What causes the car to shake when in D gear?
4 Answers
The reasons for the car shaking when in D gear are as follows: Engine speed is too high: When the engine speed is too high during cold start, the torque converter transmits more power, resulting in greater impact force and more noticeable shaking when shifting into D gear. Brake not pressed firmly: At the moment of shifting, the engine power is directly transmitted to the wheels. If the brake is not pressed firmly, the wheels will move slightly when shifting into D gear, causing the car to suddenly move forward and creating a stronger shaking sensation. Brake released too early: This leads to abrupt power engagement. Without the limiting effect of the brake, the drive wheels suddenly receive power at the moment of gear engagement, causing the car to move forward directly and resulting in shaking.
I've encountered many cases of car shaking when in D gear. As an experienced mechanic, this is usually caused by engine ignition issues or transmission problems. The most common culprit is worn-out spark plugs causing ignition mismatch, making the engine shake at idle. Faulty ignition coils with unstable sparking can also be the reason. For transmission issues, worn torque converters are the primary cause - especially when stopped in D gear with high pressure, leading to uneven power delivery. Low or dirty transmission fluid causing insufficient lubrication can also trigger shaking. Don't overlook worn engine mounts either - they cushion engine vibrations, and broken mounts transmit vibrations directly to the frame. I suggest first checking spark plugs and fluid levels yourself - often just replacing spark plugs or topping up transmission fluid solves the problem. Leaving this issue unaddressed can damage engine or transmission components, increasing repair costs. Always inspect shaking issues immediately - don't wait until the check engine light comes on or the car won't move before taking action.
My old car used to shake when in D gear. As an average car owner, I figured it might be due to a dirty throttle body or excessive carbon buildup affecting air intake. After cleaning the throttle body, the shaking reduced—this is a simple job you can do yourself. Other possibilities include an air-fuel ratio imbalance—such as a faulty oxygen sensor causing unstable fuel mixture—or worn engine mounts failing to dampen vibrations. If shaking only occurs when parked, it suggests a transmission issue, while shaking while driving could indicate loose suspension components. Start with basic checks: see if the spark plugs need replacing (don’t exceed 30,000 km), and check if the transmission fluid is clear. If it’s murky, it’s time for a change. Daily driving habits matter—avoid frequent short trips with constant starts and stops, which worsen carbon buildup, and schedule regular maintenance checks. I noticed that when shaking occurred, acceleration was rough and fuel consumption increased. Addressing issues early saves money and hassle. Taking it to a repair shop for a diagnosis gives peace of mind.
The car shakes when in D gear. After researching online, as a young car owner, I believe there are multiple causes but they can be prevented. The spark plugs need replacement—aging can cause uneven ignition and shaking. Issues with the ignition coil or high-voltage wires are also possible. Additionally, loose engine mounts—these dampen engine vibrations, and if broken, cause shaking. Insufficient or dirty transmission fluid can lead to shaking, as the hydraulic system in automatic transmissions is prone to problems. Furthermore, faulty sensors like the throttle position sensor can cause the system to misjudge fuel supply. Prevention is key: regularly replace spark plugs, check fluid levels, and maintain the transmission. Avoid aggressive acceleration on rough roads. Shaking isn't just uncomfortable—it increases fuel consumption and can even affect handling. Get it fixed promptly—don't be lazy. It saves money and ensures safer driving.
