Car Shaking and Check Engine Light On: Causes and Solutions

What Causes Car Shaking with Check Engine Light On?

When your car shakes and the check engine light is on, it’s a sign that something is wrong with your vehicle. There are several possible causes for this, including:

Misfiring Engine: A misfiring engine occurs when one or more of your car’s cylinders are not firing properly. This can cause the engine to shake and the check engine light to come on.
Vacuum Leak: A vacuum leak occurs when there is a hole or tear in your car’s vacuum hoses. This can cause the engine to run lean, which can lead to shaking and the check engine light coming on.
Faulty Spark Plugs: Faulty spark plugs can cause the engine to misfire, which can lead to shaking and the check engine light coming on.
Dirty Fuel Injectors: Dirty fuel injectors can cause the engine to run rough, which can lead to shaking and the check engine light coming on.
Bad Ignition Coil: A bad ignition coil can cause the engine to misfire, which can lead to shaking and the check engine light coming on.

What to Do If Your Car Is Shaking and the Check Engine Light Is On

If your car is shaking and the check engine light is on, there are a few things you can do:

Check the engine oil level: Low engine oil levels can cause the engine to shake and the check engine light to come on.
Inspect the vacuum hoses: Look for any holes or tears in the vacuum hoses. If you find any, replace them.
Check the spark plugs: Remove the spark plugs and inspect them for wear or damage. If the spark plugs are worn or damaged, replace them.
Clean the fuel injectors: You can use a fuel injector cleaner to clean the fuel injectors. Follow the instructions on the product label.
Replace the ignition coil: If the ignition coil is bad, it will need to be replaced.

When to See a Mechanic

If you’re not comfortable performing any of the above tasks, or if the shaking and check engine light persist, you should take your car to a mechanic. The mechanic will be able to diagnose the problem and perform the necessary repairs.

Conclusion

If your car is shaking and the check engine light is on, it’s important to take action to diagnose and fix the problem. By following the steps outlined above, you can help keep your car running smoothly and safely.