Car Engine Idles Rough
Causes of a Rough Idle
There are several potential causes of a rough idle, including:
- Vacuum leaks
- Dirty or faulty spark plugs
- Faulty ignition coils
- Clogged fuel injectors
- Dirty throttle body
- Intake manifold gasket leak
- Exhaust system leak
- Engine compression problems
Symptoms of a Rough Idle
The symptoms of a rough idle can vary depending on the underlying cause, but common symptoms include:
- Engine shaking or vibrating
- Stalling
- Difficulty starting
- Reduced power
- Increased fuel consumption
Diagnosing a Rough Idle
Diagnosing a rough idle can be challenging, as there are several potential causes. A mechanic will typically start by listening to the engine for unusual noises, and then checking the spark plugs, ignition coils, and fuel injectors. They may also use a vacuum gauge to check for leaks, and a compression tester to check engine compression.
Fixing a Rough Idle
The repair for a rough idle will depend on the underlying cause. Common repairs include:
- Replacing vacuum hoses
- Replacing spark plugs
- Replacing ignition coils
- Cleaning fuel injectors
- Cleaning throttle body
- Replacing intake manifold gasket
- Repairing exhaust system leaks
- Overhauling engine
Preventing a Rough Idle
There are several things you can do to prevent a rough idle, including:
- Regularly scheduled maintenance, including spark plug replacement and fuel injector cleaning.
- Using high-quality fuel.
- Avoiding overloading your vehicle.
- Driving in a manner that avoids excessive engine wear.
If you experience a rough idle, it is important to have the problem diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. Ignoring a rough idle can lead to more serious engine problems.
