QuestionI just started driving this car again in December 2013. She sat for almost four years before that. I noticed many problems at first but most were solved with a good tune-up. Now the main two problems I am having are a shaking or stutter when I am accelerating, let off the gas, or push harder, it stops (between 25-40mph). When I have my husband drive it, she don't do it!?
Second problem is my lights, interior, headlamps, and tail lights flicker when I am driving. My dash lights also get really dim. Don't know if this matters, but the climate control buttons on the dash seem to be going out one by one?
I would greatly appreciate ANY help or advice you could give me on this situation, I love this car and would like to keep it running properly.
AnswerHi,
The first thing you need to realize is that shelf life on unleaded gasoline is no more than three months before it starts turning to varnish. Here you have had 4 years. The fuel tank should be dropped, boiled out f possible. There is a very thin screen in the tank called a sock. Chances are that it needs to be replaced and if you didn't get a fuel filter at the time of the tune up, I highly recommend.
I also recommend having the brake fluid flushed because condensation builds up in the master and change the anti freeze/coolant because it is only good for three years before breaking down. Now, if varnish is not the problem in the tank and it is a condensation issue, you can try installing a bottle of heat in the tank and see what happens when it comes to the fuel issue.
As for the flickering lights, it could be a bad battery, an alternator not putting out properly or a bad frame ground at the negative cable. All one needs to do is remove the bolt at the frame, scrape the frame and the cable eyelet to bare metal and reinstall the bolt.
You do not want to take the car to a dealer because they have a tendency of replacing perfectly good components. A reputable service garage can diagnose the problem without parts changing without fixing the problem.
Many go to parts stores for a charging/battery issue like Auto Zone. Yes, they have the equipment, however they are very common at misdiagnosing. They are not technicians and there job is to sell you parts whether you need them or not.
The charging/battery issue is critical because you can be left stranded.
Good luck and let me know how it all works out or you.
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