I have a 1997 2.5l Jeep TJ that has recently begun to give me problems. It started 2 months ago as an occasional sputter but later started backfiring as well. Initially, the backfiring sounded like popcorn popping and was muffled. At first, I could get it to stop while driving by throwing it into neutral and then back to drive but that worked for a short period of time. As the problem got worse I had to pull over and turn the key off and on a few times and the problem would go away for a while. So... it started getting worse and eventually it backfired extremely loud one time and died while going 60 mph. I could not get it to start and had to have it towed. I've read multiple threads by owners with a similar problem and I started fixing things based on recommendations I read but nothing has worked. So far, I have installed a new fuel pump, fuel filter, O2 sensors, ignition coil, crankshaft sensor, distributor, spark plugs & wire set. The most recent fix attempt was the distributor and that was done by my mechanic. When the installation was complete I picked it up and it drove perfect for about 15 miles and then it sputtered, backfired and died. After about 10 minutes it started and I was able to make it back to the mechanic without another incident. Two days later the mechanic called and said it was ready, again. He said he checked back over everything that was done to it and cleaned the injectors. It ran great for about a week and now it's doing the same thing except it's not dying, just sputtering and backfiring and then its fine. Honestly, I'd take it back to the mechanic but at this point, I feel I am just throwing away money because nothing has worked. I've done everything that I know to do so any new suggestions would really help!
