Honda Car Forum

On 8/26/03 11:18 PM, in article ziW2b.44869$la.735777@news1.calgary.shaw.ca,
"Kingpenguin" <kingpenguin78@hotmail.com> wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I just recently un-parked my car from storage, and have been having all
> sorts of weird problems with it.
>
> First it started out as the front end vibrating at about 35mph up to 40mph,
> right at the shift point of 3rd gear. I was assuming this was due to the
> age and condition of my transmission fluid, and was going to get it changed
> this weekend. However, tonight I noticed the car was suddenly dropping in
> RPMs and when the car shifted out of 1st, the dashboard lights would dim
> slightly. A friend said get the alternator checked, which makes sense.
> Also, I noticed when I pulled into the driveway if I took my foot of the
> brake while still in Drive, the car would roll backwards. This is not a
> steep driveway, and I have never had it do this before...
>
> Any ideas? I am guessing I need to take it to the mechanic...
>
> -Jon
>
>

How long was it in storage? Did they drain the gas? Assuming there is not
a nest of little forest creatures under the hood eating things, the engine
performance issues could be caused by old/bad gas.

Rolling backwards at idle can happen when the idle speed is too low (does it
"drop in rpms" at idle?).

As for the dimming lights, the first thing to check is the condition and
tightness of the belt(s). Could be slipping or maybe rotting off.

Was it sitting on the tires? Could be flat spots developed on the tires.
Have you check that the tires have been properly (re)inflated?

I would get it aired up, change the oil, check the belts, check the tires,
put in fresh gas and then drive it for about 60 miles on the highway to let
it purge itself of accumulated whatever, if it still has problems after
that, then start looking for corroded electrical contacts and other
weathering issues.