Car Shakes When Accelerating and Check Engine Light Is On
Causes of Car Shaking When Accelerating
There are a number of potential causes for a car to shake when accelerating. Some of the most common include:
- Misfiring engine: A misfiring engine can cause the car to shake because it is not burning fuel evenly. This can be caused by a number of factors, such as spark plugs that are not firing properly or a fuel injector that is clogged.
- Worn or damaged spark plugs: Spark plugs that are worn or damaged can cause the car to shake because they are not producing a strong enough spark to ignite the fuel properly.
- Clogged fuel injector: A clogged fuel injector can cause the car to shake because it is not allowing enough fuel to reach the engine. This can be caused by a number of factors, such as dirt or debris in the fuel line.
- Damaged or worn engine mounts: Engine mounts are responsible for holding the engine in place. If they are damaged or worn, the engine can move around when the car is accelerating, causing the car to shake.
- Unbalanced tires: Unbalanced tires can cause the car to shake because they are not rotating evenly. This can be caused by a number of factors, such as a tire that is not properly inflated or a wheel that is out of alignment.
- Driveline problems: Driveline problems, such as a worn or damaged driveshaft, can cause the car to shake because they are not transmitting power to the wheels smoothly.
What to Do If Your Car Shakes When Accelerating
If your car shakes when accelerating, it is important to have it diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem can lead to more serious damage to your car.
The first step is to check the spark plugs and fuel injectors. If they are worn or damaged, they should be replaced. You should also check the engine mounts and make sure that they are not damaged or worn. If they are, they should be replaced.
If the spark plugs, fuel injectors, and engine mounts are all in good condition, the next step is to have the tires balanced. This can be done at most tire shops.
If the tires are balanced and the car is still shaking, the next step is to have the driveline inspected. This can be done by a mechanic.
Check Engine Light
If your car’s check engine light is on, it is important to have it diagnosed as soon as possible. The check engine light is designed to alert you to a problem with your car’s engine or emissions system.
There are a number of potential causes for the check engine light to come on. Some of the most common include:
- Loose or damaged gas cap: A loose or damaged gas cap can cause the check engine light to come on because it allows fuel vapors to escape. This can lead to a number of problems, including decreased fuel efficiency and increased emissions.
- Oxygen sensor problems: Oxygen sensors are responsible for monitoring the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas. If an oxygen sensor is malfunctioning, it can cause the check engine light to come on.
- Catalytic converter problems: Catalytic converters are responsible for reducing emissions. If a catalytic converter is malfunctioning, it can cause the check engine light to come on.
- Evaporative emissions system problems: The evaporative emissions system is responsible for preventing fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. If the evaporative emissions system is malfunctioning, it can cause the check engine light to come on.
What to Do If Your Check Engine Light Is On
If your car’s check engine light is on, it is important to have it diagnosed as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem can lead to more serious damage to your car.
The first step is to check the gas cap. If the gas cap is loose or damaged, tighten it or replace it.
If the gas cap is not the problem, the next step is to have the car diagnosed by a mechanic. The mechanic will be able to use a diagnostic tool to determine the cause of the problem and recommend the appropriate repairs.
Conclusion
If your car shakes when accelerating or if the check engine light is on, it is important to have it diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem can lead to more serious damage to your car.
