What Causes Engine Shaking and Stalling After Ignition?
4 Answers
Engine shaking can be attributed to the following reasons: Engine Misfire: An engine misfire primarily refers to one or more cylinders not functioning properly. This is typically manifested by noticeable intermittency in the exhaust gas flow, severe shaking of the exhaust pipe, and a distinct sensation of engine vibration, sometimes accompanied by a sputtering sound. This is often related to ignition coil failure. Worn or Loose Engine Mounts: Engine mounts are rubber blocks placed between the engine and the frame. Their purpose is to reduce vibration and provide cushioning during engine operation, as well as to secure the engine in place. Once these mounts become worn or loose, the engine's shaking will become significantly more pronounced. Replacing the engine mounts can greatly alleviate this issue. Carbon Buildup: Vehicles inevitably face carbon buildup issues, which include carbon deposits in the cylinders, throttle body, spark plugs, and intake system. When excessive carbon accumulates inside the engine, the vehicle's ignition energy, air intake efficiency, and air-fuel mixture ratio are affected, leading to unstable power output. Both idling and acceleration may exhibit shaking symptoms. It is recommended to visit a 4S dealership for an engine cleaning service to address this problem.
With years of experience in car repairs, I've seen engine stalling after ignition accompanied by shaking quite often, usually due to issues in the ignition system. Worn-out spark plugs or excessive carbon buildup can cause misfires, leading to rough idling and violent shaking; faulty ignition coils or high-voltage wires can produce similar effects. Insufficient fuel supply is another major culprit—low pressure from a failing fuel pump or clogged fuel injectors makes it hard for the car to draw fuel. Air system leaks, like a broken vacuum hose, disrupt the air-fuel mixture balance, also causing shaking and stalling. If you encounter this while driving, don't push through—first check the spark plugs for simple cleaning or replacement. If that doesn't help, inspect the fuel lines and intake system. I recommend regular maintenance, replacing spark plugs every 20,000 km, avoiding low-quality gasoline, and prioritizing safe driving. Addressing these minor issues promptly can save you from costly overhauls and keep your car reliable.
Last time when I started my car, the engine shook violently like an earthquake and then stalled, which almost scared me to death. I figured it might be the spark plugs being too old and not replaced for a long time, causing the spark to fail and the engine to stall; or it could be insufficient fuel pump pressure leading to interrupted fuel supply. Gas from poor-quality gas stations has more impurities, which can easily clog the fuel injectors. Running the AC or headlights consumes too much electricity, and low battery voltage can affect ignition stability. I suggest checking the fuses for burns or the spark plug gaps yourself. That time, I had a friend clean the throttle body and it was fixed. Usually, using regular gasoline and developing a habit of warming up the car can reduce cold start issues. Remember to get timely repairs and don’t delay.
As an ordinary driver, it's quite frightening when the car shakes and stalls after ignition, especially during rainy days or when carrying family members. Common causes include dirty spark plugs needing replacement; fuel system issues like the fuel pump failing to supply fuel or clogged fuel injectors due to carbon buildup. A vacuum leak in the air system can cause unstable idling and stalling. I usually make sure to refuel at clean stations to avoid impurities. Regularly check the engine compartment for any cracked pipes. If shaking occurs, slowly pull over, turn on the hazard lights, wait a few minutes, and try restarting. Safety first—don't risk driving; quickly contact a repair shop. This way, you can prevent faults, save money, and have peace of mind.
