17,250 POSTS
If the check engine light is on repair the carbon problem before you go overboard with it...
Nov 13, 2007 at 6:33 PM
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