Engine Light On and Off, Car Shaking

What It Means

When your engine light comes on, it means that the computer has detected a problem with your car’s engine. The problem could be anything from a minor issue, such as a loose gas cap, to a major issue, such as a blown head gasket.

If your car is also shaking, this could be a sign of a more serious problem. Shaking can be caused by a number of things, including:

* A misfire
* A problem with the fuel system
* A problem with the ignition system
* A problem with the transmission

What to Do

If your engine light comes on and your car is shaking, it is important to have it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible. The mechanic will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the necessary repairs.

Possible Causes

There are a number of possible causes for your engine light to come on and your car to shake. Some of the most common causes include:

* **Loose gas cap:** A loose gas cap can cause your car to run lean, which can lead to a misfire.
* **Dirty fuel filter:** A dirty fuel filter can restrict the flow of fuel to the engine, which can also cause a misfire.
* **Bad spark plugs:** Bad spark plugs can cause the engine to misfire.
* **Worn ignition coils:** Worn ignition coils can also cause the engine to misfire.
* **Vacuum leak:** A vacuum leak can cause the engine to run lean, which can lead to a misfire.
* **Exhaust leak:** An exhaust leak can cause the engine to shake.
* **Transmission problems:** Transmission problems can also cause the car to shake.

Diagnosis

To diagnose the problem, the mechanic will likely start by checking the computer for any trouble codes. The trouble codes will give the mechanic a starting point for diagnosing the problem.

The mechanic may also perform a physical inspection of the engine and transmission. The mechanic will look for any leaks, loose connections, or other problems that could be causing the engine light to come on and the car to shake.

Repairs

The repairs for your engine light and shaking car will depend on the underlying cause of the problem. Some common repairs include:

* **Replacing the gas cap:** Replacing the gas cap is a simple and inexpensive repair that can fix the problem if the gas cap is loose.
* **Replacing the fuel filter:** Replacing the fuel filter is a relatively inexpensive repair that can fix the problem if the fuel filter is dirty.
* **Replacing the spark plugs:** Replacing the spark plugs is a relatively inexpensive repair that can fix the problem if the spark plugs are bad.
* **Replacing the ignition coils:** Replacing the ignition coils is a more expensive repair, but it can fix the problem if the ignition coils are worn.
* **Fixing the vacuum leak:** Fixing the vacuum leak can be a simple or complex repair, depending on the location of the leak.
* **Fixing the exhaust leak:** Fixing the exhaust leak can be a simple or complex repair, depending on the location of the leak.
* **Repairing the transmission:** Repairing the transmission can be a complex and expensive repair.

Prevention

There are a few things you can do to help prevent your engine light from coming on and your car from shaking. These things include:

* **Keep up with your car’s maintenance:** Regular maintenance can help prevent problems from developing in the first place.
* **Use high-quality fuel:** Using high-quality fuel can help keep your fuel system clean and prevent problems from developing.
* **Avoid driving in extreme conditions:** Driving in extreme conditions, such as cold weather or stop-and-go traffic, can put extra stress on your car’s engine and transmission.
* **Get your car checked out by a mechanic if you notice any problems:** If you notice any problems with your car, such as a shaking engine or a lit engine light, get it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible.

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