Expert: Sean Halliday - 6/7/2006

Question
hi,

just a very quick question.  about 2 weeks ago, while starting my car's engine (2000 Toyota Solara), I was a bit alarmed by how "weird" my car was acting.  The engine wasn't sputtering, but the other signs were of similar nature- the engine startup sounded "different" and car was sort of rocking or felt unstable.  alarmed, i immediately turned off my engine, waited about 30 seconds, and started again and everything was fine.

that happened 2 weeks ago, and it hadn't happened since, until this morning.

is this something that is urgent?  i have a regular appointment with my repair shop in a couple of weeks.  are these symptoms a sign of something serious enough for me to rush the car in sooner than that?

thank you for any help you could provide, i appreciate it.

sincerely,
jay

Answer
if the car was shaking i would suspect a transmission mount or motor mount.better be safe and get the shop to look at it as i wouldnt like to say its not serious,,,,,,it could be,,,they can put it on the hoist and tell you better,it may be just a misfire,which would cause the shaking,,,but ya never know so better safe just go let them look at the mounts  especially the engine mounts .