Why does the engine warning light come on and the car body shake?
2 Answers
When the engine warning light comes on and the car body shakes, it is due to poor combustion of the air-fuel mixture. Poor combustion of the air-fuel mixture can lead to carbon deposits in the engine, which is the most significant cause of car body shaking. Additionally, when the oxygen sensor detects poor combustion and reports it to the ECU, the warning light is triggered. This is why the engine warning light and car body shaking occur simultaneously. Several issues can cause poor combustion of the air-fuel mixture, including faulty spark plugs, ignition coil failure, fuel pump malfunction, or clogged fuel lines. If the engine warning light comes on, follow these steps: First, check whether the engine is running normally. Look for signs of shaking, black smoke, or difficulty starting. If any of these symptoms are present, avoid restarting the engine. Note: If the red warning light is on, do not restart the engine under any circumstances. If the engine is running normally and the car can be driven, visit a service station as soon as possible to diagnose the issue. A service station can easily read the fault codes using a portable diagnostic tool, allowing for targeted repairs based on the fault information. If the engine is running normally, the owner can also try gently reconnecting various wiring harness connectors, as a loose connection might be the cause. Alternatively, repeatedly turning the key to the ON position may help reset the warning light.
The engine warning light came on accompanied by body vibration, which I've encountered several times. Usually the problem lies in the ignition system, such as aging spark plugs or failed ignition coils, causing a cylinder to misfire and resulting in unbalanced engine operation that leads to vibration. There could also be issues with the fuel system, like clogged fuel injectors causing insufficient fuel supply, or a dirty air filter restricting airflow. Faulty sensors like the oxygen sensor can mislead the engine control unit. Last time my car had this issue, it turned out to be a minor cylinder misfire. Safety first - when the light comes on with vibration, pull over and wait or drive slowly to get it repaired. Don't ignore small warning signs to avoid major engine overhauls. Regular spark plug replacements can prevent such issues.
