What Causes Engine Shaking at Idle Speed?

2 Answers
JordanLee
07/24/25 6:20am
The causes of engine shaking at idle speed include: dirty air filter, broken high-voltage wire core, spark plug lifespan, low engine idle speed value, abnormal water temperature, clogged fuel injector, carbon deposits, oil sludge blockage, low cylinder pressure, etc. Taking the first three faults as examples: Dirty air filter: If not replaced in time, it can cause insufficient air intake leading to low idle speed and engine shaking. Simply replacing the filter element can solve the problem. Broken high-voltage wire: A broken high-voltage wire core can affect ignition and cause engine shaking. Use a multimeter to measure the resistance and replace the one with significantly higher resistance. Spark plug lifespan: Spark plugs have a lifespan. After exceeding 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers, the ignition efficiency significantly decreases and can affect ignition. Replacing all spark plugs can resolve the issue.
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JustinFitz
08/11/25 2:03am
I've found there are quite a few possible reasons for engine vibration at idle. The most common is spark plug issues - in older cars that have been used for a long time, worn spark plugs or excessive carbon buildup can prevent proper ignition, causing unburned air-fuel mixture and engine shaking. Faulty ignition coils with unstable voltage can also cause misfires in one or two cylinders. Another cause is clogged intake pipes or dirty throttle bodies restricting airflow and disrupting the air-fuel ratio. Worn engine mounts are more troublesome - when rubber components crack and lose their damping effect, the whole car may tremble at idle. Excessive carbon deposits on piston tops affecting compression ratio is another frequent issue. Deeper problems could include sensor failures or insufficient fuel pump pressure. I recommend car owners first check and replace spark plugs, then clean the throttle body. If the problem persists, professional inspection of mounts or sensors is needed. Regular maintenance can prevent these issues - ignoring vibrations not only causes discomfort but also increases fuel consumption and engine wear, potentially leading to more serious failures over time.
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