Engine sputters while driving

Have your tires put on a high-speed spin balancer. One may be out of balance or have thrown a belt in the tire. Good luck and thank you for using 2CarPros.

Hi,

A sputter can be the result of several things. My first question is this. Does the check engine light stay on when the engine is running? If it does, start by having the computer scanned for trouble codes. Here is a quick video showing how it is done:

https://youtu.be/b2IJGfImVvw

I realize most people don't own a scanner, but often times a parts store will do it free of charge.

Next, low fuel pressure resulting from a partially plugged fuel filter or weak pump can act this way. Although it is normally not at a specific speed, I have seen it happen. So, check to make sure the fuel pump pressure is within the manufacturer's specs. Here is a link that shows how in general how to check fuel pressure:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Here are the manufacturer's specs for fuel pressure:

2002 Isuzu Truck Axiom 2WD V6-3.5L
Pressure, Vacuum and Temperature
Vehicle Powertrain Management Fuel Delivery and Air Induction Fuel Pump Fuel Pressure Specifications Pressure, Vacuum and Temperature
PRESSURE, VACUUM AND TEMPERATURE
Fuel Pressure .................... 290-376 kPa (42-55 psi)

If you find the pressure to not be consistent, here is a link that shows in general how a fuel filter is replaced. If the filter is past due for replacement, that is where I would start.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-a-fuel-filter

Here are the directions specific to your vehicle for filter replacement. The attached pics correlate with the directions.

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2002 Isuzu Truck Axiom 2WD V6-3.5L
Procedures
Vehicle Powertrain Management Fuel Delivery and Air Induction Fuel Filter Service and Repair Procedures
PROCEDURES
Removal Procedure # 1

CAUTION: When repair to the fuel system has been completed, start engine and check the fuel system for loose connection or leakage. For the fuel system diagnosis, refer to Driveability and Emissions section.

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.

pic 1

2. Remove Fuel filler cap(1).

3. Disconnect fuel hoses(1) from fuel filter on both engine side and fuel tank side.
4. Fuel filter fixing bolt(2).
- Remove the fuel filter fixing bolt(2) on fuel filter holder.

pic 2

5. Remove fuel filter(3).

Removal Procedure # 2

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

pic 3

2. Remove the fuel filler cap.
3. Disconnect the fuel hose from the fuel filter on the engine side.
4. Disconnect the fuel hose from the fuel filter on the fuel tank side.

pic 4

5. Remove the bolt on the fuel filter holder.
6. Remove the fuel filter.

Installation Procedure # 1
1. Install the fuel filter in the proper direction.
2. Install fuel filter holder fixing bolt.

pic 5

3. Connect fuel hoses on engine side(1) and fuel tank side(2).
4. Install fuel filler cap
5. Connect the battery ground cable.

Installation Procedure # 2
1. Install the fuel filter in the correct direction.
2. Install the bolt on the fuel filter holder.

Tighten
Tighten the screws to 20 N-m (14 lb ft.).

3. Connect the fuel hose on the engine side.

pic 6

4. Connect the fuel hose on the fuel tank side.

pic 7

5. Install the fuel filler cap.
6. Connect the negative battery cable.

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I hope you find this to be helpful. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe