Honda Repair: adjusting idle, flat head screw, adjustment screw

Question
i have a 96 accord, it shakes when the A/C comes on and when i'm at a red lite. when i lightly touch the gas pedal, it evens out. i'm assuming a turn of a carb idle screw might fix it (i can't afford a tune up right now). does this make sense, and which screw is it?

thanks!

Answer
Hi Joe,

These engines have always had vibration problems when they get some mile on them. There is no carb screw since this is a fuel injected vehicle. They are computer controlled now unlike the easy old days where EVERYTHING was adjustable (I sure miss that). There is however an idle adjustment screw on the throttle body. It is usually covered over with a gray RTV type material and has a slot for a flat head screw driver. You can turn this screw and get the adjustment you may need. If you turn the screw too far the idle will rapidly race up and down so watch how far you play with it. Usually I find that the vibrations are caused from something else. A motor mount or lack of valve adjustment. The rear motor mount is vacuum actuated and they are a common failure. The front "dog bone" style mounts are good for causing a vibration as well. If the problem started after someone performed work on the vehicle I would point to something they did or didn't do. Try the screw and see if that helps. If not start to look at the other things I mentioned. Hope this helps and if you have any more questions feel free to contact me. Have a great day!

Nolan