What Are the Causes of Engine Shaking and Check Engine Light Illumination?
3 Answers
Engine shaking and the illumination of the check engine light can be caused by: 1. Poor combustion of the air-fuel mixture in the engine; 2. Malfunctions in the spark plugs, high-voltage wires, or ignition coils; 3. Abnormal fuel supply pressure and faults in the intake pressure sensor. The function of the engine is to convert the thermal energy of gasoline or diesel into mechanical energy by burning the fuel in a sealed cylinder, causing the gas to expand and push the pistons to perform work. The main components of an engine include: 1. The valve train; 2. The crankshaft and connecting rod assembly; 3. The ignition system; 4. The cooling system; 5. The lubrication system; 6. The starting system; 7. The fuel supply system. Methods for engine maintenance include: 1. Using qualified engine oil; 2. Using qualified coolant and antifreeze; 3. Regularly cleaning the radiator scale; 4. Regularly removing engine carbon deposits; 5. Regularly replacing the three filters (air, oil, and fuel); 6. Maintaining a reasonable engine speed.
It's quite common for me to experience engine shaking and the check engine light coming on while driving. The most frequent cause is an issue with the ignition system, such as worn or eroded spark plugs or a faulty ignition coil, leading to a misfire in one of the cylinders, which causes the shaking sensation. The check engine light indicates that the onboard computer has detected a problem, like a clogged fuel injector causing poor air-fuel mixture, and the computer can't adjust it properly, triggering an error. Another common issue is severe carbon buildup on the intake valves, affecting airflow, or a vacuum hose leak—both of which can make the engine run unevenly. It's advisable not to delay repairs for too long, as this can lead to increased fuel consumption, reduced power, and potential damage to the catalytic converter. For regular maintenance, using higher-quality spark plugs and checking them every 20,000 kilometers can prevent many of these issues.
I've had this issue with my car before. When the shaking was severe, it felt like the engine was staggering. It's mostly a fuel system problem, such as clogged injectors or insufficient fuel pump pressure, causing uneven cylinder operation. When the check engine light comes on, be alert—it could be a sensor issue like a faulty oxygen sensor feeding incorrect data, leading to failed computer adjustments and worsened shaking. It might also be an intake system leak, such as a dirty throttle body or a damaged valve cover gasket. Don't panic when it happens; find a safe place to pull over and check the basics. Address it early to avoid minor issues escalating, like damage to the drivetrain. Remember to regularly replace the air filter and clean the fuel tank to reduce the chances of recurrence.
