Why is my car shaking and stalling?

Tiny
MARYTHAO
  • MEMBER
  • 1991 HONDA CIVIC
I have a 1991 Honda Civic hatchback that is shaky and when I step on the gas the car
does not feel like it's accelerating. The other day the battery light flickered and then
the car died. I was able to restart it right away however I thought it was the battery
so I replaced it. Today when I drove it, the car was still shaky and still no power when
stepping on the gas so replacing the battery didn't help. As I was pulling into the parking
lot at work, it died on me again and the lights came on and I was able to start it right away
again. What can be causing the car to stall? I have had lots of parts replaced. The fuel
filter was just replaced 2 months ago. I need to know what can cause the car to, A: Be Shaky
B: Not accelerate when stepping on the gas C: Keeps stalling. Please help.

- Frustrated
Wednesday, August 15th, 2012 AT 3:21 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Start with basics. Get a compression test.

Plugs, wires, cap, rotor? Hen was the last time it was serviced?

Roy
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Wednesday, August 15th, 2012 AT 3:25 PM
Tiny
MARYTHAO
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Honestly its been serviced 4-5 times within the last 6 months and parts have been replaced several times. Plugs, wires, caps you name it its been replaced. Except for the timing belt. Don't know about the alternator either.
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Wednesday, August 15th, 2012 AT 3:33 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Get the compression test first

Roy
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Wednesday, August 15th, 2012 AT 3:36 PM
Tiny
MARYTHAO
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
What would the compressor test do? Would it determine the cause?
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Wednesday, August 15th, 2012 AT 3:37 PM
Tiny
MARYTHAO
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
This did not satisfy my question. Was hoping to get a little more out of it.
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Wednesday, August 15th, 2012 AT 3:49 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Compression. It will tell us if the motor has the ability to work on all 4 cylinders. If 1 is down, it could be a burnt valve, piston, etc. This is major engine work. Trying to eliminate this right off the bat.

Roy
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Wednesday, August 15th, 2012 AT 3:49 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Is the Check Engine Light indicating?
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Friday, August 17th, 2012 AT 3:32 PM

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