Why does the engine warning light come on and the car body shake?

[MacIsabel]

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.

[Finley]

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.

[OCooper]

My friend's car had the engine light on and was shaking badly. He asked me what the reason might be, and I said it's most likely a spark plug issue—old spark plugs can fail to ignite properly, causing the shaking. Another possibility is a clogged fuel line, where fuel can't spray into the cylinder, leading to an improper air-fuel mixture. There could also be a sensor malfunction, like a faulty camshaft position sensor. A short circuit in the electrical system might trigger the warning light as well. Checking small components like fuses and relays could be a quick fix—I remember my neighbor's car had a similar issue and was fixed inexpensively. Don't worry too much about complexity; early inspection is always better than breaking down on the road. I was taught to watch for these signs when learning to drive.

[MacNorah]

My little car suddenly had its warning light on and the body was shaking, which gave me a scare thinking it was something serious. When I took it to the shop, the mechanic found out it was a bad ignition coil. The spark plug was misfiring, causing one cylinder to stop working, making the engine unbalanced and shake. A weak fuel pump or a clogged filter can also cause this. Sensors like the throttle position sensor can mislead the computer into turning on the warning light. It's suggested to turn off the engine and wait a moment before restarting—sometimes it's just a temporary glitch. If that doesn't work, get it repaired immediately to avoid damaging more parts. Regular maintenance, like checking these during oil changes, can help prevent such issues.