Car Shakes When Idle Check Engine Light
If your car is shaking when idle and the check engine light is on, it could be a sign of a serious problem. There are a number of possible causes, including:
- Vacuum leak
- Fuel injector problem
- Spark plug or ignition coil problem
- Engine mount problem
- Transmission problem
It’s important to have the problem diagnosed by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Driving with a shaking car can be dangerous, and it could also lead to further damage to your vehicle.
Vacuum Leak
A vacuum leak can cause your car to shake when idle because it allows unmetered air to enter the engine. This can cause the engine to run lean, which can lead to a number of problems, including shaking, stalling, and decreased fuel economy.
There are a number of ways to check for a vacuum leak. One way is to use a smoke machine. A smoke machine will introduce smoke into the intake system, and if there is a leak, the smoke will be sucked into the engine. You can also check for a vacuum leak by spraying carburetor cleaner around the intake manifold and listening for a change in engine speed. If the engine speed increases, it could be a sign of a vacuum leak.
Fuel Injector Problem
A fuel injector problem can also cause your car to shake when idle. Fuel injectors are responsible for delivering fuel to the engine. If one or more fuel injectors is clogged or malfunctioning, it can cause the engine to run lean or rich, which can lead to shaking.
There are a number of ways to check for a fuel injector problem. One way is to use a fuel pressure gauge. A fuel pressure gauge will measure the pressure of the fuel in the fuel rail. If the fuel pressure is low, it could be a sign of a fuel injector problem.
Spark Plug or Ignition Coil Problem
A spark plug or ignition coil problem can also cause your car to shake when idle. Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the air/fuel mixture in the engine. If one or more spark plugs is worn or damaged, it can cause the engine to misfire, which can lead to shaking.
Ignition coils are responsible for providing the spark to the spark plugs. If one or more ignition coils is malfunctioning, it can also cause the engine to misfire, which can lead to shaking.
There are a number of ways to check for a spark plug or ignition coil problem. One way is to use a spark tester. A spark tester will check the spark from the spark plugs. If there is no spark or if the spark is weak, it could be a sign of a spark plug or ignition coil problem.
Engine Mount Problem
An engine mount problem can also cause your car to shake when idle. Engine mounts are responsible for supporting the engine and keeping it in place. If one or more engine mounts is worn or damaged, it can cause the engine to move around, which can lead to shaking.
There are a number of ways to check for an engine mount problem. One way is to visually inspect the engine mounts. If you see any cracks or tears in the mounts, it could be a sign that they need to be replaced.
Transmission Problem
A transmission problem can also cause your car to shake when idle. If the transmission is slipping or not engaging properly, it can cause the car to shake. Transmission problems can be difficult to diagnose, so it’s important to have the problem checked by a qualified mechanic.
What to Do If Your Car Shakes When Idle and the Check Engine Light Is On
If your car is shaking when idle and the check engine light is on, it’s important to have the problem diagnosed by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Driving with a shaking car can be dangerous, and it could also lead to further damage to your vehicle.
The mechanic will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action. The cost of repairs will vary depending on the cause of the problem. However, it’s important to get the problem fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your vehicle.
