What Causes Engine Shaking and Stalling?

[VonPhoebe]

Possible causes of engine shaking and stalling include: 1. Spark plugs need replacement. As a crucial component of the ignition system, spark plugs typically last about 100,000 kilometers. Excessive engine vibration may indicate carbon buildup affecting spark plug discharge, resulting in ignition failure; 2. Overly low engine cooling system temperature. The optimal operating temperature range is 60°C to 70°C. Below this threshold, incomplete fuel combustion may occur, forming carbon deposits that could potentially clog exhaust passages and cause unstable operation or frequent stalling; 3. Poor fuel atomization preventing proper air-fuel mixture. This leads to incomplete combustion, potentially causing carbon buildup and abnormal combustion chamber conditions that may even trigger engine knocking and increased vibration; 4. Use of substandard fuel may clog the fuel pump or cause incomplete combustion in cylinders; 5. Various factors reducing valve sealing performance. Compromised valve sealing destabilizes combustion chamber pressure, causing abnormal combustion, increased vibration, and frequent stalling.

[LaHeidi]

My car also experienced shaking and stalling before, and that time the problem was with the ignition system. The aging ignition coil caused a misfire, meaning one cylinder failed to ignite, making the engine run unevenly and start shaking, then stall. Similar situations could also be due to worn-out spark plugs or damaged insulation in high-voltage wires causing electrical leakage. Insufficient fuel pump pressure can also lead to this—without enough fuel supply, the engine shakes and stalls. Additionally, excessive carbon buildup in the throttle body affects air intake, causing the ECU to struggle with adjusting the RPM, leading to erratic engine speed. Wiring issues, like poor grounding, are also common—loose connections during vibration can interrupt the current. I suggest starting with simple checks, like replacing the spark plugs. If that doesn’t work, visit a professional shop to read the fault codes for diagnosis. Shaking and stalling are dangerous, especially at high speeds, so address it promptly to avoid breaking down on the road. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the throttle body every 20,000 kilometers, can help prevent such issues.

[LeilaniLee]

The car shakes and stalls, commonly due to fuel supply issues. Last time I encountered this, it was caused by a clogged fuel filter, which disrupted the fuel flow and resulted in insufficient engine power, directly causing the car to shake and stall. Additionally, dirty fuel injectors leading to uneven fuel spray is another reason; the ECU can't compensate, leading to imbalance. Ignition system failures, such as issues with the distributor, can also cause shaking, especially during cold starts. If the idle control valve gets stuck, it adds another layer of trouble, dropping the RPM to a point where the engine won't start. Sensors like the mass airflow sensor, when dirty, can send incorrect data, causing the ECU to make wrong commands, leading the car to shake and stall. Aging wiring or poor connector contact can also cause trouble, leading to temporary power loss during vibrations. When going for repairs, checking the data stream first can help pinpoint the issue; you can also check if the air filter is clean yourself. For safety, if the car stalls once, don't force a restart; call a tow truck for repairs. Regularly replacing the fuel filter can prevent such troubles, saving both money and hassle.

[StJasper]

Engine stalling and shaking are often caused by cylinder misfires or insufficient fuel supply. Severely worn spark plugs can lead to single-cylinder misfires, and damaged ignition coils are a direct cause. Decreased fuel pump pressure can interrupt fuel supply, while clogged fuel injectors result in poor fuel atomization, affecting combustion efficiency. Air leaks in the intake manifold can make the air-fuel mixture too lean, beyond the ECU's correction capability. Carbon buildup in the throttle body also disrupts idle stability. Electrical faults, such as blown fuses, are also common. Promptly inspect ignition components—replacing them is cost-effective. Continuing to drive poses significant risks; visiting a repair shop is the safer option.