Engine Hesitation

[Patrick]

I have a '97 Viper with about 22K miles. On the highway the other day I experienced hesitation as if I had suddenly rested my foot on the brake. I was maintaining constant throttle with no shifting; just cruising along. About a mile later, I was suddenly back up to speed. The coils appear to be okay according to one mechanic. So, I thought I'd check with you experts. It's only done this one time since. Oh, and it was a rather hot day here in the desert in Las Vegas. A weak fuel pump appears too obvious, but maybe...or bad gas...or, I'll just stop here and defer to you experts.

 

[Nsane1]

97s can be cantankerous, I'll let Keith chime in, it can be anything from a bad battery (no kidding) to bad gas, to a bad fuel pump, or even a fuel filter.

The heat factor says gas to me, if its water its painful to get out (and I bet Keith knows a trick). But form the sounds of it I'd go with something in the fuel system, but I've lost a fuel pump, and this doesn't sound the same...

 

[bluesrt]

forget the pump, bad gas ect, that old of a car with original wires needs new plugs and wire, a can of seafoam and start from there and see what you get, yes that is the diagnostic, if you have further trouble, deal with it then. it needs fresh ignition to start the process of elimination

 

[JonB]

Battery (!!) DieHard Gold or Platinum ONLY. [Don't argue with your elders.]

New Wires and Plugs.

 

[Viper X]

Could be all of the above. Battery first, it's easiest. Then plugs and yes, injectors need to be cleaned too. Wires are likely long dead if they are OE.....and the dreaded fuel filter can cause this too. Fule pump modules do fail over time, so lots to consider.

Dan

 

[Dan Cragin]

Often times a compromised O2 sensor can cause an issue like this.

 

[Viper X]

Often times a compromised O2 sensor can cause an issue like this.

This is another fairly simple replacement. VPA can get you the 02 sensors.....