What Causes Shaking When Starting in First Gear?

2 Answers
OPeyton
07/28/25 6:52pm
The reasons for shaking when starting in first gear are: 1. Severe carbon buildup in the engine cylinders; 2. Insufficient engine power; 3. Worn-out engine mounts; 4. Engine misfire. The correct steps for starting are: 1. After depressing the clutch and igniting the engine, press the clutch pedal all the way down with your left foot to fully disengage the clutch; 2. Shift the transmission into first gear; 3. Release the handbrake and apply throttle. Precautions for starting the car include: 1. Avoid looking down at mechanical parts, keep your eyes on the road ahead and both sides; 2. When starting downhill, release the brake before pressing the accelerator and lifting the clutch; when starting uphill, release the brake when the engine sound becomes steady.
Was this review help?
15
5
Share
LeGavin
08/11/25 10:46pm
I've encountered this issue several times too. When I first started driving a manual transmission car, the vehicle would shake like a sieve when starting in first gear, especially if the clutch was old or worn out. The clutch is the key component that smoothly connects the engine to the transmission. If its contact points are uneven or the pressure plate isn't fully engaged, the car will jerk. Additionally, improper throttle control can easily cause shaking. For example, when you step on the gas too hard, the engine output becomes unstable, causing the wheels to wobble back and forth. I later realized that regularly checking the thickness of the clutch disc is crucial. Once it falls below the standard value, it's time to replace it immediately. It's best not to stomp on the gas when starting on a slope; gently applying the throttle to maintain smoothness can significantly reduce this problem. If the shaking is severe, it might also damage other components. So, I recommend everyone to visit a repair shop as soon as possible and not wait until something breaks to regret it.
Was this review help?
12
5
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

What Type of Engine Oil Should Be Chosen for RAV4?

RAV4 should use 0W20 engine oil, but 5w20 and 5w30 can also be used. The smaller the number before W, the lower the viscosity and the better the low-temperature fluidity, making it suitable for lower temperatures. The larger the number after W, the higher the viscosity, ensuring more stable protection under high-temperature conditions. When using engine oil, ensure the oil grade is correct and the oil is genuine, as counterfeit or inferior oil can damage the engine. The dimensions of the RAV4 are 4630mm in length, 1855mm in width, and 1685mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2660mm. The vehicle is equipped with VSC (Vehicle Stability Control), 6 airbags, TRC (Traction Control System), HAC (Hill-start Assist Control), and an automatic limited-slip differential as standard across all models.
7
5
Share

The Formula of Vehicle Urea and How to Mix It

Formula for vehicle urea solution: 1. Urea: White or light yellow, needle-like or prismatic crystals, with little or no powder. High-quality urea: (1) Appearance: Uniform crystals with consistent hardness. (2) Color and shape: White or light yellow prismatic crystals without impurities. (3) Gloss and texture: Translucent crystals with no surface reflection, smooth, loose, and not damp to the touch. (4) Burning test: Melts, emits white smoke, and has an ammonia odor. 2. Mixing ratios: (1) Standard urea solution: High-purity urea 32.5%, deionized water 67.5%. (2) Antifreeze urea solution: High-purity urea 32.5%, deionized water 52.5%, methanol 15%.
15
3
Share

What Causes Engine Shaking When Warm but Not When Cold?

The reasons and solutions for engine shaking when warm but not when cold are as follows: 1. First, use an automotive diagnostic tool to check for any engine fault codes. If present, identify the faulty sensor and perform the necessary repairs; 2. If there are no engine fault codes, check for any engine misfires. If misfires are detected, inspect the spark plugs, ignition wires, ignition coils, crankshaft position sensor, and ignition coil circuits. Perform the necessary repairs or replacements; 3. If no misfires are detected, inspect the fuel supply system. Remove the fuel line and connect a fuel pressure gauge for a pressure test. A normal reading should be between 270Kpa and 350Kpa. If the fuel pressure is low, inspect and repair the fuel pump as needed; 4. If the fuel supply system is functioning properly, check if the throttle body is clean. If it is dirty, clean it thoroughly with carburetor cleaner. Then, check if the idle air control valve is working. If it is not functioning, replace it; 5. If the throttle body and idle air control valve are functioning properly, inspect the fuel injectors for proper operation or blockages. If the injectors are not working or leaking abnormally, check the injector wiring and perform the necessary repairs; 6. If the fuel injectors are functioning properly, check the compression of each cylinder. A normal compression reading should be 8 or higher. If the compression is insufficient, take the vehicle to a repair shop for the necessary repairs.
18
4
Share

Why is the car idling high?

