1997 camry sputtering - blinking engine light

Get a readout from the car's computer to see if there is a trouble code stored, which will give a good clue to the problem.

Camrys of this age often have a shift solenoid fail in the transmission, which will cause the symptoms you describe,

You change the transmission control molcule (TCM).

It sounds like you may have faulty shift solenoids. (internal transmission)

look for knock sensor codes in the history on the engine computer

does it jump forward a little bit when turn on the a/c (in drive foot on bark, about 3inchs forward?) cause mine does as well.
is the check engine light on? if so have the codes read, that can clear the air quite a bit. also do you know if the transmission is low? cause this one starts getting rather jumpy and does some strange things when low/ over time for service. find someone who knows how to check a sealed transmission, and have it serviced if they advise it.
also could be the catalytic converter, if its gone bad and the catalysis has broken it could very well cause too much back pressure but let off enough at odd moments and thus give that surge your having.

Check TPS for smooth and linear electrical response over the entire range of motion. If the response is jumpy or erratic at all, replace TPS.
Thank you for using fixya and good luck.

It has nothing to do with the transmission, it's your engine mount thats bad.

if the previous owners have just had engine cleaned it is probably water in connectors or lead caps

TCU (Transmission Control Unit) Located behind the Passenger Kick panel. it will have a burnt diode inside and can be purchased on ebay for about 79.00 with exchange.

Lugnut61

Your TCU (transmission Control Unit) is bad. it is located behind the passenger side kick panel. you can purchase it on ebay for about 79.00 with exchange.

Lugnut61