Engine Light On Car Shaking When Idle

Causes

There are many potential causes of an engine light coming on and a car shaking when idle. Some of the most common include:

• Spark plugs: Worn or fouled spark plugs can cause misfires, which can lead to engine shaking and the illumination of the check engine light.
• Ignition coils: Faulty ignition coils can also cause misfires, leading to the same symptoms.
• Vacuum leaks: Vacuum leaks can cause the engine to run lean, which can lead to rough idling and engine shaking.
• Fuel injector problems: Clogged or dirty fuel injectors can cause the engine to run rough and shake.
• Mass airflow sensor (MAF): A faulty MAF sensor can provide the engine with incorrect air/fuel mixture data, which can lead to engine shaking and the illumination of the check engine light.
• Throttle position sensor (TPS): A faulty TPS can also provide the engine with incorrect data, which can lead to engine shaking and the check engine light coming on.

Diagnosis

To diagnose the cause of an engine light coming on and a car shaking when idle, a mechanic will typically start by checking the spark plugs, ignition coils, and vacuum lines. They will also check the fuel injectors and MAF sensor. If these components are all functioning properly, the mechanic may then check the TPS or other sensors.

Repair

The repair for an engine light coming on and a car shaking when idle will depend on the underlying cause. In some cases, simply replacing the faulty spark plugs or ignition coils will be enough to solve the problem. In other cases, more extensive repairs may be necessary, such as replacing the fuel injectors or MAF sensor.

Prevention

There are a few things you can do to help prevent an engine light from coming on and your car from shaking when idle:

• Regular maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and tune-ups, can help keep your engine running smoothly and prevent problems from developing.
• Use high-quality fuel: Using high-quality fuel can help prevent carbon buildup on your spark plugs and fuel injectors.
• Avoid driving in extreme conditions: Driving in extreme conditions, such as very hot or cold weather, can put a strain on your engine and lead to problems.

Conclusion

If your engine light comes on and your car is shaking when idle, it is important to have the problem diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem could lead to more serious damage to your engine.