I have a 2000 Accord coupe EX auto with about 190k. Car runs great, regular maintenance etc. However, when the engine is cold, it seems to shake a lot, even when idling. Once it's warmed up it runs smooth. This usually occurs during winter season, summer time is fine. Any ideas? I thought it might be engine mounts, but it only happens when it's cold...

Thanks!

-Steven C.

 

Do you have an associated "Check Engine Lamp" coming on?
Does this occure more during damp mornings or just about anytime?
When was the Cap / Rotor last replaced?
Do you notice black sooty smoke coming from the exhaust when this happens?
Is it a rythmic vibration or just a generalized shaking?

and lastly: Was anything done to the car just prior to this condition being noted?
Let the diagnostic games begin!

P

 

Does this model have a vacuum or ECU controlled rear engine mount, that would be the beginning of diagnosis along with the strength of the rest of the mounts also, two man job though, let us know please.

 

Duane's refering to Number 4 in this illustration. A Vacume assisted, ECM Controlled rear engine mount.

If / when this thing fails, it will shake enough to rattle your teeth. I had an '88 with a bad one that actually loosened the front bumper fascia!
I have yet to see any of the newer generation types fail, but there's always a first time :-).



I'd still consider the previously questions relevant

P


Modified by P_Adams at 3:30 PM 11/5/2008

 

Hey,
No check engine lamp, this pretty occurs when it's cold outside.
Cap and rotor was changed last summer, i do oil changes every 3000km.
My car doesn't blow any smoke at all, and the vibration is just a general shaking.
I've owned the car for 2yrs and nothing major has really been done.

 

I haven't forgotten you.

You may (and I do mean MAY) have a collapsed motor mount, or some component may be grounded to (leaning against) the chassis amplifying normal engine vibration.
It doesn't sound systemic to the engine's running condition

Let me give this some thought.
Hummm

P

 

Hrmm but would that be effected by the cold weather? As I mentioned it runs smooth in the summer time, and in the winter, when the car is warmed up it runs smooth. As well the engine vibration only occurs strongly when the car is at idle in D, if i put it in Park or N it will idle smoother.

 

The engine may have either shifted on it's mounts, or you could have a weak one; allowing the engine to rock (tilt) too much when you put it in drive.
Borrow an extra pair of eyes and have them note which way the engine moves when you put it in drive (D).
You may find that something like a control cable or an A/C hose starts leaning against the chassis, transmitting that vibration.
IF it is a mount, I would suspect either the front or (as Duane suggested) the rear mount.

P

 

if mounts are made of rubber.......then doesn't rubber get very stiff when its cold???? yes... that could be your problem, as temp. drops the rubber stiffens/petrofies i would think hardened mounts would give you excessive vibrations... just an idea...

 

Hello
I have a similar problem. Lately i noticed that my car sometimes shakes pretty badly for 4-5 seconds when i'm driving it at, let's say 70-80 mph. This is when shaking becomes noticeable. Or it can have couple of seconds of shaking when it's in parking or just when i wait at the red light. The check engine light came out and sometimes it's just on or it can bling for several times and then stays on. Do you have any ideas of what could be the problem!? Was thinking maybe the problem it's in the mounts? Any suggestions would be great ! Thanks

 

scan your car for codes