What is the reason for engine shaking when hot but not when cold?
4 Answers
The reasons for engine shaking when hot but not when cold are: 1. The idle speed motor is damaged and cannot adjust the opening of the air valve; 2. The fuel injector is clogged or the fuel pump is faulty, causing poor fuel flow; throttle body malfunction, with air leaks preventing proper control of air intake; 3. Faulty intake sensor leading to inability to control air intake; 4. Engine control logic error, making it unable to stabilize idle speed. The solutions for engine shaking when hot but not when cold are: 1. Clean the fuel system and check if the idle speed motor has carbon buildup that needs cleaning; 2. Check if the spark plugs have excessive carbon buildup and replace them if necessary; 3. Check fuel pressure and replace components if needed.
When the car shakes during warm-up but runs normally when cold, this usually involves engine adaptation issues. From my repair experience, I've found that the engine control module automatically compensates during a cold start, injecting more fuel to ensure a smooth start. However, once the engine warms up, the compensation mechanism disappears, and carbon buildup issues become more apparent. Carbon deposits accumulated in the intake manifold or combustion chamber can disrupt airflow when the engine is warm, leading to shaking. Additionally, aging spark plugs can be a factor, as they may misfire due to insulator deformation under hot conditions. It's recommended to periodically add fuel additives to clean carbon deposits and check spark plugs for signs of erosion to prevent worsening shaking that could affect driving safety. If the issue occurs frequently, it's best to visit a professional shop to check if the engine's electronic control system is malfunctioning.
I've been driving my own car for several years and recently encountered this issue of engine shaking when hot, but it's fine when cold. Think about it, when the engine is cold, all components are contracted, and those small gaps are filled during operation, so it doesn't shake. Once it heats up and the parts expand, the gaps increase or sensors misread, leading to imbalance and shaking. My car is often driven short distances, so carbon deposits easily accumulate on the throttle body and fuel injectors, causing airflow obstruction and shaking when hot. Now, I occasionally take it on the highway to rev up and clear some carbon deposits, and I also make sure to change the air filter regularly. If your car behaves similarly, don't ignore it—check the spark plugs or oxygen sensor early to avoid major expenses later.
As a car enthusiast, I find it quite interesting when a car shakes when hot but runs fine when cold. There are various reasons, such as the ignition coil's insulation failing when hot, causing leakage and weak sparks that lead to incomplete combustion. Or the oxygen sensor misjudging the air-fuel mixture at high temperatures, resulting in improper fuel injection. The ECU forcibly corrects this when the engine is cold, but the issue becomes apparent when it's hot. I once disassembled mine for inspection and found that severe spark plug carbon buildup exhibits exactly this behavior. It's best to start with a simple test of the ignition system to prevent the shaking from affecting engine longevity. Adding a high-quality fuel additive to clean carbon deposits can also help.
