What Causes Engine Vibration When Stationary in D Gear?

[Paislee]

Engine vibration when stationary in D gear can be caused by: 1. Aging or improperly installed engine/transmission mounts; 2. Gear engagement impact due to contaminated transmission fluid affecting hydraulic system performance; 3. Severely dirty engine throttle body altering engine load and transmission operation; 4. Improper air-fuel mixture caused by engine malfunctions like faulty spark plugs or fuel injectors. Slight vibration in automatic vehicles when engaged in D gear is normal, especially for AT transmissions with torque converters. Vehicles using multi-plate clutches or dry clutches should completely disengage when shifting, making any vibration abnormal.

[MilaAnn]

When the car is in D gear and stationary, the engine shakes, which reminds me of previous vehicle malfunctions I've encountered. Typically, in an automatic transmission car, when in D gear and pressing the brake, the engine remains connected to the transmission, and the torque converter is working. If the idle is unstable, it can cause shaking. Common causes include aging spark plugs or ignition coils leading to insufficient ignition, making the engine shudder like a person coughing. Excessive carbon buildup can also clog the valves, affecting the air-fuel mixture. Vacuum line leaks can cause pressure imbalances, making the engine gasp for air. It's best to regularly clean the throttle body to maintain smooth idling. If the shaking occurs frequently, don't ignore it—get it checked at a repair shop as soon as possible to avoid breaking down on the road. This issue isn't major, but addressing it early can save you from costly repairs later.

[SanFinley]

I've seen the phenomenon of engine shaking while stationary in D gear many times over my 20+ years of driving experience. The main reason is that when the car is in D gear but held stationary by brakes, the engine load increases, and the idle speed regulator can't keep up, causing the shaking. Common causes include a dirty mass airflow sensor giving inaccurate signals, ignition system issues like uneven sparking due to excessive spark plug gaps, or worn torque converter in the transmission leading to uneven power delivery. My advice is to start with simple checks - inspect the spark plugs and see if the air filter is clogged. Regular maintenance can prevent such issues - driving with shaking is unsafe. If you encounter this situation, first try turning off and restarting the engine. If that doesn't work, seek professional repair - don't let minor issues escalate into major engine failures.

[SanBlakely]

As a new driver, I find it quite scary when the engine shakes while in D gear without moving. Simply put, the engine is still exerting force in D gear, and braking makes it struggle. Possible reasons include old spark plugs causing poor ignition, faulty air sensors leading to uneven fuel mixture, or severe engine carbon buildup increasing resistance. I think reminding the mechanic to check idle speed during each maintenance can help avoid this issue. When driving normally, avoid slamming the accelerator or sudden stops. If the shaking is too strong, it's best to pull over and restart the engine. Safety first—if the shaking is severe, don't drive.