Is Engine Shaking Normal?
2 Answers
Engine shaking is not normal. The causes of engine shaking are: 1. Severe carbon buildup inside the engine; 2. Aging of engine mounts; 3. Malfunction in the ignition system; 4. Fault caused by unstable oil pressure. The solutions for engine shaking are: 1. Clean the carbon deposits from the intake manifold and throttle body; 2. Inspect the engine mounts and replace them promptly if necessary; 3. Use a diagnostic tool to read the fault codes to determine which cylinder has issues, then replace the spark plugs, high-voltage wires, or ignition coils accordingly; 4. Measure whether the fuel pressure is normal and clean the fuel injectors.
I've driven quite a few cars, and some slight engine shaking during cold starts or idling is normal, just like warming up. But if there's sudden severe shaking accompanied by strong vibrations and loud noises, then there's a problem. Common causes include aging spark plugs with carbon buildup, faulty ignition coils, or fuel system issues like a clogged fuel filter. Once my car shook badly, and after inspection, it turned out the mass airflow sensor was dirty—cleaning it fixed the issue. I recommend regular maintenance, checking spark plugs and filters every 5,000 kilometers. Severe shaking can affect driving safety, especially at high speeds, so get it diagnosed by a professional shop immediately—don’t delay.
