I have a 1990 Accord that has been great up until now. A couple weeks ago the speedometer wasn't working correctly. I'm not sure if this has anything to do with the rest of the issues. It only messed up once and I don't think it has since. Now it doesn't want to accelerate properly. It shudders and makes a noise on the front left side of the car. the rpms go up but it acts like it has no power. At first I thought I might have run out of gas. I have had it at the mechanic's a couple of times and it didn't do it with them and this last time they had it for 3 days. I am not a highly knowledgeable car person so please forgive my ignorance, i am just very frustrated. I don't know where to ask them to even start looking. thanks for any advice.

 

RPM going up and no acceleration suggests transmission is slipping. Is this the case or simply low power?

Have spark plugs, wires, distributor cap, and rotor been replaced recently? If not, these should be tried first.

If trans is slipping, a ATF drain/replacement can sometimes help.

good luck

 

Since the is random it will be a bit hard to figure out. The ICM could be on its way out. As suggested start with the tune up stuff, when you have the cap and rotor off, look inside the dist-any oil inside there?

 

Does the check engine light turn on or does the D4 or S light flash?