Questions and Answers

Honda Prelude Steering Wheel Vibrates Q. Hi Vince. I have a 1989 Honda Prelude si, 4 cylinder and automatic transmission. The steering wheel vibrates or shimmies when I'm stopped. Pressure on the brake seems to cause the problem. If I put car in neutral it quits. What do I need to do to fix this problem? Judy

A. It could be a few different things causing this problem. But since the idle is just a little low, I would suggest starting with the basics. If it's been a while since you had a complete tune-up, now would be the time to do it.

Now that engine has dual KEIHIN 1 barrel carburetors with feedback controls. This means that both carburetors should be properly synchronized before setting the idle speed. But I think we can skip that and just bump the idle up a bit.

Figure 1

1. Connect a tachometer to engine.
2. With all accessories off, check idle speed. Expected result: M/T 800 ±50 rpm. A/T 750 ±50 rpm in DRIVE.
3. If idle speed is incorrect, adjust by turning the throttle stop screw. Figure 1.
4. If vehicle has air conditioning, turn on A/C and recheck idle speed A/T in DRIVE. Expected result: 750 ±50 rpm
5. If required adjust by turning the A/C idle adjusting screw. Figure 2.

Figure 2