Car Jerking and Check Engine Light On

If you’re experiencing car jerking and a check engine light on, it’s important to find the cause of the issue and resolve it as soon as possible. Jerking can be a sign of a number of potential problems, ranging from minor issues to more serious ones. The check engine light is a warning that your car’s computer has detected a fault in one or more of the systems that it monitors.

Causes of Car Jerking and Check Engine Light On

There are many potential causes of car jerking and a check engine light on. Some of the most common include:

Spark plug issues: Worn or faulty spark plugs can cause misfires, which can lead to jerking and a check engine light.
Ignition coil problems: Ignition coils provide the spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders. A faulty ignition coil can cause misfires and lead to jerking and a check engine light.
Fuel injector issues: Fuel injectors deliver fuel to the cylinders. A clogged or faulty fuel injector can cause the engine to run lean or rich, which can lead to jerking and a check engine light.
Vacuum leaks: A vacuum leak can cause the engine to run lean, which can lead to jerking and a check engine light.
Mass airflow sensor problems: The mass airflow sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine. A faulty mass airflow sensor can cause the engine to run rich or lean, which can lead to jerking and a check engine light.
Oxygen sensor issues: Oxygen sensors measure the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases. A faulty oxygen sensor can cause the engine to run rich or lean, which can lead to jerking and a check engine light.
Transmission problems: A faulty transmission can cause the car to jerk when shifting gears.

Solutions for Car Jerking and Check Engine Light On

The best way to resolve car jerking and a check engine light on is to have the issue diagnosed by a qualified mechanic. The mechanic will be able to identify the cause of 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:

Replacing the spark plugs or ignition coils
Cleaning or replacing the fuel injectors
Fixing the vacuum leak
Replacing the mass airflow sensor
Replacing the oxygen sensor
Repairing or replacing the transmission

Conclusion

Car jerking and a check engine light on can be caused by a number of different issues. It’s important to have the issue diagnosed by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your car.