Oldsmobile Alero Shakes at Idle and When I Come to a Stop

Reader Question

Hi Austin,

I wanted to thank you for having a helpful column. Most mechanics charge 29.95 for guys like me to ask a single question!

Anyway,

I drive an 1999 Olds Alero with about 112K miles on it.. I’ve been having a shaking problem. It only shakes when I come to a stop and I’m in gear. or I start up the car and put it into gear….First my mechanic said it was the motor mounts.. got those replaced and most of the shaking was gone.. then another mechanic told me it was a problem with the steering.. (covered under warranty) but I’ve been back to the shop 3-4 times and still my car is shaking. I’m wondering what it could be. I’m going to have my transmission and A/C systems looked at, as the car shakes more when I turn on the AC..

I’m really confused! Is there any advice you can offer?

Thanks,
Steve.

Good day Steve

Are you sure they replace ALL the motor AND engine mounts? There might be 4? Make sure all got replaced.

I would first check the base idle, it sounds like the engine is idling too low and when you have the a/c on you are placing more load on the engine so if the idle is too low to begin with and you turn on the a/c it makes it idle even lower. This causes a vibration …which you feel.

I would clean the throttle body and the idle speed control motor and make sure the base idle is set to specs.

Blessings,

Austin C. Davis