Car Jerks and Check Engine Light Comes On

Possible Causes

When your car jerks and the check engine light comes on, it can be a sign of a number of different problems. Some of the most common causes include:

Spark plugs: Worn or fouled spark plugs can cause misfires, which can lead to jerking and a check engine light.
Ignition coils: Faulty ignition coils can also cause misfires, leading to jerking and a check engine light.
Fuel injectors: Clogged or dirty fuel injectors can prevent the engine from getting the fuel it needs, which can lead to jerking and a check engine light.
Mass airflow sensor: The mass airflow sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine. If the sensor is faulty, it can send incorrect data to the engine computer, which can lead to jerking and a check engine light.
Oxygen sensor: The oxygen sensor measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases. If the sensor is faulty, it can send incorrect data to the engine computer, which can lead to jerking and a check engine light.
Transmission problems: Transmission problems can also cause jerking, especially when shifting gears. If you suspect a transmission problem, it’s important to have it diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible.

What to Do

If your car jerks and the check engine light comes on, the first thing you should do is pull over to a safe place and turn off the engine. Once the engine is off, check the following:

Spark plugs: Remove the spark plugs and check them for wear or fouling. If the spark plugs are worn or fouled, they will need to be replaced.
Ignition coils: Check the ignition coils for any signs of damage or corrosion. If the ignition coils are damaged or corroded, they will need to be replaced.
Fuel injectors: Remove the fuel injectors and check them for any signs of clogging or damage. If the fuel injectors are clogged or damaged, they will need to be cleaned or replaced.
Mass airflow sensor: Check the mass airflow sensor for any signs of damage or contamination. If the mass airflow sensor is damaged or contaminated, it will need to be cleaned or replaced.
Oxygen sensor: Check the oxygen sensor for any signs of damage or contamination. If the oxygen sensor is damaged or contaminated, it will need to be cleaned or replaced.

If you are not comfortable checking these items yourself, you can take your car to a mechanic to have them diagnosed and repaired.

Preventing Jerking and Check Engine Lights

There are a few things you can do to help prevent jerking and check engine lights from occurring in the future:

Get regular maintenance: Regular maintenance can help keep your car running smoothly and prevent problems from developing.
Use high-quality parts: When you need to replace parts on your car, be sure to use high-quality parts. Cheap parts are more likely to fail, which can lead to jerking and check engine lights.
Drive carefully: Avoid driving over rough roads or in stop-and-go traffic, as these conditions can put extra stress on your car’s engine and transmission.

By following these tips, you can help keep your car running smoothly and avoid costly repairs.