What Causes Engine Idle Shaking and Weak Acceleration?
3 Answers
Reasons for engine idle shaking and weak acceleration: 1. Carbon buildup in the engine; 2. Driving in congested areas; 3. Poor fuel quality. Solutions: 1. Regularly clean carbon deposits; 2. Try to avoid driving in congested areas; 3. Use higher-quality fuel. An engine is a machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy, including internal combustion engines, external combustion engines, jet engines, electric motors, etc. An engine is a complete set of power output equipment, including transmission gears, the engine itself, and the drive shaft. The engine is just a part of the entire powertrain but is the core component of the entire engine system.
My car just had a similar issue - it was shaking like crazy at idle and had no power when accelerating. At first, I thought it was bad fuel, but there are actually many common causes. For example, worn spark plugs causing unstable ignition, clogged fuel filters leading to insufficient fuel supply, carbon buildup in the throttle body, or a faulty mass airflow sensor affecting air intake. Sensor issues are also common - like when an oxygen sensor gives wrong feedback, making the ECU give incorrect commands and messing up fuel injection. Loose engine mounts can worsen the shaking, while an aging fuel pump causes weak acceleration. After I replaced the spark plugs and cleaned the throttle body, it got much better. But for severe cases, you might need to check the electrical system or ECU faults. Whenever you notice unstable idling during daily driving, get it checked promptly - safety first. Don't wait until you're stranded on the road to regret it.
After driving for so many years, I've encountered countless instances of engine idle shaking and lack of power during acceleration. In the end, most of the time it's an issue with the ignition system—either the spark plugs or ignition coils are faulty, causing weak or no spark. The fuel system also can't be ignored; clogged fuel injectors or insufficient fuel pump pressure can reduce power output. A dirty intake or malfunctioning sensors like the throttle position sensor can cause the computer to miscalculate the air-fuel mixture. An air filter that hasn't been replaced for too long can also drag performance down. I remember one time when the spark plugs were blackened and needed replacement, but fuel system issues often cause sluggish acceleration. Regular maintenance is key—check ignition and fuel components every 10,000 kilometers to prevent small problems from turning into major repairs. If the car feels off while driving, pull over and turn off the engine—don't push it.
