I was hoping maybe someone can help out with a problem my 03 PA Ultra. I was coming home today from work and thankfully the problem arose two block away. All of a sudden the car started jerking violently and there was a great amount of hesitation when accelerating. I literally could not press the accelerator without getting the violent chugging. I had to just limp home whit what power I got from the car idling. When I got home the first thing I checked was the transmission fluid. It was at the right level and still looked clean. Then I wanted to see if the issue arose in other gears. I could rev the car in park and neutral, no issue. My street was empty and I drove the vehicle in reverse quite fast and noting. I then held the brake down and accelerated in place with the car in drive and got the same issue. From what I found this only happens in the forward gears, OD,3,2,1.
I was getting erratic reading from the TPS, replaced it, nothing. The wiring harness seemed kinked at the connector, replaced it with pigtail. Nothing. I'm just at a loss. Any help or ideas will be great. Thanks.

Sounds like a misfire. Is the check engine light on, or flashing when this happens? Have you scanned for trouble codes?

No unfortunately there is no CEL. Did check the computer for any other codes with my scanner but it says there are no codes.

I'm still thinking misfire. You said it happens when revving the engine, but holding the car in place with the brake. Try disconnecting one of the spark plug wires and repeat that test (engine revved, foot on brake). If it gets worse, replace the plug wire and repeat for the next plug. Do this for all 6. If you find one where the jerking condition does not get worse, you found the cylinder that is misfiring.


If that doesn't work, check the fuel pressure.


The fact this happens when the car is not moving (engine revved, foot on brake) tells me it is not a transmission issue.

Usually a misfire will set a light, but it seems like a ignition problem. Check coils, plugs, wires.