Is it normal for the Volkswagen Touran to shake at idle but run normally?
4 Answers
It is not normal for the Volkswagen Touran to shake at idle. Reasons for idle shaking: Dirty throttle body or excessive carbon buildup in the fuel injectors, engine misfire, and inconsistent air-fuel mixture in the engine can cause shaking after a cold start. The lower the temperature, the more fuel is required for a cold start, and the presence of carbon deposits will affect whether the cold start proceeds smoothly. Idle handling: The engine idle speed is preset in the car's computer, which automatically adjusts when the RPM drops below a certain range. If the idle speed is too low and causes shaking, it means it has exceeded the computer's control range. Some cars have an adjustment screw on the throttle body to regulate idle speed, while others do not. For such cars, you can check the idle control valve, throttle body, air flow meter, vacuum sensor, and adjust the ignition timing (for cars with distributors) to increase the idle speed. Low coolant temperature can also cause low idle speed, so check and replace the thermostat if necessary. Solutions: Install an air filter, replace spark plugs, and clean carbon deposits and oil sludge.
I've been driving a Volkswagen Touran for 5 years and encountered similar issues. The car shakes severely at idle, but feels normal when driving. I found it strange at first, but later discovered it was due to carbon buildup. Volkswagen vehicles are prone to carbon deposits affecting combustion over time, causing unstable engine idle and shaking. I recommend using fuel additives for cleaning first, or replacing aged spark plugs. I personally tried cleaning the throttle body - it's inexpensive (just tens of RMB) and significantly reduced the shaking. Don't underestimate this issue; neglecting it may increase engine load and eventually lead to bigger failures. The Touran is generally quite reliable, but regular maintenance is key. Cleaning the intake system every six months can prevent many problems.
Idle vibration but normal driving is technically easy to understand. At idle, the engine runs at low RPM with unstable air-fuel mixture combustion. Carbon deposits or aged spark plugs can amplify the vibration. At higher driving RPMs, more complete combustion stabilizes operation. Having driven many Volkswagen models, I've found such issues in the Touran often relate to ignition system faults. First check spark plugs and ignition coils - an OBD scanner can read trouble codes. Severe carbon buildup requires intake manifold cleaning. Never ignore idle vibration; while it doesn't affect driving, it signals underlying risks. Timely maintenance prevents engine damage. Regular air-fuel ratio sensor checks also help.
Don't ignore idle shaking; normal driving doesn't mean everything's fine. I believe it stems from maintenance issues—carbon buildup reduces engine combustion efficiency at low speeds. When driving my Touran, I insist on checking the spark plugs and cleaning the throttle body every six months. Preventive maintenance saves both trouble and money. If shaking has already occurred, start with the basics by replacing the spark plugs—the Touran's spark plugs last about 40,000 km. Overall, shaking doesn't affect driving safety, but long-term carbon buildup may worsen fuel consumption or even make the car harder to start. Develop good habits and perform regular maintenance—don't wait until problems become severe to fix them.
