Why does the warning light flash and the car shake with poor acceleration?
2 Answers
Poor combustion of the air-fuel mixture in the engine can cause these symptoms. When the mixture in the cylinder is too rich, the vehicle may experience knocking and shaking. Conversely, when the mixture is too lean, the car may exhibit poor acceleration. If the issue isn't related to the air-fuel mixture, it could be due to problems with spark plugs, high-voltage wires, or ignition coils. Malfunctions in the ignition system or poor spark plug performance can also trigger the engine warning light and cause shaking with insufficient power. Below is the classification method for engine oil grades: 1. AB series: For gasoline and light-duty diesel engines. 2. C series: Suitable for catalyst-equipped engines. 3. E series: For heavy-duty diesel engines.
Having driven for decades, I've encountered numerous instances of warning lights flashing, the car shaking, and a lack of power when accelerating. These issues are often caused by engine misfires or problems with the ignition system, such as spark plugs fouled with carbon deposits failing to ignite, or ignition coil shorts causing a cylinder to stop working. The fuel system is also a common culprit—clogged fuel injectors preventing fuel from entering, or a weak fuel pump leading to insufficient fuel supply. Faulty sensors, like a bad oxygen sensor, can confuse the engine control unit and mess up the air-fuel ratio, naturally resulting in poor performance during acceleration. The shaking occurs because the engine isn't running smoothly; missing a cylinder or running lean causes vibrations. Don't underestimate these issues—delaying repairs can damage the catalytic converter or even harm the engine further. I recommend stopping immediately to check the problem. If possible, visit a nearby repair shop to scan for trouble codes with an OBD reader. Regular maintenance is key—replace spark plugs every 20,000 kilometers and don't wait for problems to arise before taking action.
