Q: Car jerks when driving uphills and accelerating

asked by on May 19, 2016

When driving up hills/inclines, my vehicle jerks and the more I accelerate the more it jerks. For some details, it's automatic, 158,000 mileage, 4-cylinder, and recently the dealership changed my spark plugs, wires, and fuel filter. Can you give me your opinion of what causes this type of problem?

Engine hesitates during acceleration Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

The problem sounds like a misfire in one or more cylinders when under a load. The fuel system pressure would need to be checked to see if you have the correct amount of fuel pressure to run the car under a load. If the fuel pressure is okay then the ignition system coil is most likely the cause of the misfire. The coils should be checked for low spark output and the check engine light code may point to one or more cylinders causing the problem. To diagnose your cars jerking issue, all of these tests can be done by a mechanic, like one from YourMechanic.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

What does it mean if the Battery Light comes on in the dash?
Your car’s dash is “information central” for everything you need to know about the vehicle. If you see the Battery Light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/battery-light-is-on-inspection) turn on (also called the Charging System light), it means that the battery is not being charged. This...
Driver's side airbag not working
This question would require more information. I would need to know what indication is telling you the drivers air bag is not working? The vehicle has an Air Bag Light on the dash that comes on if a fault is...
Key wouldn't turn in door lock and now won't turn in the ignition
You will need to try and get another key made. When a key is getting worn it will no longer release the lock tumblers. Try using a new key or a spare key if you have one. If not, you...
my truck feels like the rearend is going out
Hi There, If the brakes have been confirmed not to be the issue, I would recommend having the axle (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/differential-fluid-service-rear-axle-oil-service-) inspected by a qualified professional. This would likely involve removing the fill plug to the differential to see if the...
Car starts after a few tries, but then dies as soon as I take my foot off gas pedal.
Clean any debris on the battery posts using a mixture of baking soda and water. Under your battery is a pedal that connects to the PCM. Make sure that it is pushed down hard so that your battery does not...
Cold start?
Hi there. Ambient temperature can affect any number of electrical components. There could be a poor electrical connection in the power distribution center (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/electrical-components-are-not-working-inspection). The fact that the check engine light is not coming on once the engine does start...
I have a 2008 scion xb, the heater started to blow cool air, the vsc light came on, and the car ran hot. It can drive. What could
Hi there. Check the coolant and see if it's low. If the coolant is low, then top off the coolant and check around to locate a coolant leak. If there is no leaks, then the coolant may have blown out...
2004 dakota 3.7 v6. I want to put a cummins diesel 5.9 from a 97 ram
Hi there. Rhode Island is pretty strict on emissions standards and completing this type of full system swap. Usually if this is completed, you have to re-register the vehicle under the different engine configurations, ensuring that it has the corresponding...
Pressing the gas pedal and not getting the desired output
It may not have anything to do with your valve adjustment. Your car is almost 30 years old so it could have any number of problems. I would begin by checking for air leaks. Look at all of the hoses...

Related articles

How Do You Know When Your Transmission Fluid Needs to Be Changed?
Transmission oil or fluid is a vital part of your vehicle’s performance, as it lubricates the various components and inner...
How Can I Tell If My Clutch Is Slipping?
For some drivers, shifting a manual transmission is second nature. Others prefer to rely on automatic transmissions. Drivers of automatic vehicles don’t have...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Transmission Speed Sensor
Common signs include harsh or improper shifting, cruise control not working, and the Check Engine Light coming on.