What are the reasons for severe engine shaking in a car?
3 Answers
Reasons: Oxygen sensor failure; Clogged catalytic converter; Engine malfunction, etc. The following details these causes: Oxygen sensor failure: The oxygen sensor sends air-fuel ratio signals to the engine, and its failure may lead to inaccurate fuel injection, causing engine shaking. Clogged catalytic converter: The catalytic converter is a device for purifying exhaust gases. A clogged catalytic converter not only causes engine shaking but also results in a noticeable decrease in engine power. Engine malfunction: There are too many possible reasons for engine shaking. It is recommended that car owners visit a repair shop to accurately determine the fault point by reading the specific content of the fault codes through a computer, rather than making subjective guesses.
I remember driving for many years, when the engine shakes violently, it's often an ignition system problem, such as aging spark plugs with excessive carbon deposits, failing to ignite, leading to uneven combustion. It could also be a damaged ignition coil causing weak or unstable sparks. A clogged fuel injector is another common reason; if fuel can't spray out or does so unevenly, the engine won't run smoothly. Issues in the intake system, like a dirty air filter preventing air from entering, can also cause an imbalance in the air-fuel mixture, leading to shaking. Additionally, worn or broken engine mount bushings can transmit vibrations directly without buffering, making it feel like an earthquake. If you notice shaking, pull over immediately—don't drive far, as a small issue could escalate into a major engine overhaul, which is both costly and dangerous. Regularly replacing spark plugs and checking the fuel system can prevent problems before they arise, ensuring a worry-free and safe driving experience.
My car has been shaking recently, and after checking with an OBD scanner, I found a weak ignition signal in cylinder 2. Nowadays, electronic control systems are complex, and sensors like oxygen sensors can get dirty, leading to inaccurate signals. The ECU might misjudge the air-fuel ratio, causing delayed ignition and irregular fuel injection. Carbon buildup in the throttle body can obstruct airflow, leading to uneven engine performance. It could also be a misfire issue, where one cylinder isn’t working, overloading the others and increasing vibrations. Last time I cleaned the throttle body, the car ran much smoother immediately. I suggest buying an inexpensive scanner to read the fault codes or visiting a professional shop for a thorough scan. Sometimes, software bugs require an ECU reset, while hardware issues may just need part replacements. Avoid driving it hard to prevent engine damage.
