Rep Power: 0

Recently, my 96 Civic Hatchback has been shaking intensely whenever I shift into first gear and in the past few days it's also been shuddering whenever I step on the gas. When I'm driving in 2nd or 3rd gear I can feel the car "tremble" when I step on the gas but then it disappears when I take my foot off the gas. On the highway when I hit around 50-55 MPH it starts shuddering violently when I step on the gas but stops and coasts smoothly when I let off the gas. It also seems like the car has no pickup no matter what gear I'm in. What could this be? Is it the engine mount? Is it something that needs to be fixed immediately? Is it safe to drive it like this? Thanks!

 
Rep Power: 519

Check engine light is flashing sometimes, I bet.
Start there.
See why the check engine light is on.
Misfire codes.
Fix that first.
HTH

 
Rep Power: 0

If your check engine light is not on, try to get underneath your car to examine the CV axle boots. The CV axles are the long rods that go into the centers of both your front wheels, with two boots per rod. You need to check the boots closest to the center of your car.

If they're torn, your CV axles aren't running smoothly and need to be replaced. They'll be causing the shaking.

 
Rep Power: 0

My "Check Engine" has been on for almost a year (a totally unrelated issue) but strangely enough when this problem came up the light started blinking off and on. I had the CV boots on both sides replaced within the past two years but I know that I need new ball joints. My car has been squeaking and creaking like an old bed! Could it be related to that?

 
Rep Power: 519

You can't tell when a NEW problem happens---- because you just ignored this "stupid little light" for the last year.

Guess what happened.
Guess what the flashing means.




A year ago it was unrelated.
Guess what.....

-------------------------------------------

I don't guess for a living.


HTH