Questions and Answers

Jeep Grand Cherokee Jerking, Shaking Q. My car just started doing it yesterday, Thursday. I drove it to the store and it was fine. I started it back up to leave and I saw a little smoke come from my exhaust. Also the car seemed like it might have wanted to cut off, but it didn't. I drove down the road and it started going slow even as I accelerate. You can hear the motor accelerate but the car won't go over 20 mph.

I got to a red light, put in park, and turned it off. I restarted it and it drove fine for about two minutes then it slowed down and wouldn't go faster than 20 or 30 mph. All the way home it jerked, shook and fumes came from it. It felt like it was never in the right gear. Also it would try to stop moving when I came in contact with a hill or a turn. Please help me.

I am a college student full time and working. I am in the middle of finals, quarter system, and I am not getting a lot of hours at work so I am pressed for money as well as needing to get to school and work. I have a warranty, but it covers certain things so your knowledge could help me if the warranty would cover it.

I appreciate your time. I would have called you, but I saw no phone number, and I didn't see any availability time for Friday.

• 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo
• Fuel Injected 4.0 liter L6
• Automatic transmission
• 71,000 miles

Thank you,
Ms. Lydia

A. The first thing I would suggest is to replace the fuel filter. It sounds like it could be clogged up.

It could also be a transmission problem. I don't like the sound of the engine rpm going up and the vehicle slowing down. That indicates a slipping transmission. What I would suggest is a transmission filter and fluid change. Do not get a transmission flush, just replace the filter and whatever fluid comes out with it.

If that doesn't help, you will need to have it looked at and the PCM checked for stored codes.