I can start, idle and even rev to high rpms in park but as soon as I put in drive, I either shut down or sputter and shake/jerk like it's starving for gas. The truck moves but when I am rolling at times I get the jerking, slowing and even speeding up without my foot on the gas.

Fuel filter? Bad gas? Trans fluid filter? Air filter? Differential fluid?

Please help.

 

Can anyone help?

 

Little more info- please- year, engine, miles,recent repairs,history, sudden onset or gradual ?- help us help you

 

2000, 4.2, 125k miles.

Recently had to rebuild my starter so truck was laid up for a day or two. During that time, my dog chewed through the brake hose that goes to the differential so I blinded that off until I can get it replaced. (second time she has done this in 2 months)

She also chewed though the air hose and the wires on the sensor that goes to the differential.

The starter was fixed and the vehicle starts without a problem. The problem with sputtering only after putting it in drive etc started after the repairs to the starter.

I have parked the truck again (away from the dog) until I can figure it out.

 

I dont see a correlation between the starter and the current problem- however, i think if it was me, i would start at the fuel system- check your fuel rail pressure, change fuel filter- do the simple stuff first, if your not throwing a cel,- this may be a difficult diagnosis, so one thing at a time-

 

How about a correlation between the brake hose/differential issue and the sputtering?

The ABS light on the dash is on but I know from the first time she chewed the wires that will be resolved once I splice and reconnect the sensor on the differential.

 

But wouldn't a bad fuel filter affect it while idling as well? It idles fine and revs way up in park. The problem only starts when I put in drive and move off.

 

If its not fuel system related( lets consider that for a bit)- are you sure you dont have a vacuum leak?

 

When you drive off the demand on the fuel system is greater than at idle or no load condition.
Ill check back later- im going to finish hanging these Christmas lights! lol!- maybe someone else will lend an ear while im gone!

 

Ok, thanks. how do I check for vaccum leaks. Where do I check? Is anything beneath the truck that my dog could have gotten to cause such a vaccum leak?