I have a 2001 Tribute DX V6. Last sunday, when I started my car and didn't notice any thing different until I started driving it on the beltway. All of a sudden, the whole car shakes/vibrates while driving at 60mph ANDit seemed to slow down Yesterday, I checked oil and put in about 2 pints, warmed it up, did a test drive, same thing happened at slow speed. Does anyone know what happened? I changed oil every 3000 miles and taking good care of it.

By the way, the engine light indicator is on.

 

Best bet is to go to a local autoparts store and borrow a code reader. They are very easy to use and they will tell you what the fault code being tripped is.

Does it shake at idle?
Does it shake both in gear and in Park?
When you start it up does the engine move a lot?
Any noises associated with the shaking?

 

It does not shake it idle or in Park. Only shake when driving at speed more than 30mph. I don't understand the third question.No noise associated with the shaking.

I am afraid of driving it now because it seems like the truck was about to stall.

 

If you open up your hood, with the engine turned off and watch the engine as someone starts the vehicle. Does it move a lot when you start it? If it does, you could have a broken motor mount.

If you have a check engine light lit, you need to find out what code is being tripped. If it's not rough at idle or in Park, that tells me your engine itself is probably fine. Without the CEL code, it's difficult to diagnose.

 

I just bought the tool myself and will test it this afternoon. I don't think it's the mount because the engine shakes the whole truck, then stop then shake eventhough the gas pedal was held down steady. But I will let you know.

Thanks,

 

it is 00305: I think it's the spark plugs need to be replaced. I replaced the front threes. Need to replace the rest tomorrow. Those plugs are old.

 

Could be...maybe it's misfiring only when under higher loads.

Your code reader didn't translate the # into a Concern description I guess? (The one's I am familiar with read things like "#5 cyl misfire"

 

no it said 00305. I look at the manual, it said Cylinder Five, Misfire detected

 

i fixed it by replacing sparkplugs.

 

Good deal.