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Check Engine Light and Car Shaking: A Comprehensive Guide
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What Causes the Check Engine Light to Come On?
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The check engine light (CEL) is an indicator that something is wrong with your car’s engine or emission control system. It can be caused by a number of factors, including:
* **Oxygen sensor problems:** The oxygen sensor measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas, and this information is used by the engine computer to adjust the fuel mixture. If the oxygen sensor is faulty, it can cause the engine to run rich or lean, which can trigger the CEL.
* **Spark plug problems:** Worn-out or faulty spark plugs can cause the engine to misfire, which can also trigger the CEL.
* **Ignition coil problems:** The ignition coil provides power to the spark plugs, and if it is faulty, it can cause the engine to misfire or not start at all.
* **Fuel injector problems:** The fuel injectors spray fuel into the engine cylinders, and if they are clogged or faulty, they can cause the engine to run rich or lean, which can trigger the CEL.
* **Catalytic converter problems:** The catalytic converter cleans the exhaust gas, and if it is clogged or damaged, it can cause the engine to run poorly and trigger the CEL.
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What to Do if the Check Engine Light Comes On
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If the check engine light comes on, it is important to have your car diagnosed as soon as possible. Driving with a faulty engine or emission control system can damage your car and void your warranty.
**Here are some steps to take if the check engine light comes on:**
1. **Check your gas cap:** A loose or missing gas cap can cause the check engine light to come on. Tighten the gas cap and see if the light goes off.
2. **Have your car scanned:** A qualified technician can use a diagnostic scanner to read the trouble codes stored in the engine computer. These codes can help identify the underlying cause of the check engine light.
3. **Fix the problem:** Once the cause of the check engine light has been identified, it is important to have the problem fixed as soon as possible. This may involve replacing a faulty sensor, spark plug, or ignition coil, or repairing a damaged catalytic converter.
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Car Shaking
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Car shaking can be caused by a number of factors, including:
* **Tire problems:** Unbalanced or misaligned tires can cause the car to shake at high speeds.
* **Wheel bearing problems:** Worn-out wheel bearings can also cause the car to shake, especially when turning.
* **Brake problems:** Warped or worn-out brake rotors can cause the car to shake when braking.
* **Suspension problems:** Worn-out or damaged suspension components can also cause the car to shake, especially when driving over bumps or potholes.
* **Drivetrain problems:** Problems with the driveshaft, transmission, or differential can also cause the car to shake.
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Car Shaking While Idling
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If your car is shaking while idling, it could be a sign of a number of problems, including:
* **Engine misfire:** A misfiring engine can cause the car to shake, especially at idle.
* **Vacuum leak:** A vacuum leak can also cause the car to shake, especially at idle.
* **Fuel injector problems:** Faulty fuel injectors can also cause the car to shake, especially at idle.
* **Throttle body problems:** A dirty or faulty throttle body can also cause the car to shake, especially at idle.
* **Intake manifold problems:** A cracked or warped intake manifold can also cause the car to shake, especially at idle.
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Car Shaking When Accelerating
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If your car is shaking when accelerating, it could be a sign of a number of problems, including:
* **Transmission problems:** A slipping transmission can cause the car to shake when accelerating.
* **Driveshaft problems:** A damaged driveshaft can also cause the car to shake when accelerating.
* **Wheel bearing problems:** Worn-out wheel bearings can also cause the car to shake when accelerating, especially at high speeds.
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Car Shaking When Braking
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If your car is shaking when braking, it could be a sign of a number of problems, including:
* **Brake rotor problems:** Warped or worn-out brake rotors can cause the car to shake when braking.
* **Brake caliper problems:** Faulty brake calipers can also cause the car to shake when braking.
* **Brake hose problems:** Leaking or damaged brake hoses can also cause the car to shake when braking.
* **Wheel bearing problems:** Worn-out wheel bearings can also cause the car to shake when braking, especially when turning.
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What to Do if Your Car is Shaking
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If your car is shaking, it is important to have it diagnosed as soon as possible. Driving with a faulty car can be dangerous and can damage your car further.
**Here are some steps to take if your car is shaking:**
1. **Check your tires:** Make sure that your tires are properly inflated and aligned.
2. **Have your car inspected:** A qualified technician can inspect your car and identify the underlying cause of the shaking.
3. **Fix the problem:** Once the cause of the shaking has been identified, it is important to have the problem fixed as soon as possible. This may involve replacing faulty tires, repairing damaged suspension components, or overhauling the transmission.
