What causes intermittent shaking in the Nissan Sylphy when in D gear?
3 Answers
If the shaking is severe, it might be an issue with the spark plugs, and it is recommended to have it checked at a service center. Below is relevant information: 1. Vehicle Positioning: The Sylphy is a compact car under Nissan, with body dimensions of 4631mm in length, 1760mm in width, and 1503mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2700mm. 2. Powertrain: The Sylphy is equipped with a 1.6L naturally aspirated engine across all models. There are 4 variants of the Sylphy, featuring 1.6L displacement, with 2 transmission options: manual and continuously variable transmission (CVT). The engine delivers a maximum power of 93.0kW, maximum horsepower of 126PS, and maximum torque of 168.0N·m. 3. Suspension: The Sylphy features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension.
My Sylphy also experienced shaking when in D gear after prolonged use, and later I found out it was due to engine carbon buildup. The Sylphy tends to have throttle clogging issues when driven at low speeds frequently, especially in stop-and-go city traffic. When carbon deposits accumulate, the airflow becomes restricted, causing noticeable shaking when in D gear and braking at a red light. Transmission fluid aging is another major issue—last time, I didn’t change the fluid at 60,000 km, and the torque converter's lock-up clutch shook like a massage chair. Engine mounts are also a concern; rubber components tend to crack after about five years, transferring engine vibrations directly to the steering wheel. If the spark plugs have excessive gaps or are worn out, unstable ignition can also cause the car to shake—I fixed this by replacing all four spark plugs myself. Finally, I’d recommend checking the fuel pump pressure; insufficient fuel supply can cause intermittent shaking, a problem my neighbor just had repaired.
When driving a Sylphy and experiencing intermittent shaking in D gear, I once specifically consulted a veteran mechanic. He first had me hold the steering wheel to feel the vibration pattern: if it's a continuous slight tremor, it's likely due to worn engine mounts; if it's jerky, it's probably due to irregular ignition in one of the cylinders. Ignition coils and spark plugs are the most common culprits, and when a cylinder misfires, the tachometer will jump accordingly. That time, the mechanic used a diagnostic tool to find that my third cylinder was misfiring, and replacing the coil solved the problem. Additionally, carbon buildup in the throttle body is something to watch out for, especially in dusty northern areas—not cleaning it for 20,000 kilometers can easily cause shaking. Transmission issues are more troublesome; if the clutch plates in the torque converter are worn, there will be a noticeable tugging sensation when locking. I remember the mechanic also mentioned that an overloaded AC compressor can induce shaking, but in Sylphy owner groups, more people encounter fuel system issues.
