Causes When Car Shakes at Idle but Smooths Out While Driving

Causes and fixes for a car that shakes when idling but smooths out and stops shaking while driving.
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Possible Causes of the Shaking:
Bad Motor Mount
Bad Transmission Mount
Engine Malfunction
How to Find the Cause of the Shaking:
Examine the motor mounts and transmission mounts.
Use and OBDII scan tool to read for any error codes.
Possible Engine Problems that can Cause Shaking"
Dirty throttle Body
Bad MAF Sensor
Bad coil pack, spark pug wire, or spark plug.
Engine misfire
Vacuum leak
Timing Off
Idle Control Valve
Engine combustion issues, like timing or fuel delivery
www.backyardmechanic.org
By using this information user assumes all risk of use.

[@nevinkuser9892]

That's the best, fastest, most comprehensive video I've seen on the topic!

[@halabira5807]

Mine shakes when shift to drive or reverse pretty bad with solid engine light. PROBLEMS: 1. Bad spark plugs 2. Build up carbon in engine and need to clean up. Spent almost $600cad at the dealer but worth it.

[@alextinajero6394]

Cool video. Very informative.

[@thatfoxygamer5644]

Yes, we had a 2007 Ford focus SE and when you would first started up it would rev up to 2200 and she bad when I would. I told him when you first accrelate it would shake really bad also at idle it was really bad and really loud and like shaky a lot after we got the Motor mounts and transmission mounts eplaced. It was really quiet and after that it did not shake at all.

[@josemacias61]

I have 2018 escalade only vibration idles when stopped with brake would cleaning maf sensor help. No check engine either barely hit 80k miles 😢

[@shortfatdude3406]

I just recently purchased a 2017 chevy equinox LT. She is jerking when im stopped at red lights as well as a clicking noise when accelerating at low speeds. These problems started about the same time.

[@dantesmith3664]

thanks for the videos.

[@thomasthetankengine8418]

Thank you 👍

[@frederickwatson88]

Thank you

[@OT_Tips]

My 07 charger v6 started to shake a bit when I’m at a red light or a stop sign but it’s completely smooth when driving. Only codes are evap leaks. Reason why my AC won’t work

[@mike22446699]

18 Chevrolet Express van 6.0 new plugs and wires new throttle body all OEM. No codes no misfire count in current history. Minor exhaust leak number 5 at the manifold. Engine Cold or hot intermittent but consistent shaking drive is okay but when you slow down and then get back on the throttle it hesitates and then goes any ideas. Problem is worse under load like when the AC is on

[@hfamepham2094]

Thanks

[@rigorodriguez8655]

I have a 2018 grand Cherokee and it idles hard only after pumping gas for a couple miles then it disappears! Any idea what could be wrong?

[@Jonaomw]

I have a 2005 grand marquis gs and I put it on drive it drives after passing a certain limit it starts to stall and when I press the gas’s it just idles and out of nowhere it just drives again and it keeps doing tht do you know what it could be?

[@TamekiaWilliams-ko2ki]

My 2014 Ford escape 1.6 jerks an shakes every time I make a sharp right turn please tell me what is that I'm ired of buying parts I don't need

[@wranefis]

i just replace my spark plugs , could are not that old , injectors change them like 3 years ago with coils . change o2 sensors. car stop making noises when accelerating now accelerates good . but sometimes it the engine shakes when driving but does it a bit more when i stop at a light . i have no codes at all . idk what to do anymore . i saw the throttle and it looked clean ima have to clean it more and inspect sparks plus even tho they are new

[@GooglyMcDoubleface]

Very interesting

[@secrazo]

A couple of times in a month when stopped at red light my car would idle somewhat rough…it smooths out when accelerating but if I stop it would do it again once or twice per stop…sometimes I can go 2 weeks without any rough idling…its frustrating

[@DillonJohnson-cm5mu]

My mustang does the same thing, you ever figure out what caused it for yours?

[@secrazo]

@@DillonJohnson-cm5mu Im glad you asked! Actually I just figured it out with the dealership last Friday…and it was the purge valve there was a stored code… although I did not have a check engine light that’s code was pending and they replaced it I drove the car heavily last three days with the AC on… and it’s flawless now!! Hallelujah!

