What Causes the ATS-L to Shake During Acceleration?
2 Answers
The reasons for the ATS-L shaking during acceleration are as follows: Engine Misfire: This mainly refers to a situation where one or more cylinders in the engine are not functioning properly. Common symptoms include intermittent exhaust flow and severe shaking of the exhaust pipe, with noticeable vibration felt in the engine and car body. Worn or Loose Engine Mounts: Engine mounts are rubber blocks between the engine and the frame, designed to reduce vibrations during engine operation and secure the engine in place. If these mounts become worn or loose, both the car body and engine will experience abnormal shaking. Replacing the engine mounts can resolve this issue. Carbon Buildup: Carbon deposits can accumulate in various parts of the engine, including the cylinders, throttle, spark plugs, and intake system. Excessive carbon buildup inside the engine can affect multiple parameters and even lead to unstable power output, causing shaking during both idle and acceleration.
I just went through the headache of ATS-L acceleration shudder. My 2017 model had steering wheel vibrations like a phone buzzing when accelerating hard above 70 km/h, which turned out to be worn CV joints. A common issue with GM's models is the poor matching between the driveshaft and half-shafts, especially noticeable in tuned cars. Once during rainy overtaking, the front wheels even hopped when I pressed hard on the throttle. The technician later advised me to check three areas: CV joint play, driveshaft balance, and engine mounts. Honestly, skipping wheel balancing after rim modifications can cause this too – a fellow owner reported entire dashboard rattling after accelerating to 80 km/h with new rims. My advice: don't ignore it. Continued driving with drivetrain issues may damage the differential.
