Questions and Answers

Jerking Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Q. Vincent, My 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera has been jerking lately. It is most noticeable when maintaining a steady speed, very light accelerator pressure, especially around 35 to 40 mph or higher. Once it starts jerking, it will not stop until I let off the gas. It also does it from a stop, and then it is most noticeable under very light acceleration, but will also do it under normal acceleration.

This happens in any gear, whether I am in overdrive or not, but seems most noticeable once the transmission has finally upshifted for the last time for the speed I am at. At first I suspected the torque converter, but I also wonder if it could be the engine. I did replace the spark plugs and wires a couple years ago, but I would not completely rule them out. Also a couple years ago, I changed the fuel filter, had the fuel pump checked, and had the fuel injectors professionally cleaned.

Today while on the highway, I had to floor the accelerator to get into the flow of traffic, from a "starting" speed of around 30 mph. When I did so, the engine bogged down and the transmission didn't seem to know what to do for a couple seconds.

On rare occasion, the engine will die when coming to a complete stop, but I do not know if that problem is related. It also seems lately that it goes through oil much faster than it ever did before, but I do not notice any black smoke or burning oil smell coming from the exhaust.

I am due for my emissions next month, and fear that if this is an engine-related problem, I may not pass. I am also concerned about it being the transmission or major engine problem, as the car is not worth the cost of repairs. I can do many things myself, I have changed the plugs, wires, MAF sensor, idle air control valve and fuel filter in the past, so if you do have any ideas, give me an idea of how complicated it is to do as well.

• 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera
• 3.8 liter V-6, Fuel Injected
• Automatic transmission
• 66,000 miles
• P/S, A/C, Cruise control

Thank you very much, and I enjoy your site!
Kevin

A. It sounds like an engine mis-fire to me. Try spraying some water over the plug wires to see if it starts running rough on you. If so, check those wires and the coils for arcing.