Car Shakes and Check Engine Light Is On: Causes and Solutions
Overview
When your car shakes and the check engine light is on, it can be a cause for concern. These symptoms can indicate a variety of problems, from minor issues to more serious ones. In this post, we’ll discuss the possible causes of car shaking and check engine light illumination, and provide some tips on how to troubleshoot and fix the problem.
Possible Causes
1. Misfiring Engine
A misfiring engine can cause the car to shake and trigger the check engine light. Misfiring occurs when one or more cylinders in the engine are not firing properly. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors.
2. Faulty Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensor monitors the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas. If the oxygen sensor is faulty, it can send incorrect data to the engine computer, which can lead to incorrect fuel mixture and engine shaking.
3. Vacuum Leak
A vacuum leak can also cause the car to shake. A vacuum leak occurs when air is drawn into the engine through a hole or crack in the intake system. This can cause the engine to run lean (too much air, not enough fuel), which can lead to engine shaking and poor performance.
4. Faulty Ignition Timing
Ignition timing refers to the timing of the spark plug firing in relation to the piston position. If the ignition timing is off, it can cause the engine to shake and run poorly.
5. Transmission Problems
In some cases, car shaking and check engine light illumination can be caused by transmission problems. If the transmission is slipping or shifting erratically, it can cause the car to shake and trigger the check engine light.
Troubleshooting and Solutions
If you’re experiencing car shaking and check engine light illumination, it’s important to have the problem diagnosed by a qualified mechanic. The mechanic will be able to use a diagnostic tool to scan the car’s computer for trouble codes. The trouble codes will provide the mechanic with information about the source of the problem.
Once the mechanic has diagnosed the problem, they will recommend the appropriate repairs. The repairs may involve replacing faulty parts, such as spark plugs, ignition coils, or oxygen sensors. In some cases, the mechanic may need to adjust the ignition timing or repair a vacuum leak.
Conclusion
Car shaking and check engine light illumination can be caused by a variety of problems, from minor issues to more serious ones. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to have the problem diagnosed by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. By following the troubleshooting tips in this post, you can help your mechanic identify and fix the problem quickly and efficiently.
