My 2003 Durango has been having this issue since I bought it in Feb of this year (I'm sure the previous owner experienced this issue too). Every once in a while (maybe on average 2-3 times a month) I will be driving and the car will buck and jerk. It does not matter if I let off the gas or give it more when it is bucking, I end up having to pull over. Once pulled over the rpms go up and down and it seems to be running through some kind of a cycle (usually 2-3 minutes). During that time the car is shaking a little. After it runs through the cycle I am to pull back onto the road and continue my drive. This issue make me nervous because it is so random and I don't really get any sort of heads up. There are no engine codes.

Here is what I have down thus far:
90k full tune up
Replaced TPS
Cleaned TB
Replaced MAP sensor


I have taken it to my mechanic as well as the local Dodge dealership and neither can diagnose the problem and don't want to just start throwing parts at it.

Does anyone have any ideas? Could it be an o2 sensor? What about crankshaft sensor? I desperately want to fix this problem so I can feel comfortable driving my Durango.

Thanks
Ian

 

Try cleaning the iac valve. Held on the rear of the throttle body by 2 torx screws. Or adjusting the transmission bands

 

The iac valve was cleaned when I cleaned the TB. Sorry forgot to mention that

 

Or possibly your fuel pump

 

When reading your description, I thought of the fuel pump as jmess had mentioned also; however I think that would be cause for a more frequent incident with the rough ride.

And because you replaced and cleaned the major components, my guess would be on your ignition. It may just be as simple as some moisture getting in there. Check the cap and rotor to make sure they are worn out or have any play in the distributor shaft (able to spin freely to a certain degree). I don't think it would be the plugs and wires, but you should check them anyways. And if you do check, when you replace the wires back on, use some dielectric grease on both the plugs and the distributor

 

I had a similar issue, though not as violent as I'm picturing yours. I had a plug wire that was close to my wiper cowl area and was arcing through the wire to the metal. Caused it to jerk and sputter. However mine threw a misfire code eventually.


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Hi GreenDak - I believe the cap and rotor were replaced during the 90k tuneup. I'll need to check with my mechanic on that.

When you say moisture getting in there, where exactly do you think? Sorry, not that technical on this stuff.

Thanks,
Ian

 

Well on my old dakota, occasionally when it rained and I drove in it, similar thing happened as you described. Moisture seemed to have gotten into the cap/rotor and just caused hell. Electrical, especially ignition systems, don't like water to get in the way...bad transfer of current and poor spark.

 

And just thought of this...have you ever replaced the fuel filter?

 

I have not changed the fuel filter. Looks like you may have to drop the tank to do so, but I'm not 100% sure.

By looking at the cap/rotor would I be able to tell if it has moisture damage?