1998 taurus stalls out when shifting to first, when you get it to go the entire time its driving it is jerking and hopping down the road. Doesn't stall out at red lights or when you stop. Could it be the ignition coil?

Would your fuel cap or breather on fuel tank be blocked

Try unplugging the mass air flow sensor on the air filter box. If it don't stall, change the sensor.

sputters in the context if engine, means MISFIRING, is it?

for a transmission, they dont sputter. sorry

but can jerk, or snatch, (being caused by gears engaging way to late)

(aka, harsh shifting) the opposite of slip

but it can slip then engage, causes a jerk. or harsh shifting.

see?

they do 100 things wrong, mostly never to sputter.

they don\'t shift up or down

they slip. (bad tranny)

if engine sputters, its tune up time, (posted like 10,000 times here)

if the transmission has issues, have real mech test it and tell you

all the symptoms, and possible ideas.

why not?

the A/T is a very very complex electro /mechanical device.



sputter is a word best for engines. like chain saw with a bad spark plug it sputters along and stalls.

does your car stall?

Plugs ,wires,coils.

Possible Service Engine Soon Light, Engine Stalling, or Hard Starting

Engine, May 18, 2009

RepairPal Expert Overview:
The RTV seal on the fuel system control modules may allow water to enter into the module. Water in the module can cause a short, which may cause hard starting, a crank-no start condition, or stalling, and the Service Engine Soon light may come on. If the engine stalls unexpectedly, there is an increased risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the fuel system control module free of charge. The recall began on May 18, 2009. The GM recall number is 08411.

I don't think you really would expect someone to guess at all
those symptoms, over the internet

I will say you provided lots of things to think about

Most poeple don't even provide the make of car

Only a possible,so don't throw parts at it
Have it properly diagnosed by a repair shop

The bucking (bunny hop) could be a bad EGR Valve,
along with other issues,such as cylinder misfires as well

The gurgle is not something your hear about,so hopefully
your not low on or loosing coolant,check that & check for leaks
& make sure the heater works okey & it doesn't overheat

What are the trouble codes? Can be a lot of things, but still sounds like an ignition problem (bad coil pack?).

These is because of the improper combustion, so you better check the air filter and the exhaust along with that you replace all the spark plugs

You may need a transmission flush, if one of the valves sticks in the transmission it may not make a quick decision to shift when in between gears. Worst case ...this may be a precursor to worse problems, like a transmission rebuild.

sounds like the torque converter solenoid is stuck or the converter itself is bad