What causes intermittent shaking in a Nissan 1.6 engine when hot?

[KevinLynn]

Nissan 1.6 engine intermittent shaking when hot can be caused by the following reasons: Clogged fuel injectors: After prolonged use, fuel injectors may become clogged. One reason is the long-term accumulation of carbon deposits, which can block an injector and cause cylinder misfire symptoms. Another reason is the gradual aging of injectors due to prolonged exposure to high-pressure gasoline, leading to a series of issues. If a fuel injector is clogged, it may result in "cylinder misfire," causing intermittent shaking in the car. Ignition coils and cylinder wires: Each cylinder's spark plug corresponds to an ignition coil and cylinder wire. If these components fail, the spark plug won't fire, and the cylinder won't operate, leading to cylinder misfire symptoms. Cylinder misfire typically causes intermittent shaking in the car. Spark plugs: Spark plugs need to maintain an operating temperature between 450°C and 870°C. If the temperature falls below 450°C, carbon deposits can easily form, resulting in intermittent shaking.

[MacLawson]

I encountered a similar issue last time, likely due to a problem with the engine ignition system. When the spark plug gap is too large or the ignition coil is aging during warm-up, it can cause unstable ignition, leading to intermittent shaking. Additionally, the fuel injectors in Nissan's 1.6L engine are prone to carbon buildup and clogging, especially in high summer temperatures when fuel atomization is poor and pressure is insufficient. Ignoring these minor issues can lead to increased fuel consumption over time and even cause misfires. It's advisable to first check the spark plugs and coils, then test the fuel pressure value. Replacing spark plugs yourself isn't difficult, but it's best to leave fuel injector cleaning to professionals to avoid mishandling. Regular engine carbon cleaning can also prevent future problems, especially for vehicles with over 100,000 kilometers—pay extra attention to maintenance intervals.

[BradleyDella]

My old Nissan also experienced engine shaking when hot, which turned out to be caused by dust accumulation on the oxygen sensor. That sensor is responsible for monitoring the air-fuel ratio, and when it gets dirty, it gives false readings, leading to uneven fuel mixture and causing the engine to shake and stall intermittently. Additionally, aging of the throttle position sensor is a common issue—when it fails to regulate the air intake accurately, the shaking becomes more noticeable. It's best to use an OBD tool to read the fault codes and pinpoint the exact issue. Always use high-quality gasoline to avoid impurity buildup, and don't turn off the engine immediately after parking—let it cool down for five minutes to reduce stress. If the shaking persists without repair, it may damage the crankshaft seal, leading to higher replacement costs. It's recommended to check the sensor condition every 20,000 kilometers and clean any dust buildup during routine maintenance.

[VonKatherine]

Intermittent shaking in hot conditions is quite common in Nissan vehicles, often caused by clogged fuel injectors or ignition system issues. When fuel injectors accumulate carbon deposits, uneven fuel spraying leads to unstable engine output, resulting in shaking. Aging ignition coils or spark plugs may also cause temporary failures, especially when insulation deteriorates under high temperatures. Don't rush to spend big money—try replacing the air filter first, as dirt can reduce air intake efficiency and worsen the shaking. If it's a fuel system problem, adding a bottle of fuel additive to clean carbon deposits might help. Frequent idle shaking when the engine is hot should be repaired promptly to prevent the issue from escalating and affecting driving smoothness.