[@AlexVorasane]

Car vibrates alot in the cabin only when im parked or at the light. No accleration problems, no other issues at all. I changed the spark plugs and cleaned out the intake and filter. What would be suggested next before going to the more extreme? Clean the throttle body?

[@jcm3732]

I have the same problem. I think it's our motor mounts 😢

[@Ozzy3333333]

Check the motor mounts, the rubber gets worn out and does not function correctly, second check the throttle body and clean it (lots of videos on how to do this), if your plugs are old, swap them

[@mikepettengill2706]

Thanks! I always watch your videos because I am trying to keep my 2000 silverado running. How do you diagnose an engine misfire. No one seems to get mine fixed?

[@HVAC_Mechanic]

I would start by scanning for any OBDII codes and troubleshooting from there. The most common causes of misfires are bad spark plugs, bad ignition coils, bad spark plug wires, and vacuum leaks.

[@thatoneboyjerrol8475]

I have a 2013 Toyota Camry I turn the car on runs fine for the first minute then starts to shake and rpms drop from 750 to 250 then turns off. My guess is that it would be the spark plugs cuz previously I had changed them but don’t have an actual torque wrench so I did it with a ratchet and tightens it with just my strength but I doubt they were fully tight all the way

[@charlesadu9221]

I have kia pregio(diesel engine) which vibrates when start but stops vibration after some time

[@llamas4720]

Can a bad O2 sensor cause this problem

[@MichaelBrown-uo2og]

Good video very helpful

[@Mohomedareej]

I have a aqua hybrid It happens in my car in idle speed When its on engine When its on battery it dosent happen whats the problem?

[@suleymanosmanli195]

Hey man i just change my engine mounts and stuff but now I have rough idle and it’s shaking also my gouge always moving going up and down by itself losing power and sometimes almost shutting down my car is 2010 Mercedes e63 amg by the way

[@kevelduro1]

Thats what i said when you have irregular revs the mounts are not the main reason

[@mark.r8900]

Hi, my 2007 audi a4 b7 has very weak rev at idle. I stepped on the gas and the rpm just slowly goes up. Before it revs up nice and strong. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[@enriquerobled9354]

I’m haveing the same problem on my lancer. Did you figure it out on your car

[@_-943]

​@@enriquerobled9354my lancer is also same problem.. where you able to fix yours bro?

[@gottahavegoalsset]

@@_-943 what was it?

[@_-943]

@@gottahavegoalsset rough vibration when on stoplight but not all the time

[@marcs6987]

Idle air control valve, overlooked due to being a part of the throttle body.

[@loverich6925]

Have a 2012 mitsubishi outlander 4 cylinder with 79k runs great but shakes a bit when idling and quite a bit more in drive at stop lights. Have error Po113 changed the maf sensor which has the iat intergrated. Cleaned throttle body on the car. Changed the ect before all that. Bought car used and the oil smell a tad like gas. Changed that and the filter. Wondering if it could be the O rings on the injectors or the egr??Car runs smooth when driving. Any help would be greatly appreciated 🙏

[@francisodubela9373]

I have a similar problem, I drive Mitsubishi Lancer 2012, it's vibrate and lose power when on stop sign or slowing down, I will have to put it on neutral to balance the noise, when on smoot drive with no stop sign it's all good. I can't drive the car in traffic as I will need to constantly shift to N and D. It's really frustrating. All the engine sits are intact and not broken . I have scanned and paid for repairs, it still the same. The only thing I haven't done is opening up the engine to see if there are carbon or something else.

[@francisodubela9373]

It even more worse if the AC is on. The engine will off instantly when on stop sign or before approaching a stop sign.

