Why is the engine light on and the car shaking?

[BlakelyRose]

The reasons for the engine light being on and the car shaking: 1. Oxygen sensor failure, where the oxygen sensor is damaged or the sensor connector is damaged or loose, causing the mixture to be too lean or too rich; 2. Air flow sensor failure, where the air flow sensor or its circuit malfunctions, preventing the ECU from receiving the correct intake air signal, leading to improper fuel control and causing the mixture to be too lean or too rich, resulting in abnormal engine operation; 3. Spark plug carbon buildup, which can cause poor engine performance, manifesting as difficulty starting, unstable idle, poor acceleration, backfiring during sudden acceleration, and excessive exhaust emissions; 4. Engine knocking, characterized by weak car performance, excessive engine noise, and in severe cases, accompanied by knocking sounds from the cylinders.

[StevenRose]

When the engine light comes on yellow and the car shakes while I'm driving, it feels like an irregular heartbeat! This usually indicates a minor issue with the engine, and there are several common possibilities. First, consider the ignition system—worn spark plugs or faulty ignition coils can cause cylinder misfires. Fuel problems are another possibility, such as clogged fuel injectors or a weak fuel pump, leading to uneven fuel supply. Sensor failures, like an inaccurate oxygen sensor reading, can also cause the computer to incorrectly adjust the air-fuel mixture. A dirty air filter might restrict airflow and contribute to the issue. Worse yet, long-term neglect of maintenance can lead to carbon buildup, triggering these problems. If the shaking is severe, it's best not to push through, especially on the highway, as it can further damage the engine. I recommend pulling over immediately and having a professional shop check the trouble codes with a diagnostic tool—targeted fixes are much better than guessing. Remember to change the oil regularly and perform comprehensive inspections to prevent issues before they arise.

[Jack]

The engine's yellow warning light is flashing and the car is shaking. I suspect it's due to an engine misfire—simply put, one of the cylinders isn't functioning properly. There are quite a few possible causes: if the spark plugs are worn or the gap is too wide, ignition becomes uneven; a short circuit or corrosion in the ignition coil can also cause issues; fuel system problems like a clogged fuel filter or dirty fuel injectors can lead to insufficient fuel supply; and a faulty mass airflow sensor can mislead the engine control unit. Don't panic if this happens—the yellow light indicates there's no immediate danger, but it's best to stop if possible and avoid stomping on the accelerator to prevent further strain. The most reliable approach is to plug in an OBD scanner to read the trouble codes—it can pinpoint the exact issue, such as a P0300 (misfire code). I once helped a friend fix this by simply replacing the spark plugs. Safety first—timely repairs can save you a lot of money in the long run!

[DiAxel]

The yellow warning light is on and the car is shaking violently, which is quite dangerous—it could indicate an internal engine issue! Common causes include ignition system failures like faulty spark plugs or coil issues; fuel problems such as low fuel pressure; or sensor malfunctions like a failing crankshaft position sensor. This shaking suggests engine misfire, and continuing to drive risks engine damage. I recommend slowing down immediately and pulling over to check basics like low fuel levels or poor-quality fuel—don’t overlook these. Getting to a repair shop for diagnostics is critical—don’t delay.