Why does the car shake violently when starting in first gear with half-clutch and no throttle?
2 Answers
The shaking of the car when starting in first gear with half-clutch may be caused by the following reasons: Reason 1: The clutch pressure plate is unevenly worn, resulting in insufficient power. Reason 2: Incomplete fuel combustion, excessive engine carbon deposits, or insufficient engine power itself. Reason 3: The engine and transmission are not properly aligned. Reason 4: The connection between the transmission and the chassis is loose. To determine the exact cause, each of these conditions should be checked one by one. It is recommended to go to a 4S shop for repair. Tips: Familiarize yourself with the clutch pedal operation and develop good habits—press it all the way down when engaging and release it slowly. Always use first gear when starting and pay attention to the coordination between the throttle and clutch.
I remember encountering this situation a few years ago when driving my old car. When in first gear with the clutch partially engaged—that is, lightly lifting the clutch pedal to let the gears gradually mesh—if I didn’t press the accelerator, the car would start shaking like an earthquake. The reason is usually insufficient engine power at low RPM, especially in older models. The ignition system might have issues, such as excessive carbon buildup on the spark plugs or a dirty throttle body, leading to uneven fuel mixture. A clogged idle control valve can also cause the engine to fluctuate in speed. To fix it, I first tried replacing the spark plugs, and the problem improved significantly. When driving normally, it’s good practice to give a little throttle at low speeds to prevent the engine from lugging, which can worsen the shaking and damage components. If unsure, it’s best to have a reliable mechanic check it out—safety first.
