I have a 2002 V6 that has been running well until the last week or so. About a week ago the engine started sputtering/surging when it was cold. After reaching normal operating temperature it seemed to dissapate. However, the problem continues to get worse and now the engine surges even after it is warmed up. I suspect it may be something simple like a MAP or TPS, but I'm not sure. I know this dos not really aply, but the car has about 40,000 miles on it. I would appreciate any help you can provide in where to start looking for the problem/solution.

 

No CEL yet? It could be the MAP, the TPS, the air temp sensor, a vacuum leak or a lot of other things. You may have to wait for it to throw a code. Have you recently done anything with the air filter or intake tube?

 

Sorry for being so dumb, but I'm not familiar with CEL. I assume this may be the codes? But,... no code yet and I haven't done anything to the intake tube other than check the air cleaner. It's relatively new.

 

do you mean the rpms stayed up when your foot was off the gas? i had that problem, and it was an easy fix. just a little spray of wd-40 on the accel cable spring. (not sure the correct name of it)

 

You're right, I'm describing the problem incorrectly/incompletely. The car surges and stumbles when it's cold. Holding your foot on the brake while the car is in gear you can feel the engine surge like it wants to take off. The rpms come cyle up and down a few hundred rpms. On acceleration, the car feels like it's bogging down more like a choked carburator (if you remember when) rather than a misfiring cylinder.