Whats wrong with my car! Help

Ok. First time here and I need HELP. I have a 98 HX CVT with 100,200 miles. I've just had the timing belt replaced and that seemed fine. But the folks who worked on my car mentioned that it "runs like crap" ...I don't know about that but it does seem to be doing something odd. Sometimes (and sometimes not) when I first fire it up in the morning the idle seems to fluctuate...kind of jumps and acts like it wants to die but never does. The problem seems to go away at higher speeds, but now I'm noticing that the car kind of does it intermittently while driving at any speed. Advice? I don't want to just take my car into the shop and say, "Go look for a problem" as I'm sure they will find lots. Help. Thanks! Brandy

But the folks who worked on my car mentioned that it "runs like crap" ...

Who are these "folks" why dont they tell you what crap they are talking about?

Check your plugs and wires first of all.
Was the water pump changed when your timing belt was?
Check your idle, fuel filter. How are all your levels on fluids?
Could need a tune up, is the car up to date on maintnance?

well an obvious thing to check would be the timing. since they just put on the timing belt and said it ran like crap, and it didn't before. that should be a clue. even if the belt is off a tooth or two, that will make it run crappy. i'd say take it to another, more reputable shop and have them check the iginition timing and the cam-to-crank timing. tell them the exact story, that u took it in for a timing belt change, and after that it didn't run the same. if they r good, they'll know exactly wut to look for.

If all else fails check your PCV Valve

Thanks for all of your help! To be more clear. BEFORE they put in the timing belt, they called me to say that it was running like crap. It it totally due for a tune up and they did say that but then told me they didn't want to just throw a tune up at it without doing a diagnostic first.

I wanted to get some advice from you guys first. They are reputable people but this is the first time I've used them. I've always gone to the dealer before but found that they told me my rear main seal was leaking...and it is in fact not leaking so I felt a little burned and asked around for a referral and thats how I found the guys I'm using now. Anyone know any good people to take my car to in Denver, CO?

Oh! and yes, the water pump was also replaced when the timing belt was done.

Well I have bought my car from some people and also I have taken it there to fix some some problems like axles, gauges, all kind of engine stuff the goody stuff. They are located at 2440 S. Raritan st. 80110 and their website is www.mediaauto.com its not that good of a website, but their job is excellent and I would just tell them someone from Colorado Springs told me to come here if you do go. and like wat others said tell them the whole story.

:) thanks! i'm that shop from denver CO.

we're not Honda freak, but we know alot about traditional engine transmition and we carry knowledge and tips from over-seas that some shops here don't have.

the problem with your honda is a vacum leak or the idel control valve. (ICV) on the back of your intake towards the dashboard.

here's what you should do:

1. go ot auto-zone, get a FREE scan of the engine light if its on, (if not, try to scan it anyway)

2. check for any vacume hoses (small hoses around the intake) especially the one closest to your alternator. (if you have the stock engine)

3. if the above did not help, change your ICV. find a CLEAN one! new if you can buy it. (don't know cost, sorry)

4. if that doesn't solve it. change the butterfly valve and your intake (maybe too dirty).

if none of the above works, reply back, because then its something really odd. (such as failing ECU). which i gurantee is NOT the case.

it has nothing to do with your timing belt if its intermitten and not occuring at all speeds.

thanks for the referal damasta. how's your civic?

peace!

i think i have the same problem. if it is an auto, try to shift to P if that go away it is something wrong with ur trans. Someone told me the trans fluid is cold and it usually go away once it warm up.