Jerky acceleration shifting

[Newt]

Hey Guys, how are ya?

I own a 2004 Blk Marauder I purchased new and have never
had any problems with it until now.]
Was driving it last night after work and noticed the car was
shifting rather roughly around 40-45 mph. Smoothed out after
awhile so I thought nothing of it. Well, tonight it did the same
thing only at even lower speeds, and became worse to the point
that the entire car was at times jerking so bad I thought the thing
would fall apart. The check engine light is lit too. I tried a different
brand of fuel earlier in the week but I have used over half a tank
without incident so I doubt that is the problem.
The car is 300 miles shy of 23k and very well maintained.
Any thoughts on this? (Sorry if you guys have already covered this,
I dont get on the net as often as I used to.

~Newt

[B.C. Bake]

I guess, I would start with what the code is on the check engine light. That should give you a place to start. I am currently going to buy one of those hand held on board diagnostics meters for myself so I don't have to pay 150.00 at the dealer. I'm looking at a Snap On brand model. :) Oh, has the transmission fluid ever been changed or flushed?

[fastblackmerc]

No need to buy a scanner.... just go to a FLAPS and they will be able to read and clear the code.

[RF Overlord]

Newt, your profile says you're from Louisville...we're in the middle of our 5th annual meet here, join us! We're at the Hampton off Blankenbaker...exit 17 on 64. Some of the club's best and brightest are here and I know they'd be happy to help you out.

We'll be at the Mega Caverns at 1100 today, but most of us will be back at the hotel by 1400 or so before leaving for dinner at Austin's about 1700. Join us anytime...

[Newt]

Thanks for the reply guys.
RF Overlord, think I will swing by there today.
Mongoose has been asking me to check one
of these meets out so hope to see you guys
there!

[N40GL]

Check & change the fuel filter - you might have cavitation (e.g., air bubbles) and a new element ought to straighten it out.

[Newt]

Made the meet today, only stayed for a half hour or so but
really liked the cool Mercs there. First Blue Marauders I have
ever seen on the road, nice:)
Dude smoking tires was awesome! Glad 5-0 wasnt around;)
Sorry I missed you Mongoose, you had just left before I
arrived.
Odd thing, after I left the Hotel my check engine light remained
off and the car ran great! Drove it for several hours with no
problems whatsoever. Auto Zone ran a scan before I went to
the meet, readout said third plug had been misfiring below
1000 RPMS, thought coilpack was bad but it runs great now.
Go figure.
Gonna drive it a few more days and see what happens.
Thanks for all your suggestions:)

~Newt

[4play]

maybe she was just feeling sad and lonely, and by seeing her Brother's and sisters made her happy again..

[Newt]

Could be:) Ya never know.