1997 Dodge Caravan Car Lurching and bucking

PANNDORA49

MEMBER
1997 DODGE CARAVAN

1997 Dodge Caravan 6 cyl 156, 50 miles

I started with once in a while the car would make a lurching it was small at first like it wan=sn't getting gas, I took it to the local garage well known of course it would not do itIt was suggested I put some dry gas in it. Yesterday I am coming home I have been noticing the car runs rough at lights etc. I a, =m out of a job and have not been able to afford a tune up.
All of a sudden the service engine light comes on and in drive and neutral it is doing this horrible hard to explain jerking almost like lurching thing, I am scared to try to get it to the garage 2 miles. I thought I smelled something. When it was doing it at the lights I would put it in neutral it seems to smooth out. It is all I have to drive and no job I am scared to death it is the transmission. Do you have any thoughts I live where the nearest store or anybody is 2 miles at least so getting anywhere is impossible. Please take time to try to help me I am very scared I live alone and do not kow where to take it really who to trust I hope to hear back soon I am stranded.
God Bless,
Sandy

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,170 POSTS

Sandy:
I live in Pittsburgh, so most likely I don't know anyone where you live. What I want you to do is take the car to a nationally recognized parts store like Auto Zone, Advance. And have them scan the computer for codes. They will do it for free and it will direct us to the problem. It seems like it may be a part called the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS), but I can't be sure without the scan and I don't want you spending money on parts that are still good.

Let me know if you have other questions, and what they tell you after the scan. Also, don't be afraid, it's only a car and can be replaced.

Joe