Last time I started my car was around New Year's Day

The weather being nice, I decided to take the car out for a winter spin around my driveway - yes, its that long. (I can't drive it all the time - insurance is off for the winter).

So, upon starting the car, I knew that something wasn't right. There was a shaking in the car, and a low grumble from the engine. Also, the engine light was on (not the check engine light, the actual engine light).

I'm sure guys here know the stench from the exhaust on a car that hasn't been started in a while. The difference was, the stench lasted for the whole time the car was started, it didn't fade away like normally.

When driving the car it seemed MUCH slower all the way through.

I'd love to take this to a dealership now (still under warantee), but like I said, my insurance is off at least for a few more weeks, and I don't feel like geting arrested

BTW, car has been garage kept for all of the 30k miles.

Any idea on what this is/what I can do. I can better try to describe the situation if necessary.

Thanks,
Ray

 

Did you check the basics like oil and coolant??

Maybe some sort of critter has made a home in your car somewhere?

Take the lid off the air box and make sure the filter is ok.