Yes, another throttle hesitation/bucking problem.

Specs: 97 XJ I6. I am experiencing throttle hesitation when applying throttle. No CEL. This only happens about once in every 15ish starts. When I experience this problem the coolant temp gauge does not work. I only have the problem when the gauge does not work. While driving when the issue is occurring sometimes the gauge will come back to life then i have no throttle hesitation issues.

Is this condition caused by the temp not being corectly inputted to the computer?? IDK

What to check?

I have done plenty of reading on possible issues for a problem like this but i dont recall the temp gauge being involved.

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Coolant temp sensor located on the thermostat housing... I would say replace it, but I think the sensor that runs the gauge is actually on the back of the head. Gauge issues and running issues would be caused by separate sensors.

I can do that. Does the temp sensor failure cause hesitation? It runs terrible when the gauge (suspected sensor) fails. Its almost undriveable when this condition occurs.

Just from experince dont buy that sensor from autozone, they are 100% junk!!!!!!!!!!!

Usually, because a faulty ECT will show a colder than normal temperature which causes the computer to adjust for the false temperature causing a poorly running, if a running engine at all.

Aren't there two sensors, one for the ecu and one for the gauge?

Yes but the ECU is going to cause the issues and the gauge if I'm correct takes an input from the ECU ECT.

The '97 has only one ECT sensor and its mounted on the thermostat housing.

It provides the PCM with coolant temp data for coolant gauge readout and PCM engine fuel control management.

Before replacing the ECT, inspect the connector for being loose, having corrosion on the connector pin cavitities, and chafed wires.

Thanks for the help guys. I will check it for good connection first, and move on to replacement I that does not work. Thanks again