Car is Shaking and Engine Light is On: Causes and Solutions
If you’re driving along and suddenly your car starts shaking and the engine light comes on, it’s definitely a cause for concern. There are a number of potential causes for this, and ignoring it could lead to further damage to your car.
Here are some of the most common causes of car shaking and engine light illumination:
Possible Causes
1. Misfiring engine
A misfiring engine is one of the most common causes of car shaking. It occurs when one or more of your engine’s cylinders is not firing properly. This can be caused by a number of factors, such as faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors.
Symptoms of a misfiring engine include:
- Engine shaking
- Loss of power
- Rough idle
- Check engine light
2. Vacuum leak
A vacuum leak is another common cause of car shaking. It occurs when air is able to enter your engine through a hole or crack in the intake system. This can lead to a lean air-fuel mixture, which can cause the engine to shake and run rough.
Symptoms of a vacuum leak include:
- Engine shaking
- Loss of power
- Rough idle
- Check engine light
- Hissing sound from the engine
3. Faulty oxygen sensor
The oxygen sensor is responsible for measuring the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas. This information is used by the engine’s computer to adjust the air-fuel mixture. A faulty oxygen sensor can cause the engine to run lean or rich, which can lead to car shaking.
Symptoms of a faulty oxygen sensor include:
- Engine shaking
- Loss of power
- Rough idle
- Check engine light
- Increased fuel consumption
4. Worn motor mounts
Motor mounts are responsible for holding the engine in place. Over time, these mounts can wear out and become loose. This can allow the engine to move around, which can cause car shaking.
Symptoms of worn motor mounts include:
- Engine shaking
- Vibration in the steering wheel
- Clunking noise when shifting gears
Solutions
If you’re experiencing car shaking and the engine light is on, it’s important to get it checked out by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. They will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.
Depending on the cause of the problem, the mechanic may recommend one or more of the following repairs:
- Replacing spark plugs
- Replacing ignition coils
- Replacing fuel injectors
- Fixing vacuum leaks
- Replacing oxygen sensor
- Replacing motor mounts
It’s important to note that these are just some of the most common causes of car shaking and engine light illumination. There are other potential causes, so it’s always best to have a qualified mechanic diagnose the problem.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing car shaking and the engine light is on, it’s important to get it checked out as soon as possible. Ignoring it could lead to further damage to your car. A qualified mechanic will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.
