Check Engine Light and Car Shaking: Causes and Solutions
When the check engine light comes on, it can be a sign of a variety of problems. One of the most common is car shaking. This can be a very dangerous situation, as it can make it difficult to control your vehicle.
There are a number of different causes of car shaking, including:
- Engine misfires
- Spark plug problems
- Ignition coil problems
- Fuel injector problems
- Vacuum leaks
- Transmission problems
- Driveline problems
- Suspension problems
- Tire problems
If your car is shaking, it is important to have it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible. Driving with a shaking car can be dangerous, and it can also cause further damage to your vehicle.
Engine Misfires
Engine misfires occur when one or more of your engine’s cylinders is not firing properly. This can cause your car to shake, and it can also lead to a decrease in power and fuel economy. Engine misfires can be caused by a variety of problems, including:
- Spark plug problems
- Ignition coil problems
- Fuel injector problems
- Vacuum leaks
If you suspect that your engine is misfiring, it is important to have it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible. Engine misfires can cause damage to your engine, and they can also lead to more serious problems, such as a blown head gasket.
Spark Plug Problems
Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the fuel in your engine’s cylinders. If your spark plugs are worn out or damaged, they can cause your engine to misfire. This can lead to car shaking, as well as a decrease in power and fuel economy.
Spark plugs should be replaced every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. If you have not had your spark plugs replaced recently, it is a good idea to have them checked by a mechanic.
Ignition Coil Problems
Ignition coils are responsible for providing the spark plugs with the electricity they need to ignite the fuel. If your ignition coils are damaged or malfunctioning, they can cause your engine to misfire. This can lead to car shaking, as well as a decrease in power and fuel economy.
Ignition coils can fail for a variety of reasons, including:
- Overheating
- Electrical shorts
- Mechanical damage
If you suspect that your ignition coils are damaged or malfunctioning, it is important to have them checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible. Ignition coil problems can lead to serious engine damage.
Fuel Injector Problems
Fuel injectors are responsible for spraying fuel into your engine’s cylinders. If your fuel injectors are clogged or damaged, they can cause your engine to misfire. This can lead to car shaking, as well as a decrease in power and fuel economy.
Fuel injectors can become clogged or damaged for a variety of reasons, including:
- Dirty fuel
- Contaminated fuel
- Mechanical damage
If you suspect that your fuel injectors are clogged or damaged, it is important to have them checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible. Fuel injector problems can lead to serious engine damage.
Vacuum Leaks
Vacuum leaks can occur anywhere in your engine’s intake system. When a vacuum leak occurs, it can cause your engine to run lean, which can lead to misfires. This can result in car shaking, as well as a decrease in power and fuel economy.
Vacuum leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Cracked or damaged hoses
- Loose or missing clamps
- Damaged gaskets
If you suspect that your engine has a vacuum leak, it is important to have it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible. Vacuum leaks can cause serious engine damage.
Transmission Problems
Transmission problems can also cause car shaking. This is especially true if the transmission is slipping or shuddering. Transmission problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Low transmission fluid
- Dirty transmission fluid
- Worn or damaged transmission components
If you suspect that your transmission is causing your car to shake, it is important to have it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible. Transmission problems can lead to serious damage, and they can also be expensive to repair.
Driveline Problems
Driveline problems can also cause car shaking. This is especially true if the driveshaft is unbalanced or damaged. Driveline problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Worn or damaged u-joints
- Unbalanced driveshaft
- Damaged axle shafts
If you suspect that your driveline is causing your car to shake, it is important to have it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible. Driveline problems can lead to serious damage, and they can also be expensive to repair.
Suspension Problems
Suspension problems can also cause car shaking. This is especially true if the suspension
