What Causes Slight Shaking When Starting an Automatic Transmission Car?
2 Answers
Automatic transmission cars may experience slight shaking during startup due to the following reasons: 1. A dirty throttle body causing uneven air intake and irregular operation; 2. Clogged fuel lines leading to insufficient fuel supply at low throttle, resulting in uneven cylinder operation; 3. Abnormal transmission function; 4. Damaged high-voltage wires or spark plug failure causing cylinder misfire and unstable engine performance; 5. Battery voltage outside specified range. The gear positions for automatic transmission vehicles are: 1. P (Park) - Parking and starting gear; 2. R (Reverse) - Reverse gear; 3. N (Neutral) - Neutral gear; 4. D (Drive) - Forward driving gear; 5. S (Sport) - Sports mode; 6. L (Low) - Low-speed gear.
I've encountered this kind of starting vibration issue before. After years of driving experience, I've learned that common causes include problems with the engine ignition system, such as aging spark plugs or loose ignition coils leading to misfires. For automatic transmission vehicles, insufficient transmission fluid or torque converter wear can also cause unsteady power delivery. Unbalanced tires or damaged suspension bushings may transmit vibrations during startup as well. Additionally, a clogged air filter can restrict airflow, making the engine 'gasp for breath' and worsening the vibration. I recommend checking the spark plugs and transmission fluid level first—replacing these small components often results in much smoother operation.