I've noticed a slight ticking feeling in my steering and by my pedals as I am curving, mostly to the right. I took it in for an oil change and tune up and they said they didn't find anything wrong. The next morning when I started my car it started shaking really bad, as I reversed, I could see my poor son shaking around because of it. The check engine light also came on. All of this only lasted minutes and all went away. Today, two days later, as I was driving, it feels as though my car is lagging as I initially accelerate, especially from being stopped. Also, as I was getting on the freeway, my car began to shake again and the check engine light came on again, only lasting a few minutes, then both stopping at the same time. I'm worried that since the shaking is only coming sparatically, the mechanics may not be able to know what I'm talking about and what is going on again. I've been checking into it and it seems as though the steering wheel is a common problem and atthis point the least of my concerns. The shaking makes it feel very unsafe to me. Any ideas what it could be so I can cover my bases when I have it checked out? TIA

 

The shaking is probably the engine mis-firing, you said you took it in for a tune up, what all did they replace? If the check engine light came on a codeprobably set so your repair shop may be able to get an idea from that.
Things I would check is the battery, fuel pressure, fuel filter, ignition system and oddly enough the motor mounts, if a mount is broken the engine can move when you accelerateand wierd things happen.

 

Here's what it says was done on the receipt...

"Check battery starting and charging system. Clean battery cable ends and terminals. Check and adjust ignition timing. Replace spark plugs. Inspect ignition and fuel system. Check fluid levels, tire pressures and wear, lights, belts, hoses, cooling system. Resistance tested spark plug wires and they showed they are starting to get some resistance #8 wire is starting to get some corrosion on it, however engine is running fine at this time."

I really appreciate your help leading me in some direction. I took it in this morning and I am happy to havesome ideas of things for them to check out, in the event they can't locate the problem. Thank you so much!

 

The guy just called and said it is the spark plug wires. Any thoughts? Do you think they could do that or is it just a cop out?

 

Yes bad plug wires can cause the rough idle as the spark is leaking out of the wire and jumping to an easier ground point rather then "sparking" at the plug.
And yes its not uncommon for the plugs to be replaced and the wires not during a tune up.
And the fact that they noted one of the plugs as being high is bonus becasue they actually pulled the plug and noted it.
The only thing that may be bogus is the " checked and adjusted ignition timing" as to my understanding that on new 2001 and up that is computer controlled and not adjustable...but that could be just a generic line they put on allreceipts as older vehicles can still be adjusted...

 

It is your steering shaft. All of them eventuall have to be replaced 2000 to at least 2003 have the problem. It is a $250 job at the dealer...

T