Why does the car shake when in D gear?
4 Answers
The reason for the car shaking when in D gear comes from the transmission. When the gear is in D, it is in a power connection state; the engine's power is transmitted to the transmission, which then transmits it to the wheels through the drive shaft. The car is supposed to move forward, but since the brakes are engaged and the car cannot move, the transmission continuously holds back this force, resulting in shaking. Precautions for driving an automatic transmission: 1. The S gear is not a cure-all. When shifting into S gear, the car can freely change gears. Although this is convenient, it should be avoided in daily use. Frequent use of the S gear can severely affect the transmission. Typically, the S gear is used for high-speed overtaking. 2. When waiting at a red light for an extended period, apply the foot brake. If the wait at an intersection is too long, you can shift the car into N gear and engage the handbrake. Prolonged use of the foot brake can cause the fuel temperature in the transmission to rise excessively.
Last time when I drove with the gear in D, the car shook violently, which really scared me. As a student who enjoys studying cars, I looked it up and found out that this is usually caused by issues with the signal engine or transmission. The most common reasons are worn-out spark plugs or faulty ignition coils, which can make the car idle unevenly and shake. On the transmission side, insufficient oil pressure or worn clutch plates might make the car shake like it's dancing. It could also be due to aging engine mounts—if the rubber cushion is damaged, the damping effect is lost. Even unbalanced tires or problems with the driveshaft can cause shaking when stationary. If you encounter this situation, it's best not to drive for too long and get it checked at a repair shop to prevent bigger issues. I remember last time, changing a spark plug made a big difference. In short, driving safety comes first—don’t delay and get it checked at a proper shop.
As a veteran mechanic with over a decade of experience, I've seen numerous cases of D-gear shaking. In about 80% of cases, it's an engine issue - like excessive carbon buildup on spark plugs or clogged fuel injectors causing incomplete combustion and vehicle vibration. It could also be due to dirty or insufficient transmission fluid, where low oil pump pressure affects idle stability. Cracked engine mounts or loose driveshaft connections are also common culprits. When repairing, technicians should use diagnostic tools to check ECU data streams to identify the root cause. Regular maintenance like oil changes, transmission fluid replacements, and periodic spark plug inspections can prevent these issues. I recommend owners avoid DIY fixes and promptly visit professional shops for calibration to prevent costly major repairs.
Oh dear, my car keeps shaking when in D gear, especially in traffic jams which makes me nervous. I suspect it might be an issue with the fuel system, where the fuel pump isn't delivering fuel steadily, causing uneven engine operation; or it could be an exhaust problem or a clogged filter. As a homemaker, I'm particularly concerned about driving safety – when it shakes, I worry about hitting something and hurting the kids. It's best to pull over and check if any warning lights are on the dashboard, then take a quick look under the hood for any loose parts. If it keeps happening, have my husband or a technician run diagnostics with proper equipment – don't skimp and risk bigger problems! Also, check oil levels and rubber components during regular car washes to prevent sudden breakdowns.