[@newbee4568]

Hi, we had exhaust replaced (including converter) on my wife's 2007 Vibe. After the new converter installed, the Vibe developed some vibration. There was check engine light and my wife brought the car back to the garage. The garage then told us the motor mounts needed to be replaced, as the vibration was quite noticeable and even damaged the new exhaust. All mounts were replaced. After the mount replacement, an oil leak happened, that required a new valve gasket. Now after 2300 $ bill the car vibrates terribly and rambles loudly in reverse, and in Drive, when idle, at a stop and in slower speeds. There is also some knocking when driving and the car does not stay driving, gas pedal has to be constantly pushed. The garage basically gave us the car saying they cannot do anything else to improve the vibration. It however keeps on, even the trunk rattles now and the doors and windows as well. Any idea if we can save the car?

[@Ozzy3333333]

run from that garage mechanics, that are either clueless or intentionally ripping you off. Report them Yelp, to help other stay away from them.

[@hypnoticimage9687]

I feel like the mechanics keep messing your car up for you to come in to fix more stuff. I hate mechanics!

[@weeverob]

At idle my 2014 CRV sometimes but more than not has a very deep, smooth vibration that i can clearly hear and feel coming through the steering wheel. I've run 2 bottles of injector cleaner through 2 tanks of gas with no change in the vibration incidence. As a matter of fact my mileage has been gradually improving since using the injector cleaning. It's the intermittent vibration that has me puzzled. Too, I've not gotten a check engine light nor have I had a computer diagnosis. Any thoughts? Thanks

[@carlosgraphic]

Check your spark plugs and PVC valve.

[@weeverob]

@@carlosgraphic will do, thanks

[@ethiosew]

​@@weeverobany update?

[@luisfigueroa2011]

Update? Following

[@wranefis]

did you find the solution. ?????

[@jeffwinters8492]

No lights on but when I sit some times she will wobble then go away. 03 goes explorer 4.6 OTC

[@itsyourboirex3759]

I have vibration in idle when in gear and engine warm. It’s a 2017 accord with 67,000 miles. I replaced spark plugs, air filter, PCV valve, cleaned intake valves, fuel system cleaner, transmission fluid/ filter change. Nothing worked. Any ideas?

[@joseluisjimenez6509]

I have the same issue on my 2016 Honda accord sport, mine shakes while on the highway starts while I’m doing like 40 and up, still trynna figure out

[@Ozzy3333333]

have you looked at the motor mounts? and test them

[@JOSERIZALADVENTURES]

my 2018 ford explorer only 66k miles engine vibrates on drive while on stop. worse on reverse and also stepping on the brakes. while during driving no problems. engine mounts , spark plugs and transmission fluids just replaced. help!

[@almogmazor1040]

Check for freespace at the wheel arms (dont remember the specific name but saw a video that had the same problem and it was one of the rods [connecting rod or something] ) When you switch to D you'll hear a click nok some like that... lift the car and ask someone to help you with that...

[@JOSERIZALADVENTURES]

turned out its the torque converter. good thing ford extended the warranty. it was repaired for free@@almogmazor1040

[@aklol7384]

@@almogmazor1040 I know what you talking about it’s completely different then what he expected I have the same problem this is engine shakes not the rod

[@jazzbass5479]

Yes it is frustrating. Have 2012 Versa. Changed plugs, coil pack, I do get a Cat code which pops on and disappears. Many mechanics and basic shops don't want to dwell into the numerous possibilities. I am going to bite the bullet and change Cat. Other than that, no Codes come on for shaking ? Hope this works. I may need to buy new car soon. Cant expect much from a 11 year old car that I literally paid 10k for brand new in 2012.

[@HVAC_Mechanic]

It is best to test the Cat before replacing it because something like a leaky injector can clog them up. A low-cost way is to use an infrared thermometer and check the temperatures. I made a video on this; here is a link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4jTgKmof76in9U

[@jazzbass5479]

Thanks ! I assume Cat code is sensitive and can show as Bad Code even though it may not be needed to be replaced ? Confusing. Last year a mechanic tested it and he said the heat was high ? I found a mechanic that has been servicing where I live for 40 years and a new Cat would be $650 ( compared to 1300 - 2400)@@HVAC_Mechanic

[@joshuamiller2627]

I had my computer read and it said I have cylinder misfires I replaced the coil pack first still said misfire then changed the plugs and wires still has shaking during idle what should I do next

[@HVAC_Mechanic]

The fuel pump may be starting to fail. I would test the fuel pressure at the fuel rail.