The main reasons for high car idle speed are: 1. Excessive carbon buildup in the throttle body, which reduces engine air intake, causing the ECU to increase throttle opening to raise RPM; 2. Air leaks at the rear of the throttle body, allowing outside air to enter the engine and increase RPM; 3. Generator failure causing the ECU to increase RPM; 4. Damage to the throttle body itself or the idle speed control valve. Specifically, the reasons for high car idle speed include: 1. Excessive carbon buildup in the throttle body. This carbon buildup forms over time from the intake system as air contains impurities like dust. When carbon buildup is significant, the throttle's opening and closing resistance increases, and engine air intake decreases. Reduced air intake can cause stalling, so the ECU increases air intake and adjusts the throttle opening to prevent stalling, naturally raising the idle speed. 2. Air leaks at the rear of the throttle body, usually caused by aging or cracked intake manifold gaskets or damaged vacuum hoses. Since the rear of the throttle body is in a negative pressure vacuum zone, leaks allow outside air to be drawn into the engine. When the ECU detects increased air intake, it increases fuel injection, raising idle speed. 3. Generator failure. When engine RPM remains constant, the generator load increases with additional electrical devices. If the ECU detects the generator is not producing electricity, it assumes the engine RPM is too low and commands an increase in idle speed. 4. Damage to the throttle body or idle speed control valve. A faulty potentiometer inside the throttle body affects the throttle opening size, and a larger opening leads to higher idle speed. The idle speed control valve regulates idle speed, and if it fails, idle speed will also increase. Correspondingly, solutions for high car idle speed include: 1. For excessive carbon buildup in the throttle body, use carburetor cleaner to remove the carbon deposits and then recalibrate the throttle opening. Be careful to avoid spraying cleaner into electrical connectors to prevent damage to internal electronic components. 2. For air leaks at the rear of the throttle body, use a smoke leak detector to locate the leak and then repair or replace damaged gaskets or vacuum hoses. 3. For generator failure, use a multimeter to check if the generator's output is within the normal range. If not, replace the faulty generator. 4. For damage to the throttle body or idle speed control valve, replace the throttle body or idle speed control valve. Finally, it is normal for idle speed to be high during a cold start (for a very short duration). This helps the engine reach optimal operating temperature quickly, improving fuel efficiency and protecting the engine. If idle speed remains high after the engine warms up, check for issues like throttle carbon buildup.
5
4
Share

What are the differences between the Fit and Polo?

Both the Honda Fit and Volkswagen Polo are classified as compact cars. Here are the key differences between them: Space and Dimensions: The Fit measures 4100×1695×1525mm (L×W×H), while the Polo measures 3970×1682×1462mm. In terms of interior space, the Polo may be slightly inferior to the Fit. Powertrain: The Fit is equipped with a 1.5L engine paired with a CVT transmission, delivering a maximum power output of 96kW. The Polo comes with a 1.5L engine mated to either a 6-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission, with a maximum power output of 81kW.
4
3
Share

What Are the Design Standards for Automotive Superchargers?

The purpose of supercharging is to increase engine power and enhance engine stability by pre-compressing air before supplying it into the cylinders, thereby improving the intake air quality and correspondingly increasing the cycle fuel supply. Functions of turbochargers: Enhance engine power performance, improve engine fuel economy, reduce engine emissions, and provide altitude power recovery through the self-compensation function of turbochargers. Basic types of superchargers: There are three types: turbocharging, mechanical supercharging, and pressure wave supercharging, corresponding to turbochargers, mechanical superchargers, and pressure wave superchargers.
10
1
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.