'97 TJ sputters in 2nd or 3rd when warm

[indiemo]

1041844

I'm having an odd problem. I just got a 97 Wrangler with a 4.0 and 5 speed. I'll drive it for a while, get it warm and then stop at the store or to get gas or something. It'll sit, not running, for a couple minutes. I start it back up again and get going. Now sometimes this happens in 2nd, and sometimes in 3rd, but it'll start to sputter, lose ALL power, and after a couple coughs and jerks, it'll regain power again. It only does it the one time, until I shut it off and start it again. I'm having a hard time determining if this is an engine or a transmission problem. I'm getting no warning lights, but haven't had the computer scanned. I used to have a '91 YJ with the 2.5L that did this same exact thing, but it used to sputter in 4th gear. I never did get it worked out, it kind of just stopped doing it. Eventually the transmission blew up in that one though. This may or may not be related, but the 97 does grab a little when I shift into 2nd. Any thoughts/ideas are welcomed.[addsig]

 

[BobJ]

1041847

it sounds more like an engine problem, it only does it in certain gears because the engine is under load then. If the problem isn't constant I'd just check all the usuals first (all filters, spark plugs and wires, distributer and rotor, and other small things that are replaced with usual maintmence)[addsig]

 

[sharpcad]

1076160

it also might sound like it may be the feul filter.
i had a problem with my 98 tj sputtering also, and that was the problem. or it may also be your feul pump.
when they sputter its usually something with the feul. so also check your lines, you may have a clog somewhere too. and also your spark plugs.[addsig]