[@joshuamiller2627]

@@HVAC_Mechaniccylinder 2 is misfiring so the first time I put the coil pack on took it off bc it was still reading misfire but then later on I found out two of my plugs where loose so I'm going to try the coil pack again but I do know there's a lot of air pressure or something on my gas tank bc when I go to put gas in the pressure builds up and spits some gas back out of I run it fast so I have to put it in slow

[@pauliusnanukas7183]

Hi. I do have vw golf mk6 2.0 tdi. My engine sometimes start shaking when i start it, and before i hear like a click noise in the engine, then it shakes for 30sec to 1 min and stops.. Anyone know what it could be?

[@RealMBoy90]

Did you allready resolve your problem? I have the same issue on my AUDI A6 2013year...

[@RealMBoy90]

?

[@gk4874]

Could check glow plugs. Will be doing mine on a volvo v40 d3 soon. It seems to appear only in winter.

[@skrrrtisi2253]

I have a 2000 Honda Accord, and tbh it vibrates when i turn it on but it stops when i put it is D, but it just barely vibrates so idk if im just being paranoid and it’s just the regular vibration 💀

[@reed8897]

same with my 2019 Toyota Corolla

[@amdanny592]

Same happened to my recentlt bought 10’ civic idk if its the motor mounts though

[@THEWORK04]

Same with my 2008 rav4

[@THEWORK04]

Im paranoid too and I just got the car. Anybody know what it could be?

[@gottahavegoalsset]

That seems like the motor mounts are starting to wear out. It will get worse and eventually shake no matter what gear and can start causing the engine to fall apart. Even the air system like the air intake can rattle itself right off.

[@WPXTacoMan477]

No iac?

[@talahel5250]

Mazda cx5 in drive and reverse it shakes. Park the car is running fine. Im drive low rpm it shakes and after drives smooth What can this be? I already cleaned throttle and replaced injectors but still the same

[@aarondemar2546]

My 2013 Kia optima is having a similar issue. It shakes at red lights when im at a complete stop, but only once the engine is warmed up. I cleaned the throttle body, replaced the MAF, and pcv valve. Had a smoke test done, but came back negative. Every time I stop, I have to put it in N, and it helps with the shaking, but its still there a bit. The dealership couldn't find anything wrong with it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@DRDROP-fj4bo]

Aaron, I have a 2011 Kia Optima. I have been trying to fix the same issue on mine for over a year. This is a common problem with these engines that no one can seem to fix. I have thrown parts at it because it has high mileage and nothing fixes it. I am not giving up. Today I am going to test the decoupler pulley on my alternator. I have seen videos that these can cause idle problems. Will let you know if I ever figure it out.

[@jjjohn5914]

Did you clean the fuel injectors?

[@aarondemar2546]

@@jjjohn5914 I haven't checked the fuel injectors, but i replaced those just a year or two ago. I did clean the throttle body, both sides of it

[@DRDROP-fj4bo]

@@jjjohn5914 I have installed 4 new injectors. Decoupler pulley tested good.

[@beterbey]

​@@DRDROP-fj4boHi, did you find what the issue is?

[@khaoticwynter5495]

So I changed out my spark plugs and wires. Changed the maf sensor. Still having the issue.

[@jonhenrychris6973]

Fuel injection cleaner...pour into your tank

[@boliteracku]

Lol dude its simple its ur fuel presure sensor i know it not cheap but change it its 100% the problem i had same issue..

[@taylorbee4010]

Like that you basically have my 07 Honda. It indeed do go BRR

[@danielmoran5630]

Mine makes the same BRR😂(08’ hyunadi)

[@isaacflowz1483]

No codes 04 accord manual shakes at red light did all basics still can't find issue!!!!

[@isaacflowz1483]

Thinking clutch might be going out

[@ryanlopez5993]

Mine shakes only while the brake is holding the vehicle in place. Not while braking, not while moving at idle, not while driving, and not while in neutral. What could it be?

