My car shakes when idle and driving slow speeds!

Question

My 1990 Acura Integra LS has been running great since I bought it two weeks ago, up until now. When my engine is running when parked and at low speeds, the car shakes more than usual. Also when I have it parked, my RPM gauge fluctuates at times. When traveling at low speeds, there is a bit of lag when shifting gears (the car is an automatic). My friend told me it could be the transmission slipping. Anyone know what the source of the problem may be and how I can fix it?

Answer 1

Before doing any further investigations on the car I suggest you replace the spark plugs, ignition leads, ignition coil, oil, oil filter, fuel filter and timing & alternator belts. Unless the car has had a recent full service there is no point investigating engine running problems if it has lots of old (dying) components on it.

After that see how it runs, if there is no improvement then I suggest;

Take it to a good independant mechanic for crypton diagnotics and a full tune up. They will hook it up to a computer which will give your engine a full health check (RPM, gasses, fuel mixture, oil temp) and based on the feedback the mechanic can tune it to how it should be.

If after doing this you still have the 'shakes' it could be a sign of engine wear or major components wearing out.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Sounds like either an ignition miss (plugs,wires,or coil pack) or possibly an E.G.R. problem. Is there a check engine light on?

Answer 3

Okay, from the way you mentioned it, my first item to suspect is to check the vehicle RPM. Next, make sure you check you automatic transmission fluid. My next advice is... hold on, do you have a garage in your home? I need you to use the tachometer unit to help me check something. You need to perform stall test, so do you have experience testing vehicles? If not, your next step is to send it to the mechanics.

Answer 4

number of things could be the culprit, the first answerer gave a couple, also you could have a clogged catalytic converter, fuel pump, fuel filter could be going out, oxygen sensor could be malfunctioning, autozone will read your computer codes for free and tell you exactly what it is. doubt it has to do with the tranny.