1997 Q45 idle/transmission problem

[berts97q45]

I recently purchased a 1997 Q45 with 78k miles and discovered NiCO in my online search.

Over the last two weeks I have found a strange idle problem with what I suspect is the transmission. While the transmission is engaged in drive or reverse the car idles erratically and shakes every minute or 2, no difference if it's cold or warm. This goes away when the transmission is in neutral or park. Once in motion the car runs normally with good shifts and power.

I placed a call to my mechanic on Friday and he suspects some type of transmission solenoid might me the problem. Any insight is much appreciated.

Thanks..Bert

[elwesso]

So foot on the brake in drive, the car shakes??? Sounds like some intake cleaning for you!!! The car isnt old enough to need mounts yet.....

[berts97q45]

Correct, this erratic idle and shaking happens only when the foot is on the brake and the car is idling in Drive or Reverse. No shakes when the car is idling in Park or Neutral.

[elwesso]

I think its just what I said. You can try cleaning the MAF as well... Cleaning the TB and plenum will help too..... Decarb with seafoam...

My Q does this as well, and its time for new motor mounts... ITs just a minor shake, that I can live with......

Whenever I clean the MAF I notice a little extra smoothness... Search the fourms for procedures.....

[CJQ45]

Did anyone figure this problem out. My car 97Q 76k, shakes/ vibrates very quickly almost like a quiver. The TB is clean - new air filter, cleaned the MAF, changed the plugs, - evrything is good.

This shaking only happens when in drive or reverse at a stop sign or at a red light.

What's up with this. BTW - no codes on a generic scanner.

I cant figure it out.

[FarFetched]

YOU ARE NOT ALONE. I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. R+R SPARK PLUGS, NEW MAF. KNOCK SENSORS. bunch of other stuff On mine (112K miles) it happens every so often. Normaly is series of 2-3 shakes and then goes away for some time. Sometimes I can drive entire day w/o having this "stumble".

[CJQ45]

Someone has to have experience with this - thats the only way we can solve this mystery - there are no codes in the car - but it does it rarely - never when you take it to the dealer.

Come on guys - I know someone must have had this problem on their FY33.

POST - POST - POST

CJ

[maxnix]

Not if it is in top shape. Go through everything then look at fuel. Intake should be pristine. Tank should be pristine. Fuel lines should be pristine. Injectors should be clean and within specification. Fuel filter should be new. Pump should be operating to specification. Air filter should be new.

[blind6]

I just noticed this today while I was at a traffic light. Just sitting there then alittle stumble in the idle.....I just changed the plugs to NGK's this weekend and and changed the oil and put in RP 10W-40. I have the fuel filter, just didn't get around to it. I did do the SF about a month back in the oil and through the vacuum line. Could the throttle body still need to get sprayed? I also bought the cleaner for the MAF and will do that this week. I guess I'll report back after all these are completed. I can only afford alittle at a time and it's a ongoing task trying to get this motor up to par.

[blind6]

I replaced the front rotors last night and it made a huge difference while braking. I think my others were warped. I also added BG44K and it feels like my car is experiencing some positive changes. I held off on the fuel filter replacement just to see if the BG44K worked by itself. Has anyone gone and cleaned the sediment out of their tank? Just curious if this is worth the time involved.

I'm going with my friend to the track tonight to see what the Q runs. I'll try to get a timeslip. This is my first track night so I hope it's a good one.

[Q45tech]

Look in bottom of fuel tank with flashlight.......you will see nothing but metal or rust or water droplets where fuel sock sits. That will tell you what to do if anything..................no smoking with your eyes in the tank opening.

[blind6]

I'm going with my friend to the track tonight to see what the Q runs. I'll try to get a timeslip. This is my first track night so I hope it's a good one.

Had a fun time at the track for the first time. Has to do the orientation and then only ran 1 time. Line got too long and I had to work today. My friend was unable to run his MR2 because he blew his headgasket before we got to the track. Not sure where this time stands for a stock Q but I ran a 16.49 My reaction time was 1.15 and top speed was 84MPH. Hopefully all this is due to my nerves. I ended up getting confused at the staging lights and my launch suffered. OH WELL....I'll be going back next Friday.

[nermq45]

Did you ever figure out the problem with the shake erractically at stoplights when in gear and on the brakes? I just bought my 4th Q, a 2000 and I am having the exact same issue and cannot figure out how to fix it. Have spent too much $ already and to no avail...Do you have any suggestions?