Car started shaking. Cleaned carb and air filter. Now it starts, runs, dies, or starts and dies.
first my car started shaking then we clean the carburetor and put a new air filter in it and now it starts runs for a few minutes dies then it'll start and then die and then you wait a few hours and it will start run a few minutes and die
My car has 89635 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hello. The stalling issues you are having may by caused by a variety of issues. Typically these symptoms can be blamed on fuel, spark, or air. Fuel and spark being the most common systems to fail. Starting with the air filter and cleaning the carburetor were good steps to start. You need to take a better look at the spark system. The spark wires can be tested to make sure the plugs are receiving the voltage that they need to be. You can also test the fuel system by spraying some starter fluid into the air intake. If this helps the engine start and run better than before, then you know you have a fuel delivery issue. This may include the fuel pump, fuel filter, injectors, or a clogged fuel line. The shaking is due to the improper combustion happening in the engine. This will be corrected when the engine is running properly. More testing is the only way to know definitively what the issue is.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :
This is a common symptom of a plug or wire electrical current problem. Air or Vacuum Hose — Another common cause for engine vibration and power loss is when air or vacuum hoses come loose, begin to leak, or rupture. The three necessities for all combustion engines are air, fuel, and spark.
Clogged Air or Fuel Filters
Both fuel and air are necessary for combustion, so if either filter or both filters are clogged, your car`s engine isn`t getting the mix of air and fuel that it needs. This can cause the car to vibrate as you accelerate because the combustion can`t keep up.
Any unusual shaking or vibrating forces coming from the engine is cause for concern. It could be something as simple as old spark plugs producing an uneven power delivery, it could be something serious like worn or broken engine mounts, or it could be even more serious in the case of internal engine damage.
The most common reason is simply running out of gas. However, if you have a full tank of fuel, and your car still dies, then there is more to it than a lack of gas. You might have a clogged filter or a bad fuel pump, for example. Both of these issues prevent your engine from getting enough fuel.
A clogged air filter limits air supplied to the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber, in turn, can sputter, pop, or give cough-like sounds. Odd sounds may also be accompanied by vibrating or shaking.
When your vehicle`s engine air filter needs to be changed, you may also hear popping noises or vibrations from the engine. These sounds are caused by misfires and other issues that can be a result of a clogged air filter.
Improperly functioning spark plugs cause an uneven burn of fuel in the engine, resulting in fluctuating RPMs and a louder noise. You might also experience increased vibrations of your vehicle while sitting idle or while traveling at low speeds. These vibrations originate from the engine and can shake the entire car.
Low automatic transmission fluid can cause shaking. If the shaking is accompanied by the check engine light, it`s time to visit a mechanic. Drivers of manual cars might discover their clutch master cylinder is the source of the shaking.
As your motor mounts wear out, they can cause vibrations and engine shaking that can cause your entire vehicle to experience a decrease in ride quality.
To help confirm that the vehicle has an engine speed related vibration, with the vehicle stopped, put it into park or neutral and raise the engine speed to the RPM at which the vibration occurred to see if the vibration can be reproduced. If reproduced, diagnosis should begin with engine speed related components.
Engine Trouble
A troubled engine can lead to a heap of difficulties, a trembling car among them. Maybe it lacks enough air, fuel or spark to run efficiently. Dirty filters and faulty spark plugs can often start your engine on a downward path. The crankshaft damper can also cause the engine to vibrate.
The starter could be faulty with worn contacts internally. Sometimes they complete the circuit, sometimes they don`t. Worn contacts can create intermittent problems and require replacement of the starter assembly to repair. There could also be a relay, ignition switch, or wire harness fault.
Clogged fuel filter If your vehicle`s fuel filter is clogged, it will prevent the right amount of fuel getting into your fuel pump and the injectors, causing a choking effect. This issue will also cause the same type of violent shaking that is experienced when you have clogged fuel injectors.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Car started shaking. Cleaned carb and air filter. Now it starts, runs, dies, or starts and dies.
ANSWER : Hello. The stalling issues you are having may by caused by a variety of issues. Typically these symptoms can be blamed on fuel, spark, or air. Fuel and spark being the most common systems to fail. Starting with the air filter and cleaning the carburetor were good steps to start. You need to take a better look at the spark system. The spark wires can be tested to make sure the plugs are receiving the voltage that they need to be. You can also test the fuel system by spraying some starter fluid into the air intake. If this helps the engine start and run better than before, then you know you have a fuel delivery issue. This may include the fuel pump, fuel filter, injectors, or a clogged fuel line. The shaking is due to the improper combustion happening in the engine. This will be corrected when the engine is running properly. More testing is the only way to know definitively what the issue is.
