Car Shakes When Stopped, Check Engine Light On

Causes

There are a number of potential causes for a car to shake when stopped, with the check engine light on. Some of the most common include:

• Misfiring engine: A misfiring engine can cause the car to shake due to the uneven combustion of fuel. This can be caused by a number of factors, such as faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors.
• Vacuum leak: A vacuum leak can cause the car to shake by allowing unmetered air to enter the engine. This can lead to a lean air-fuel mixture, which can cause the engine to run rough.
• Faulty engine mounts: Engine mounts are responsible for holding the engine in place. If they become worn or damaged, they can allow the engine to move around, which can cause the car to shake.
• Faulty transmission: A faulty transmission can cause the car to shake when stopped due to a number of issues, such as worn gears or a slipping torque converter.

Symptoms

In addition to shaking when stopped, a car with a check engine light on may also experience other symptoms, such as:

• Rough idling: The car may idle rough or stall when stopped.
• Loss of power: The car may experience a loss of power when accelerating.
• Increased fuel consumption: The car may experience a decrease in fuel economy.
• Check engine light: The check engine light will be illuminated on the dashboard.

Diagnosis

If your car is shaking when stopped and the check engine light is on, it is important to have it diagnosed by a qualified mechanic. The mechanic will be able to use a diagnostic scanner to read the trouble codes stored in the car’s computer. These codes can help the mechanic to identify the cause of the problem.

Repair

The repair for a car that is shaking when stopped and the check engine light is on will depend on the underlying cause of the problem. Some common repairs include:

• Replacing faulty spark plugs or ignition coils: If the engine is misfiring, the mechanic will need to replace the faulty spark plugs or ignition coils.
• Repairing a vacuum leak: If there is a vacuum leak, the mechanic will need to find and repair the leak.
• Replacing faulty engine mounts: If the engine mounts are worn or damaged, the mechanic will need to replace them.
• Repairing or replacing a faulty transmission: If the transmission is faulty, the mechanic will need to repair or replace it.

Prevention

There are a few things that you can do to help prevent your car from shaking when stopped and the check engine light from coming on. These include:

• Regular maintenance: Keeping up with regular maintenance, such as oil changes and tune-ups, can help to prevent problems from developing.
• Drive conservatively: Avoid driving aggressively, as this can put unnecessary stress on the engine and transmission.
• Use high-quality fuel: Using high-quality fuel can help to prevent carbon buildup in the engine, which can lead to misfiring.

Conclusion

If your car is shaking when stopped and the check engine light is on, it is important to have it diagnosed by a qualified mechanic. The mechanic will be able to identify the cause of the problem and recommend the necessary repairs. By following the tips above, you can help to prevent this problem from occurring in the future.