I have not yet taken the car in and hooked it up to a computer - $125. The car does run and drive and it also seems to shift okay. But under acceleration, it does seem to hesitate or lurch. The car only has 93K and is in really great shape so I'm hoping that it isn't a HORRIBLY big bill to get this taken care of. BTW - the check engine light is on. I bought the car recently. Any ideas???

 

what codes were downloaded from engine codes

 

I'm taking it to a transmission shop on Monday and they can read the codes and diagnose the problem for free - the check engine light is on but I don't know yet about the specific codes. I was hoping someone out there had heard of a similar issue before I blow a huge wad of cash.....

 

I checked out a computer at a local auto parts store and I was getting a bunch of codes. Since I just bought the car I wanted to clean the engine compartment and it really started sputtering after that so I just thought I had made it wet in the ignition system.

Here are the codes: P0134 02 sensor circuit no activity detected bank 1 sensor 1
P1296
P0332 knock sensor 2, circuit low input 2 bank 2
P0300 random multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0302, P0304, P0306

The rough running engine made me think it was an ignition problem so I changed the plugs with some NKG Iridium plugs and was going to work my way to the wires, and finally the ignition block. I'm happy to report that the car is running GREAT. After reading a bit here and other places, I'm going to clean the MAF since I'm still getting a bad code here and there.....

 

Even though I cleaned the MAF, the car is still spitting some codes. I'm taking it in to the dealer to perform the recall work that the previous owner didn't do and I'm hoping that will either take care of the codes or at least get me down the path a bit. It is running good now.

 

Your problem could be 1 of 2 things:
Your coil pack (which provides ignition to your plugs, ergo to your engine) is cracked. That's why you have codes and check engine light.
The other is that your Throttle Position Sensor is dirty and just needs to be clearned. Don't believe a new Throttle body is necessary (save you $1000). This may not produce codes but will sometimes stall or jerk your car.
The MAF sensor is not your issue. It will not produce the same lurching symptoms. Same goes with the oxygen sensor.
So check your coil pack preferrably in the dark. With your engine running, spray the right side of the engine between the battery and engine with water. You may see a spark or not but it may cause your engine to hiccup.