Questions and Answers

Ford F150 Bouncing And Jerking Q. I have a 1997 Ford F150 extended cab, 4.2 liter V-6, 5 speed manual transmission. It has 87,000 miles. I have noticed a problem while driving. It usually happens in second or third gear at about 2,200 rpms. The engine will start cutting in and out making the truck bounce forward and backward.

If I accelerate or decelerate the truck will return to normal. I'm not sure if this is an engine or transmission problem. Please help.

Stacey

A. If it happens in a particular gear at the same rpm, I would think it is a bad Throttle Position Sensor (TPS). It will not turn the MIL on because it is a mechanical failure, not an electrical one. It is very easy to test and most places can test, replace and adjust it in about an hour.