Why is the engine shaking and the malfunction indicator lamp on?
2 Answers
Reasons: Oxygen sensor failure; Clogged catalytic converter; Engine malfunction, etc. Oxygen sensor failure: The oxygen sensor sends air-fuel ratio signals to the engine. A malfunction may lead to inaccurate fuel injection, causing engine shaking. Clogged catalytic converter: The catalytic converter is a device that purifies exhaust gases. A clogged catalytic converter not only causes engine shaking but also significantly reduces engine power. Engine malfunction: Since the engine malfunction indicator lamp can indicate too many potential issues, it is recommended that the owner visit a repair shop to read the specific fault codes with a diagnostic tool for an accurate diagnosis, rather than making subjective guesses.
I think engine shaking with the check engine light on is quite common; I've encountered it several times myself. It's mostly caused by a misfire in one of the engine cylinders, meaning one cylinder isn't firing properly, which makes the car shake violently. The reasons can be simple, like worn-out spark plugs or a faulty ignition coil, or a clogged fuel injector in the fuel injection system cutting off the fuel supply. Sometimes, a faulty sensor like the crankshaft position sensor can mislead the ECU into thinking there's a problem. When this happens, you should immediately slow down and pull over—don't push the car further, as it can damage the engine or even the catalytic converter. After stopping, check the oil level and coolant as basic safety measures. In most cases, don't try to fix it yourself; it's best to contact a repair shop to read the fault codes for an accurate diagnosis. For regular maintenance, don't forget to replace spark plugs and the fuel filter—check them every 20,000 kilometers to prevent many issues. Remember, safety comes first—don't risk driving in this condition.
