If your car is shaking when idle, there could be several reasons why that is happening. Click on each reason to learn more:
If your car is shaking when idle and you live in the Kitchener-Waterloo region, contact us.
Car is shaking when idle
1. Your spark plugs are worn
Spark plugs provide the spark of electricity needed to ignite the combustion used to start your vehicle. They give off a bolt of electricity that ignites the mixture of fuel and air.
This ignition in turn puts the pistons in your motor into motion which makes your engine run. If you want to learn more about how spark plugs work, watch this video
If your car is shaking when idle it might be your spark plugs
If your spark plugs are older, they may have oil or carbon deposits built up on them which can greatly reduce their ability to function and cause your car to shake.
Solution:
If your car is shaking when idle, you may need to replace your spark plugs. It is a good practice to replace your spark plugs about every 30,000 to 50,000 miles to make sure that they always give you a proper spark every time.
2. Your ignition coil is worn
Your ignition coil is an induction coil that is a part of your vehicle's ignition system. It is made up of an inner and outer coil.
It works in conjunction with your spark plugs to ignite the fuel and air mixture in your vehicle to make your engine run.
Watch this video to see how an ignition coil works.
If your ignition coil gets damaged, your car will idle rough
The ignition coil takes the low voltage found in your car battery and transforms it into a high voltage. The spark plug then takes the spark created by the coil to ignite your fuel/air mixture.
If your ignition coil gets damaged then your vehicle will experience rough idling.
Solution:
If your ignition coil is damaged, it will need to be repaired, refurbished or replaced. Ask a mechanic you trust to find out which option would be the best for you.
3. You have dirty fuel injectors
Modern vehicles are equipped with high-pressure fuel injectors that are designed to dispense the perfect amount of fuel into your engine's cylinder at the right moment for optimal performance.
Over time, the tiny nozzles in your fuel injector can get clogged up by carbon that is produced in the combustion process.
The following video will show you how you can tell if your fuel injector is clogged
If your fuel injector nozzles are block, get them looked at by a professional
If your fuel injector nozzles (also called pintles) get blocked, then they won't be able to give off the right amount of fuel for successful combustion. This can cause your car to shake when it is idle.
Solution:
Even though there are fuel injector cleaners on the market, the most effective way to clean a clogged fuel injector is to remove it from your engine and have it professionally cleaned or replaced altogether.
4. You have a clogged air filter
The job of your engine's air filter is to trap all sorts of contaminants and debris that could harm your engine. Over time, this filter will get filled up with dust, particles, and dirt.
When this happens, the filter can no longer do its job properly. Your air filter should be replaced about every 30,000 miles. The following video shows how this is done.
Watch how an air filter is changed
If your air filter is clogged, then the airflow that is needed to add air to the fuel mixture for proper combustion can get blocked as not enough air can get through. This could be another reason why your car is shaking when idle.
Solution:
If your air filter is clogged, it will need to be replaced.
5. You have a vacuum leak
There are several hoses in your vehicle that help to create a vacuum that lets air move to your engine.
If your car is shaking when idle it might be a loose or damaged hose
If one of these hoses becomes loose, disconnected, or damaged, then too much air can be introduced into the air/fuel mixture. This can cause your vehicle to misfire or shake when it is idling.
Solution:
You will need to take your vehicle to a mechanic you trust to replace or re-attach your damaged hoses.
6. Your oxygen sensor has failed
Your oxygen sensor measures how much oxygen is in your exhaust. This information is sent to your vehicle's computer.
The computer takes the information and then calculates the optimal ratio of fuel to air to give you the best combustion process. This video further explains how an oxygen sensor works.
The oxygen sensor send information to your vehicle’s computer
Over time your oxygen sensor can fail. This can be caused by carbon deposits, old age, and constant exposure to high temperatures.
If your oxygen sensor is not working properly then your computer will receive inaccurate information which will throw off its calculations. This can result in your car shaking when it is idling.
Solution:
Oxygen sensors usually can't be repaired, it will need to be replaced. Sometimes people will try to clean their sensor in order to get a bit more time out of it, but this is just a temporary fix.
7. Your motor mounts are weak or broken
Your motor mounts are the part of your vehicle that attaches your engine to the subframe of your car. The following video will teach you more about engine mounts and how they are attached to your vehicle's subframe.
If your car is shaking when idle, the motor mounts may be broken
If your motor mounts become weakened or get broken, they won't be able to hold your engine firmly in place. This can cause your vehicle to shake when it is idle.
If you put your vehicle into neutral and the shaking stops, then that is a pretty good indication that your motor mounts are at fault.
Solution:
If your engine mounts are damaged or broken, they will need to be replaced. You can install engine mounts yourself, however, it is better to have them replaced by a professional mechanic you trust to make sure that they are installed properly.
CAR FEELS SHAKY WHEN Idle? CONTACT HANSMA
If your car is shaking when idle, you can trust Hansma to fix it right and not do any unnecessary repairs. Here’s why you can rely on Hansma for the best auto repair service in the KW region:
Over 33 Years of Service: We have been serving the Kitchener region with the highest quality automotive services since 1987.
Locally Owned and Operated: You can feel good about supporting a locally owned and operated family business.
True Customer Care: At Hansma, we truly care about our customers. We will do our best to provide you with great customer care and service. When you come to Hansma, you will be treated like family.
Honest Customer Service: Our customers have come to appreciate our honest service. Our word-of-mouth referrals continue to be our largest source of new customers.
Competitive Pricing: Whether you are looking for a quick tire change or you require one of our other automotive services, our highly trained technicians will be able to diagnose and fix your vehicle at a highly competitive price.
Reliable Repairs: You can rely on the technical expertise of our friendly staff to keep your vehicle in peak condition.
Contact us today to book an appointment.
WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS THINK…
“Hansma was great. Gave honest feedback and didn't try to pull my leg in getting additional repairs or modifications. Just did what was requested, notified me of any potential needed repairs for the future and charged me a fair price. Definitely going back!”
- Marco Tochijara