What Causes the Malfunction Light to Flash and the Car to Shake?
3 Answers
The reasons for the malfunction light flashing and the car shaking are as follows: 1. Ignition system failure: Issues such as faulty spark plugs, high-voltage wires, or ignition coils can lead to poor ignition system performance. In this case, the engine malfunction light will illuminate, and the vehicle may also experience shaking. 2. Overly rich air-fuel mixture in the cylinders: An excessively rich mixture in the cylinders can cause symptoms like knocking and shaking. 3. Abnormal fuel supply pressure: This is usually due to irregular fuel pump pressure, which can also result in car shaking.
My car had the same issue last year, with the warning light flashing non-stop and the vehicle shaking violently—it really gave me a scare. When I took it to the repair shop, they found that the ignition coil was faulty, and the spark plugs were worn out, causing a misfire. The technician said ignition system problems are the most common, and aging spark plugs or short-circuited coils can interfere with the current, making the engine shake like a sieve. They also warned me that if not fixed promptly, it could damage the catalytic converter, costing even more. After replacing the new parts, the problem was resolved. I suggest you go to a professional shop for diagnosis as soon as possible—don’t delay and increase the risk. Regularly replacing spark plugs can help avoid such troubles.
As someone who often tinkers with cars, I've encountered similar issues several times. Flashing warning lights accompanied by engine shaking typically indicate a misfire, meaning uneven ignition in one of the cylinders. Possible causes include burnt spark plugs, failed ignition coils, or clogged fuel injectors causing unstable fuel delivery. I remember one instance where a dirty mass airflow sensor affected air intake and caused the shaking. It's best to use an OBD scanner to check the trouble codes for targeted solutions. Otherwise, continuing to drive could waste fuel and damage the engine. Simple maintenance can often prevent these issues.
