# Shaky 98 Honda Civic Ex?

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/shaky-98-honda-civic-ex/21043>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [October 22, 2008, 3:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shaky-98-honda-civic-ex/21043 "2008-10-22T03:25:06Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Portia911](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/db5fbb/32.png) [@Portia911](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Portia911)\
**Post date:** [October 22, 2008, 3:25am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/shaky-98-honda-civic-ex/21043/1 "2008-10-22T03:25:06Z")

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Hello:  
  
  
  
 Hope someone can help. I drive a 98 Honda Civic EX 4 cylinder inline w/ a V-tech engine and 117k. I just got the transmission fluid changed out at 117k last Sat. Two weeks before that, I got my distributor replaced. Both things were done at the local Honda dealer.  
  
  
  
 The distributor replacement was recommended based on the check engine code my car’s computer put out and a diagnositc run by the Honda dealer. The transmission fluid change was just preventative maintenance.  
  
  
  
 It seems like my car is shaking a little more and more while it idles, and somewhat while I’m driving. Has anyone else experienced this with a Civic?  
  
  
  
 I got my distributor replaced because my car used to idle just above 0 rpms, and then stall at redlights - after it stalled, I could restart it and drive just fine. But once it wigged out on an out of town trip while I was actually driving! Looking at the rpms, the needle jumped up and down from 500-3000 rpms. It sputtered and acted like it was going to die any minute. So I pulled into the nearest gas station and had it towed to the dealer (ouch).  
  
  
  
 I was a pretty scary and unexpected thing for me, so even though I got that part replaced, with the shaking, I wonder if it solved the whole problem - or maybe it’s just an old car and it’s nothing unusal?  
  
  
  
 The shaking is not terrible, but I can look up and see my viser jiggle around a bit. At times, the vibration is not perceptible.  
  
  
  
 I do get regular oil changes, thou the dealer told me I have a small oil pan gasket leak. I can’t afford to fix that right now, so, I check my oil dip stick regularly.  
  
  
  
 Also, I did get a tune up and timing belt replaced two years ago when I first bought the car. That was done at a Ken Towery.  
  
  
  
 Any insight is appreciated,  
  
  
  
 Thanks!  
  
  
  
 Portia