hey ive got a 2001 cherokee 4.0 auto thats running fine while cool, but you can say stop at the grocery store come back 30 minutes later and when u put it in gear it will sputter and make sort of a duh dun duhnt noise. it doesnt do this all the time when it does i run it in 3rd or drive and it loses a lot of power goin up hills like its chuggin. the ol gal has 158,000 miles on her the only thing ive So far its just acting up if u dont let it like completly cool off(i guess the tranny). Im sure the motor aint overheating, but the antifreeze needs to be changed. motor could use a tune up ttoo but i dont reaaly think the motor has anything to do with what is going on or i could be wrong. any info would be appreciated..

 

Never underestimate the importance of tuneup hardware. Luckily for you, with a 2001, that really only includes new spark plugs and check or replace the air filter! You don't want to be chasing your tail for the price of new spark plugs.

For an 01, I would use NGK V-Power copper plugs, gapped to .035.

And definitely get that coolant replaced. Cooling system maintenance is EXTREMELY important for any owner, and especially for you, as you have the "infamous" 0331 cylinder head, which has a bad habit of cracking between cylinders 3-4 when cooling system maintenance isn't performed, or when the engine is overheated! Consider a new 195 degree thermostat while you are at it and a new radiator cap. Money well spent.

Good luck!

 

wouldn' hurt to DRAIN your tranny fluid (dont get it flushed) and put a new tranny filter in also