My Engine Light is On and My Car is Shaking

When your engine light comes on, it’s natural to be concerned. After all, it’s a warning that something is wrong with your car. And if your car is shaking, that’s another sign that something is amiss.

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

Spark plug problems: Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture in your engine. If they’re not working properly, it can cause your engine to misfire, which can lead to shaking and an illuminated engine light.
Ignition coil problems: Ignition coils provide the spark plugs with the electricity they need to ignite the air-fuel mixture. If an ignition coil is failing, it can cause your engine to misfire and shake.
Fuel injector problems: Fuel injectors spray fuel into the engine’s cylinders. If a fuel injector is clogged or malfunctioning, it can cause your engine to run lean (not enough fuel) or rich (too much fuel), which can both lead to shaking and an engine light.
Vacuum leaks: Vacuum leaks can cause your engine to run lean, which can lead to shaking and an engine light.
Exhaust system problems: Exhaust system problems can cause your engine to run rich, which can lead to shaking and an engine light.

If your engine light is on and your car is shaking, it’s important to take it to a mechanic as soon as possible. A mechanic can diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs to get your car running smoothly again.

What to Do if Your Engine Light is On and Your Car is Shaking

Pull over to a safe location. If your engine light comes on while you’re driving, pull over to a safe location as soon as possible. Turn off the engine and let it cool down.
Call for assistance. If you’re not comfortable diagnosing and repairing the problem yourself, call for assistance from a mechanic or towing service.
Tell the mechanic your symptoms. When you call for assistance, be sure to tell the mechanic your symptoms, including when the engine light came on, what kind of shaking you’re experiencing, and any other unusual noises or smells you’ve noticed.
Let the mechanic diagnose the problem. Once you’ve called for assistance, let the mechanic diagnose the problem. They will likely use a diagnostic scanner to read the error codes from your car’s computer. These codes can help them identify the specific problem.
Get the repairs done. Once the mechanic has diagnosed the problem, they will recommend the necessary repairs. Be sure to get the repairs done as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your car.

Preventing Engine Light and Car Shaking Problems

There are a few things you can do to help prevent engine light and car shaking problems:

Get regular maintenance. Regular maintenance can help keep your car running smoothly and prevent problems from developing. Be sure to follow your car’s maintenance schedule and get all recommended services performed.
Use high-quality parts. When you need to replace parts on your car, be sure to use high-quality parts. This will help ensure that your car runs properly and lasts longer.
Drive conservatively. Driving conservatively can help reduce wear and tear on your car and prevent problems from developing. Avoid sudden starts and stops, and don’t drive at high speeds for extended periods of time.

By following these tips, you can help prevent engine light and car shaking problems and keep your car running smoothly for years to come.