When I have to stop hard... like at a stop light that catches me off guard, but not to the point that the tires squeal, sometimes my engine stutters for a second, is that normal.

 

I would not say that it is normal. Sometimes it it caused by the transmission not shifting down quick enough( like stopping a manual transmission without putting in the clutch) If it hangs up in a higher gear for just a breif moment it could pull the rpm down and cause it to stumble.

 

But its not bad then....right?

 

If that is actually what is causing the problem ( only really a guess on my part.) then I would say that a good trans. service would help. Take it to a trans shop ( the speedy lubes us a machine that pumps the trans dry from the cooler lines then they fill it back up) they can pull the pan and change the filter, check for debris and look for other signs of trouble. Good luck!!

* my last trans service was about $65.00. If you check some of the trans, threads you will find that regular service is the #1 rec. for long trans life.

 

Mine has done this too, from time to time. Never have figured out what was causing it.

Mine is a 1997, 4.6, with 43,000 miles on it. Did it a time or two when it was new, also.