[@dFuZeAlpha]

My car is doing the sane thing

[@BrandonN55]

Yes same here and there is nothing info to be helpful! It ain’t the motor mounts…I need help.

[@almogmazor1040]

@ryanlopez5993 perhaps its the clutch not fully disingaged... worth checking...

[@therealbigfoot3076]

Vacuum leak off brake booster

[@kevabentura4692]

​@@BrandonN55clean your MAP sensor. Very easy to do, literally takes 5 min. Did mine 3 days ago. Exact same symptom as yours.

[@AmbA4]

Idle control pulley

[@jamespak8175]

Hi I have a question So my car just started shaking. Ive noticed it starts shaking when I slow down the car, or when I start it up after I parked for a bit. And i believe it gets worse whenever i use the a.c But overall, if the shaking continues it only stops when i am driving And I changed the spark plugs, but the problem still resides. Please help😢😢😢

[@Unknown-kb8je]

I’m having this same issue

[@jamespak8175]

@@Unknown-kb8je I think I fixed it lol Go to a O Reilly or Autozone and ask if they can lend you an OBD scanner. Find the port and plug the chord in and the device will spit out a "code" That code is a reading of what could be wrong. It's not a 100% precise but it told me I had my 4th cylinder misfiring. Culprit seemed to be a faulty ignition coil. I changed it myself. Super easy If it's not the ignition coil then you should look into the sparkplugs

[@gavinattanasi9490]

Same bro😂

[@jjjohn5914]

Try cleaning the throttle body and the fuel injectors

[@ashleyvogt3563]

Mountings

[@notakarl9012]

Changed all 4 motor mounts, changed fuel injectors, spark plugs, and cleaned throtle body....still shakes

[@fanfare466]

Maybe your car have bad timing

[@jasun6859]

Motor mounts

[@florenbaron7111]

I recommend using a thinker oil.

[@jonhenrychris6973]

Fuel Injector is dirty....by fuel injection and system cleaner....its misses bevause engine isnt getting gas

[@LEFT4eV3r]

I have no check engine light car shakes while in drive or reverse when I put it in neutral it goes away. What does this mean?

[@reyyankhan215]

Same here for toyota corolla 2009 but iam not surw whats happening even i change fuel pum

[@LEFT4eV3r]

@@reyyankhan215 Asalam alaykum habibi ana min bakistan

[@rubenbadillo5009]

@@reyyankhan215salam

[@osmanmyakhil]

head gasket problem

[@nelsonudeh4473]

@@reyyankhan215bad engine mounts

[@MuddyAdventures1017]

Mine does it when applying brakes at a stop sign or light i think it's the rotors tho

[@millionaire2714]

how do you fix it?

[@millionaire2714]

same thing is happening to me

[@MuddyAdventures1017]

@@millionaire2714 id say replace rotor's but if your a millionaire buy a new car 🚗

[@Salien2delamatrix]

I got a brand new 2023 Toyota Corolla and it shakes at a traffic light or stop sign but when I turn the lights on, it feels normal, I took it to the dealer and they told me it was normal, anyone else with same problem?

[@tommyb2212]

When you turn on the lights, or other electrical loads like AC the RPM increases by 50--100 just enough to stop the low-rpm vibrations.

[@user-cm5sb6gr5s]

I turn on the car and it’s just vibrating

[@swimwithcoachraven1532]

Clogged catalytic converter takes the most beating

[@kevelduro1]

Mounts is not the reason when you have irregular revs

[@SteveXNYC]

Clean the throttle body inside and change the PCV valve.

[@mmarciniak]

“…don’t have no engine codes…???”

[@revo2321]

So in short change everything lol

[@TheBluceRee]

"dont have no" 🤦‍♂️

[@TZAK4u]

Its due to engine Mount

[@drunken-skunk]

What does that mean sir?...you mean Motor-Mounts?..sorry just trying to understand the proper comment..

[@TZAK4u]

@@drunken-skunkjust try to look for engine Mount problem in KZbin , which is mainly due to Low RPM or when you brake

[@charlesadu9221]

I have kia pregio(diesel engine) which vibrates when start but stops vibration after some time