Why Does My Car Shake and the Engine Light Is On?

It can be alarming when your car starts to shake and the engine light comes on. This is especially true if you’re not sure what the problem is. There are a number of potential causes for this issue, so it’s important to get it diagnosed by a mechanic as soon as possible.

Causes of Car Shaking and Engine Light On

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

1. Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the air-fuel mixture in your car’s engine. If one or more spark plugs are fouled, it can cause the engine to misfire, which can lead to shaking and the engine light coming on.

2. Ignition Coils

Ignition coils are responsible for providing the spark plugs with the electricity they need to ignite the air-fuel mixture. If an ignition coil is faulty, it can also cause the engine to misfire, leading to shaking and the engine light coming on.

3. Fuel Injectors

Fuel injectors are responsible for delivering the air-fuel mixture to the engine’s cylinders. If one or more fuel injectors are clogged or faulty, it can cause the engine to run lean or rich, which can lead to shaking and the engine light coming on.

4. Vacuum Leaks

Vacuum leaks can allow air to enter the engine’s intake manifold, which can cause the engine to run lean and lead to shaking and the engine light coming on.

5. Engine Mounts

Engine mounts are responsible for holding the engine in place. If one or more engine mounts are broken or damaged, it can cause the engine to shake and the engine light to come on.

6. Transmission Problems

Transmission problems can also cause a car to shake. If the transmission is slipping or not shifting properly, it can put stress on the engine and cause it to shake. This can also lead to the engine light coming on.

What to Do If Your Car Is Shaking and the Engine Light Is On

If your car is shaking and the engine light is on, it’s important to get 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 some cases, the problem may be minor and can be fixed with a simple repair. In other cases, the problem may be more serious and require more extensive repairs.