Taking off car jerks at first

CHRIS1977

MEMBER
1995 SATURN SL1
332,000 MILES

When I start car it starts fine but when I take off usuall when I put in second gear it jerk acts like it wants t cut off but once I get enough speed to shift into higher gears like fourth and fifth it drives fine why does it do it?

Wednesday, June 19th, 2013 AT 8:59 AM

4 Replies

FREEMBA

MECHANIC
1,152 POSTS

There could be a number of reasons: fuel, ignition, clutch, electrical problems, etc.

Please answer these questions to help us, help you to narrow the list.

1. Is your "service engine soon" light on? If so, have the computer codes read at an auto parts store which does this service for FREE. Post the code(s) here for further assistance.
2. Have you had any work done to the vehicle recently?
3. What is the engine size?
4. How does it act when you're in first gear?

Once I get these answers, I can then start to formulate the diagnostic procedures we need to follow.
Thanks.

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Wednesday, June 19th, 2013 AT 10:09 AM

CHRIS1977

MEMBER
3 POSTS

The only work I have done is replace the spark plug wires and plugs with new ones. The engine light does not come on. When I put it in first gear it gos good at first but the starts jerking like it wants to cut off or like its about to run out of gas. This continues all the way through second gear and third gear but once I get enough speed it runs fine. The engine is 1.9l and it is a manual drive 95 saturn sl.

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Thursday, June 20th, 2013 AT 6:07 AM

CHRIS1977

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I have given you the requested information But you still have not answerd my question. Can you please repky with some useful info please!

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Friday, June 21st, 2013 AT 7:30 AM

FREEMBA

MECHANIC
1,152 POSTS

Chris,

What you're describing sound like a broken spark plug, bad spark plug wire or a faulty ignition coil.
Although the Cehck Engine Light is not on have the computer checked for codes. Your local Advance auto parts, O'rielly's or Autozone will do that for you for FREE.
Write down thos code (if any) and post them here for futher assistance. What I'm expecting is a misfire code.

If a misfire code is present for example: P0301 = misfire on cylinder #1.
In that case you should swap the spark plug of #1 cylinder with one from another cylinder and the drive the vehicle for at least 15 minutes and then have the codes checked again. If now the codes is P030? (Indicating the cylinder you put the #1 spark plug into during the swap) You know that the spark plug you took out of #1 cylinder is bad and needs to be replaced.

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Friday, June 21st, 2013 AT 4:39 PM