My Car Shakes and Check Engine Light Is On

If your car is shaking and the check engine light is on, it’s a sign that something is wrong. There are a number of possible causes, from minor issues to more serious problems. Here are some of the most common causes of car shaking and check engine light illumination:

1. Loose spark plugs

Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture in your engine’s cylinders. If they are loose, they can cause the engine to misfire, which can lead to shaking and a check engine light. Tightening the spark plugs can usually fix this problem.

2. Bad ignition coils

Ignition coils provide the electrical energy that is needed to fire the spark plugs. If they are bad, they can cause the engine to misfire, which can lead to shaking and a check engine light. Replacing the bad ignition coils can usually fix this problem.

3. Vacuum leak

A vacuum leak can cause the engine to run lean, which can lead to shaking and a check engine light. Vacuum leaks can be caused by a number of things, such as a cracked or loose vacuum hose. Fixing the vacuum leak can usually fix this problem.

4. Dirty fuel injectors

Fuel injectors are responsible for spraying fuel into the engine’s cylinders. If they are dirty, they can cause the engine to run lean or rich, which can lead to shaking and a check engine light. Cleaning the fuel injectors can usually fix this problem.

5. Worn engine mounts

Engine mounts are responsible for attaching the engine to the frame of the car. If they are worn, they can cause the engine to shake. Replacing the worn engine mounts can usually fix this problem.

6. Faulty oxygen sensor

The oxygen sensor is responsible for measuring the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas. If it is faulty, it can send incorrect signals to the engine computer, which can lead to shaking and a check engine light. Replacing the faulty oxygen sensor can usually fix this problem.

7. Clogged catalytic converter

The catalytic converter is responsible for reducing the amount of harmful emissions that are released into the atmosphere. If it is clogged, it can cause the engine to run poorly, which can lead to shaking and a check engine light. Replacing the clogged catalytic converter can usually fix this problem.

8. Faulty transmission

A faulty transmission can cause the car to shake, especially when shifting gears. If you suspect that your transmission is faulty, you should have it checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.

What to do if your car is shaking and the check engine light is on

If your car is shaking and the check engine light is on, it’s important to have it diagnosed by a mechanic as soon as possible. The mechanic will be able to determine the cause of the problem and recommend the best course of action.

In the meantime, here are a few things you can do to help reduce the shaking:

• Avoid driving at high speeds.
• Avoid hard acceleration and braking.
• Keep your tires properly inflated.
• Get your car serviced regularly.

By following these tips, you can help reduce the shaking and prevent further damage to your car.