Got a 96 Mazda Protege (automatic) that v-v-vribrates horribly upon stopping at lights or stop signs. Can look out the windshield and see the front of the car vibrate and can feel the vibration in the steering wheel, driver & passenger seats. At lights, I put the car in neutral, reducing the vibrations somewhat. Any thoughts to point me in the right direction before a mechanic visit?
thanks
Normally this is caused by an engine performance problem or a bad engine/transmission mount.
An engine performance problem could be either a mechanical fault (low compression, etc), ignition related (plugs, wires, etc.), vacuum leak or emissions fault. Idle speed that is too low can also cause this.
You might consider dropping by a local AutoZone, Checkers, Advance Auto, etc. and have them scan the car. They will do this for you free. Post any results (if any) back here for further discussion. Do not expect the counter guys to diagnose the problem for you; that is not their job nor should it be.
You did not state how many miles on the car, when the last maintenance was performed on it, etc.