My engine light came on and when trying to go a little faster, my car sort of jerked. what's wrong?

There are a number of reasons that this could happen. If there is no "Check Engine" light involved, then it may be difficult to assess. When you drop it into gear, does it stop violently, with a jerk, or does it sort of falter, stumble, and stall? It it stops with a jerk, then you may have a problem in the transmission with the overdrive lock-up. If it simply stumbles and stalls, then its more likely and engine management issue. It seems as though you should have some sort of Check Engine issue if it is the latter, though.

No year, make and model. But slipping is a transmission problem. EPC problem? could be other transmission problems. Hav erhte codes read. repost.

usually an automatic transmission will not set a CEL or check engine light

When you said it feels like its not getting enough gas, you may be right.
Since you have replaced the fuel filter, and you are not getting a check engine light, my suggestion would be to check fuel pressure with a gauge. The fuel pump may be weak.

Check Mass Air Flow sensor.

My 3.4 liter 91 Cutlass Supreme has similar problem when warm the engine misses (car jerks). But its fine at idle and without any accelerator pressure. The SERVICE ENGINE light also comes on intermittantly. I am going to test the ignition coils.

lets break this down ,there is a little sensor on the air intake known as the air filter [i hope you have changed] it detects the amount of air flowing into the engine.it can be faulty.2if your weather is good for a long time little rubber joints get dried up and like to make noises but sometimes its good to get them checked out,adrian

Hi,

Thanks for contacting Fixya.com
Poor acceleration is because the engine timing is wrong i.e. the ignition is early or late.
A flashing check engine light means that something serious is wrong with the vehicle and you should not be driving it. Being that the vehicle sputters and jerks under acceleration, it is assumed that you have a failure in your ignition system. Always have the car scanned when your check engine light comes on to obtain diagnosetic computer codes. Most common failure is basic maintenance items, Spark plugs and wires. Simple enough to replace, and relativly cheap. Ignition coils, ignition module, and crankshaft sensor would also cause a severe misfire. again... both pretty simple to change, but these items cost more. Start by having the vehicle checked with a scan tool first.
Aloso check distributor timing and next timing belt depending on year and how many miles on this car you may need to replace the timing belt it can be a cause too.

Let us know if you have something more to know else please accept the suggestion.
Thank You.

I would check the transmission fluid level. Sounds like the fluid level is low.I hope this helps

Go to Autozone and have them scan the engine code. Post what you find. My guess is an O2 sensor.