intermittent faltering acceleration

[Hoot]

yesterday on my way home from work the rover (96 D1) started acting up. it was sputtering severely and kept acting as if i was taking my foot on and off of the accelerator over and over. and the engine would shake. i thought sure it was going to die on me. i was close to home and got it safely to my driveway though. Can you guys suggest where i should start with respect to diagnosing and solving this problem?

thanks in advance for your help.

 

[helievacpilot]

Does it have a MAF? Clean that first with CRC brand MAF cleaner. Check plugs and wires. Could be a failing fuel pump.
- Bill

 

[Robbie]

was it any certain speed or all speeds?

 

[brianhoberg]

try running some SeaFoam through the gas tank
changed your air filter lately?
How old are your spark plugs?
How many miles do you have on your O2 sensors?
I'd check all the above.

 

[Hoot]

at first it just did it once in a while at speeds over 60mph. yesterday though it was doing it reallly bad at speeds between 30 and 60mph.

 

[Robbie]

i'm going to take a stab and say VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor). When it goes bad, it gives you that bucking bronco like ride, typically around 40-50 mph.