backwoodsman7

Thanks for that info. The Chilton's manual I have has very sketchy info about reading the codes; it has the code list, but says nothing about where the computer or light is. I'll check those next chance I have. Probably a good idea anyway, but I'm not sure how a fuel filter could cause these symptoms, unless I'm missing something.

It runs fine most of the time, but at higher throttle settings & RPM, like climbing a hill, power output is somewhat uneven. Sometimes it's almost rough, but if you floor it, it usually evens out some within a couple seconds, and power will pick up. The owner says on at least one occasion it was extremely rough when climbing a long hill, but I haven't observed that. If you're watching the tach while this is going on (electronic dash, so tach is a segmented LED bar), it frequently jumps instantaneously up 1000-1500 RPM & back down, and the Check Engine light flashes for just a split second occasionally, both of which lead me to believe the problem is in the computer or electronics. Anyone have an idea that might help track this down? Is there a code reader I can get that might be able to give me some hints?

Thanks for the suggestions. These sound likely because they wouldn't be speed or RPM sensitive. I'll check them out when I have a chance.

Thanks for the reply. It'll be a few days before I can check anything on the car, but I'll take a look at that. In the meantime, wouldn't that be speed-sensitive, faster & louder at higher speeds, and different with 4wd engaged? This is the same regardless of speed, and 4wd makes no difference.

Hi all, Hoping to get some hints on what this might be from those more familiar with the car than I am. It's sort of a hollow rattling sound that from the front seats seems to come from the front, right of center. It changes volume with throttle setting, most prominent when applying a little gas but not a lot. It doesn't change volume or frequency with speed, i.e. it sounds the same at 25 as at 45. All CV joints are good, nothing is loose in the suspension, and the car drives fine. 2wd or 4wd doesn't matter, sound is exactly the same. There's no noticeable vibration in the car or steering wheel. It's gotten worse over the last couple thousand miles. Thanks in advance for any ideas.