My car will not start Intermittently. I purchased a new battery 2 weeks ago and yesterday the car wouldn’t start. Got a jump and
ANSWER : The issue you are having is probably due to an intermittent fault in the starter motor itself or a deficiency in the starter electrical circuit, for example a large voltage drop due to a poor ground or a high resistance connection. These issues can be readily diagnosed and resolved on a mobile basis if you request a hard starting diagnostic. If you request that diagnostic, the responding certified mechanic will get this resolved for you promptly. Based on Toyota’s Factory Service Manual, the battery should not be disconnected if the vehicle engine is running. The battery acts as a large resistive voltage sink and consequently taking the battery out of the circuit, while the alternator is still running, can create a voltage spike on the car’s electrical system which is not good for voltage sensitive components such as the engine computer. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.
Car starts, shakes then Dies out within seconds!
ANSWER : Hi there. The dreaded rotten egg smell is caused by either a clutch that is damaged or the catalytic converter that needs to be replaced. I would recommend before you take your car to any repair facility or attempt any repairs; first have a professional mechanic come to your location and complete a car starts then dies inspection. This will allow them to pinpoint the source of your issues and recommend the right repairs.
After you sit with the car running, the car starts smoking and eventually starts shaking
ANSWER : Hi, thanks for writing in. It all depends where the smoke is coming from. If it is from the exhaust then your engine be running rich and starting to foul out the spark plugs. Have the computer tested to see if any codes are present that could indicate what is causing the smoke. If you see smoke from the engine compartment then you may be running the engine hot due to low airflow over the radiator. Have the cooling fan checked to make sure it is running. If it is running and the vehicle has the AC running and the blower is on or near high then you may be using more energy than the alternator can keep up with. This can cause the radiator fan to not turn as fast as it should and let the temperature to rise if idled for long periods. If you would like help, consider having an expert automotive technician from YourMechanic come to your home or office to inspect and diagnose this issue for you, and make or suggest any repairs as needed.
My truck died while driving. Now will start, but dies when I push brake. If I start in neutral, I can put in drive and go but dies – 2003 Ford F250
ANSWER : Hello – your symptoms suggest that once your cold start features are no longer needed – engine warming up – there is an air "leak" that ruins low speed running. Causes could be a leaking exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, or leak in the air intake. A failing fuel pump relay (burned contacts) could cause similar behavior, contacts become hot, then won’t pass enough current to run the pump. Failing pump can also act this way – gets hot and fails. I recommend a starts, then dies inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, and give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.
Intake air flow leaking. What makes this happen?
ANSWER : Hi there. When having the code P0171, the fuel system is too lean. This could be the fuel pump is not working, the fuel filter is dirty or plugged, or the injectors are plugged or not working properly. Check the fuel system and make sure that the fuel system is having a pressure of 35 psi or higher. Also, check the spark plugs and look for any burn marks. This would indicate that the spark is hotter than normal and the fuel system needs cleaned or repaired.
For the intake air flow leak, check the intake for any vacuum leaks on both sides of the throttle. Check all of the hoses from the air cleaner box to the throttle and check the manifold and all vacuum line including the brake booster line for any leaks. Put a vacuum hose on the engine and see what the engine vacuum is at idle. The vacuum should be 17 hg to 22 hg on the gauge. If there is a vacuum less that that, then there is a leak. If you need further assistance with your fuel system and a vacuum leak, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
car runs great when engine is cold but dies when engine is warm
ANSWER : This sounds like there is a problem with the MAF (mass airflow) sensor. When your vehicle is cold, the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) is in what is known as open loop. Open loop is a preprogrammed program put in place for warm up. Closed loop is when the PCM begins using the sensors to adjust fuel ratio. The primary sensor the PCM uses to make decisions is the MAF. I’m leaning toward three possible problems here. The MAF may have been damaged during cleaning, the connector may have a bent pin from disconnecting and reconnecting its connector or the boot that connects the MAF to the throttle body has developed an air leak.
Before condemning the MAF, make sure there isn’t any unmetered air entering the motor after the MAF. This will confuse the PCM and things just won’t work correctly. Unmetered air is what we call it when there is a leak between the MAF and the throttle body.
Of course, make sure the MAF has been plugged in. If it is, disconnect the connector and inspect the pins. It is fairly common for the small electrical pins in all sensors to get bent over when reconnecting their connector.
It is very easy to damage sensors in the area of the throttle body when cleaning it. Carburetor cleaner can damage sensors. The one I am particularly worried about is the IAC valve. These can stick and cause many different idle control issues.
If this isn’t of any help to you, I recommend having a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, diagnose your stalling condition for an accurate repair.
Good luck!
My car will be starting perfect and when the gas tank gets lower it will start having problems .
ANSWER : Based on the information you gave, it sounds like a possible fuel starvation issue, caused by a partially blocked, in-tank fuel filter or a crack in the fuel pump housing. The remedy would be to replace the fuel pump assembly and filter. The overheating may be caused by several things, including a stuck thermostat, faulty water pump, or even a cracked head gasket. I suggest having a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, inspect the relevant systems to pinpoint the cause of your vehicle’s hard starting issue and overheating problem.
