# Jerky acceleration and check engine light **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Created:** [August 26, 2014, 5:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jerky-acceleration-and-check-engine-light/86824 "2014-08-26T17:52:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![jlarsen11](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8e7dd6/32.png) [@jlarsen11](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jlarsen11)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2014, 5:52pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jerky-acceleration-and-check-engine-light/86824/1 "2014-08-26T17:52:31Z")
2010 Dodge Grand Caravan On the way to work I was trying to accelerate from about 40mph to 50 mph and my van started to jerk a few times and then the check engine light immediately turned on. I only had a few more miles to work and it was fine the rest of the way. Just curious as to what the issue might be and just how serious it is. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![jesmed1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/jesmed1/32/2097_2.png) [@jesmed1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jesmed1)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2014, 5:58pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/jerky-acceleration-and-check-engine-light/86824/2 "2014-08-26T17:58:09Z")
Go to an auto parts chain store and have the codes read for free. Post them here in “P0123” format. Without knowing the codes we’re just guessing. The jerking suggests a misfiring engine. There are many possible causes, such as faulty ignition wires, coils, etc. Get the codes read to narrow it down.