Why does the engine light come on and the car shake when stopped?
2 Answers
Reasons for the engine warning light illuminating and the car shaking: Fuel quality issues: Poor or substandard fuel quality. Some car owners may notice the engine warning light turning on immediately after refueling, usually caused by filling up with low-quality fuel at non-standard gas stations. While this situation does not affect the vehicle's driving performance, it can cause damage to the engine. Carbon buildup in the engine or spark plugs: After prolonged use, the engine accumulates carbon deposits, which can lead to engine damage, starting difficulties, poor acceleration, excessive engine noise, and other issues. The accumulated heat can cause irregular ignition in the engine, resulting in engine knocking. In such cases, the engine warning light will illuminate.
Oh, I was quite worried when I encountered this situation. The engine light came on and then the car started shaking, which could be caused by several reasons. First, it might be due to worn-out or faulty spark plugs, as misfiring can lead to unstable engine operation. Second, there could be a blockage in the fuel system, such as excessive carbon buildup in the fuel injectors, causing uneven fuel supply and idle shaking. Additionally, sensors like the oxygen sensor or mass airflow sensor might be malfunctioning, triggering the computer to detect and illuminate the warning light. Also, don’t overlook loose engine mounts—those rubber cushions that secure the engine—as damage to them can worsen vibrations. If your car is older, checking the spark plugs and fuel pressure might provide a temporary fix. The safest approach is to visit a professional shop for a diagnostic scan with a code reader to prevent the issue from worsening. In short, don’t delay—prolonging this problem can damage the car or increase fuel consumption.
