Car Help, Anyone?

Q · May 17, 2009, 04:17:48 PM

I've got a little 94 Pontiac Firefly I use for getting to the camp on the property and light yard work, it has not been inspected or taken to a garage for at least 5 years, and sat for 3 of those years, I've been changing oil and filters and fluids when needed though. The car devloped an issue just before the las fluid change and shakes quite violently when the engine revs up in gear. Put it in R, D, 1 or 2 andtry to go and the issue starts, leave it in Park or Nut. and rev the engine and no shaking occurs. (when rev'd)

To better outline the issue here's a quick video of the car and the issue.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kyd2q-LkNKE

StinkerBell · May 17, 2009, 04:24:55 PM

I am thinking old gas or you need a new gas filter.

May 17, 2009, 04:40:02 PM

Quote from: StinkerBell on May 17, 2009, 04:24:55 PM
I am thinking old gas or you need a new gas filter.

Wouldn't be old gas since the gas was bought the other day, but I've never changed the filter.

peternap · May 17, 2009, 05:12:39 PM

Hard to tell from the video but I suspewct transmission problem.

StinkerBell · May 17, 2009, 05:14:55 PM

Gas filter is a cheap thing to change out.

May 17, 2009, 06:06:33 PM

Quote from: peternap on May 17, 2009, 05:12:39 PM
Hard to tell from the video but I suspewct transmission problem.

Same thing I first thought, in which case it's being junked.

Quote from: StinkerBell on May 17, 2009, 05:14:55 PM
Gas filter is a cheap thing to change out.

I get one and see if it changes anything, While the car has never had old gas it has on occasion had gas with some dirt/derbies in it, for one of the red tanks you refill.

diyfrank · May 17, 2009, 06:55:35 PM

Have you checked your drive axles? It almost sounds like its broke or loose and flopping around when you try to drive. If you're using it off road, it could be something as simple as a stick wedged in there.

$100. bucks?

Not much you can fix for that. Maybe you could plant flowers in it.

Q · May 17, 2009, 08:09:56 PM

Quote from: diyfrank on May 17, 2009, 06:55:35 PM
Have you checked your drive axles? It almost sounds like its broke or loose and flopping around when you try to drive. If you're using it off road, it could be something as simple as a stick wedged in there.
Quote

I'll have to take a look under it tomarrow. Some could be broke stuck or lose I guess. It bottomed out fairly bad the other day (before the issue arose) so that could be a good thing to look at.

Quote from: diyfrank on May 17, 2009, 06:55:35 PM
$100. bucks? Not much you can fix for that. Maybe you could plant flowers in it.

No, not much But I didn't pay much when got it a while ago. I could get another yard car for 100$ so I'm not willing to put much into this one. I just like this one due to how small it is making it a good car for the yard/property.

Windpower · May 18, 2009, 07:12:27 AM

transmission fluid topped off ?

May 18, 2009, 09:57:10 AM

My Guess would be someting is up with the transmission.Broken mount or fly wheel???
Is it a frount wheel drive?

Q · May 18, 2009, 12:18:36 PM

Quote from: Windpower on May 18, 2009, 07:12:27 AM
transmission fluid topped off ?

Yes.

Quote from: Whitlock on May 18, 2009, 09:57:10 AM
My Guess would be someting is up with the transmission.Broken mount or fly wheel???
Is it a frount wheel drive?

Yes it's a front wheel drive.

glenn kangiser · May 18, 2009, 10:54:42 PM

Torque converter bolts loose or broke? Drive line, u-joint or CV joint broke? Transmission shaft? More observation is necessary for a diagnosis.

Any attempt at movement when in gear or just the shaking and clanking?

I would suggest a helper putting it into gear and starting the issue with the brakes on and you observing to see where the noise comes from.

A pipe or tube held to your ear while in contact with the various engine or transmission parts with the noise going can help locate the problem. Use it as a stethoscope.

I didn't see movement in the video, but if it will move then have plugs and wires been checked?