Check Engine Light and Car Shaking: Causes and Solutions

When your check engine light illuminates and your car starts shaking, it’s a sign that something’s wrong with your vehicle. These two symptoms can be caused by a variety of issues, ranging from minor to severe. It’s important to have your car diagnosed by a mechanic as soon as possible to determine the cause and get it fixed.

Possible Causes of Check Engine Light and Car Shaking

1. Spark Plugs or Ignition Coils

Spark plugs and ignition coils are responsible for igniting the fuel in your car’s engine. If they’re not functioning properly, it can cause misfires, which can lead to the check engine light coming on and your car shaking.

2. Fuel Injector Problems

Fuel injectors deliver fuel to the engine’s cylinders. If they’re clogged or malfunctioning, it can cause the engine to run lean or rich, which can lead to shaking and a check engine light.

3. Vacuum Leaks

Vacuum leaks can occur in the hoses and connections that carry air to the engine. These leaks can cause the engine to run rough and shake, and can also trigger the check engine light.

4. EGR Valve Problems

The EGR valve recirculates exhaust gases back into the intake manifold to reduce emissions. If it’s stuck open or closed, it can cause the engine to shake and the check engine light to come on.

5. Transmission Problems

Transmission problems can also cause your car to shake, especially when shifting gears. If you notice shaking when shifting, it’s important to have your transmission checked by a mechanic.

Solutions for Check Engine Light and Car Shaking

The solution to check engine light and car shaking will depend on the underlying cause. Some common solutions include:

• Replacing spark plugs or ignition coils
• Cleaning or replacing fuel injectors
• Fixing vacuum leaks
• Replacing the EGR valve
• Repairing or replacing the transmission

Importance of Having Your Car Diagnosed

If you’re experiencing check engine light and car shaking, it’s important to have your car diagnosed by a mechanic as soon as possible. Driving with these symptoms can damage your engine and other components, leading to more costly repairs down the road.

A mechanic will be able to use a diagnostic scanner to identify the specific code that’s causing the check engine light to illuminate. They can then perform the necessary repairs to fix the underlying problem and get your car running smoothly again.

Conclusion

Check engine light and car shaking are symptoms that should not be ignored. By having your car diagnosed and repaired promptly, you can avoid further damage and keep your vehicle running safely and efficiently.