What Causes Intermittent Idle Vibration in the Cruze?

[Elrond]

The causes of intermittent idle vibration in the Cruze are: 1. Damaged idle control valve, unable to adjust the air valve opening; 2. Clogged fuel injectors or fuel pump failure, poor fuel delivery; throttle body malfunction, air leaks preventing proper air intake control; 3. Faulty air intake sensor leading to uncontrolled air intake; 4. Engine control logic errors, unable to maintain stable idle speed. Taking the 2018 Cruze as an example, it belongs to the compact car category with body dimensions of length 4666mm, width 1807mm, height 1460mm, wheelbase 2700mm, fuel tank capacity 52 liters, and curb weight 1240kg. The 2018 Cruze features a front MacPherson strut independent suspension and rear torsion beam non-independent suspension. It is equipped with a 1.5L turbocharged engine producing maximum horsepower of 114PS, maximum power of 84kW, maximum torque of 146Nm, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.

[CharlesAnn]

For the guy driving the Cruze, the car keeps shaking intermittently at idle and then stops, then shakes again? I've dealt with this intermittent issue several times. The most common cause is problems with the ignition system—worn-out spark plugs or poor contact in the ignition coils, leading to misfiring. The fuel system could also be a culprit, with clogged fuel injectors or unstable fuel pressure affecting fuel delivery. Additionally, dirty throttle bodies and idle control valves with carbon buildup can disrupt air intake balance. Faulty sensors like the mass airflow sensor might also cause trouble. Don’t underestimate this shaking—prolonged issues can damage the engine. I recommend checking the spark plugs and cleaning the throttle body immediately. If you're unsure, take it to a professional repair shop for diagnosis—safety first.

[StSara]

My Cruze had the same issue before. When stopping at a red light, the car would inexplicably shake. After driving for a while, I found out it was due to a weak ignition system. The spark plugs needed replacement, or there might have been intermittent faults with the ignition coils. It could also be a fuel system problem—carbon buildup in the fuel injectors causing uneven fuel supply, leading to vibrations. A misaligned idle control valve could cause this too; cleaning it usually helps. Another possibility is worn-out engine mount bushings losing their damping effect, which means they need replacement. It's quite annoying to drive with these issues. Addressing them early prevents more serious problems, saving you trouble and hassle.

[VanAugust]

The root cause of intermittent idle shaking lies in the imbalance of air-fuel ratio. Excessive spark plug gap or electrode erosion leads to unstable ignition. Aging insulation of ignition coils and voltage fluctuations can also cause shaking. Poor fuel injector atomization or insufficient fuel supply from the fuel pump may be culprits. Sensor errors, such as those from the crankshaft position sensor, can affect the ECU's control of the air-fuel ratio. Promptly inspect these components and use an OBD scanner to read fault codes for diagnosis—never overlook minor issues.