What Causes Engine Idle Shaking and Poor Acceleration?
2 Answers
The causes of engine idle shaking and poor acceleration include excessive carbon buildup in the throttle body, among others. Below are the specific reasons for engine idle shaking and poor acceleration: 1. Carbon buildup inside the engine: When there is excessive carbon buildup inside the engine, the gasoline sprayed by the cold-start injector can be largely absorbed by the carbon deposits, resulting in an overly lean air-fuel mixture during cold starts and making it difficult to start. 2. Ignition system issues: Problems with the ignition system. Check the condition of the spark plugs, high-voltage wires, and ignition coils. Poor performance of the ignition system or weak spark plug firing can also lead to such symptoms. Inspect the spark plugs for excessive carbon buildup and replace them if necessary. 3. Unstable fuel pressure: Abnormal fuel pump supply pressure or incorrect readings and poor performance of the intake pressure sensor can cause engine shaking. Check the fuel pressure and replace components if necessary.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I've found that when a car idles roughly and lacks power during acceleration, it's often due to issues in the ignition system. For instance, worn spark plugs or faulty ignition coils can cause a cylinder to misfire, resulting in noticeable shaking at idle and sluggish acceleration as if being dragged along. I experienced this myself last year—it was really uncomfortable to drive until I replaced the spark plugs, which immediately smoothed things out. Additionally, frequent driving in congested urban areas leads to rapid carbon buildup, potentially clogging fuel injectors or the throttle body and disrupting the air-fuel mixture. I recommend first checking simple components like spark plugs; replacing or cleaning them can significantly improve performance. Ignoring these issues increases engine wear and may lead to more serious problems. Remember, driving is no trivial matter—safety comes first, and regular maintenance is key.
