I got a 03 xlt, automatic and the check engine light isn't on and at idle it is fine but when I'm going down the highway it starts to sputter, especially going up hills. The only thing I have done is changed the fuel filter yesterday hoping it would fix it, but it didn't. Does anyone know what could be wrong???? Thanks alot

 

Bump

 

have you checked the air filter, maybe time for a new one.... im not a mechanic but i do play one on television

 

Air filter is good to go.

 

Check plugs, wires, and maybe coil packs.

 

mines doing the same thing it does it when the rpm's get up and its a pain trying to get on the freeway! my dad said he thought it could be a bad ground but ive checked all mine and they seem fine! i need help with this too!

 

Ok so I get in to leave work and the check engine light was on so I went by autozone n they checked it out n it came back cylinder 3 misfire. Hopefully the plugs n wires I got fix it.

 

let me know if that fixes the problem because mine is getting really annoying

 

Sounds like new plugs and wires would fix it, if not do coil packs

 

i bought mine used but it looks like everything is fairly new...il see what he says about his truck and then decide what to do...dont have much money so i cant just go out and buy stuff if its not the issue

 

so did the plugs and wires help?

 

i also have a similar problem would like to hear more

 

yeah i would have to agree try plugs wires and than check the coil pack if it still sputters.

 

well?????
(bumping for results)

 

I have the exact same problem. Changed plugs and wires, and it helped for about a week, don't know why it came back. I've done fuel filter, new air filter, cleaned MAF, changed trans. fluid and filter, changed fluid in the rearend, new idler and tensioner pully, and took the TB off and cleaned the **** out of it. Next is to test the coilpack I guess.

I do recommend cleaning the TB though, it's really a huge difference that you can definately feel. Just runs so much smoother.

 

IAC! Cleaned it yesterday, the bucking/hiccup is gone!

 

plugs and wires fixed fine till about a week or 2, started doing it again every so often, just not as bad..