Why is my car juddering when I drive and engine light flashing?
Experiencing a juddering car while driving, accompanied by a flashing engine light, can be alarming. These symptoms often indicate a serious issue that requires immediate attention. At Kevin's Autos, with years of experience in car maintenance and repair, we’ve seen this problem many times and are here to help you understand what might be causing it and what steps to take next.
Common Causes of Car Juddering and a Flashing Engine Light
When your car judders and the engine light flashes, it’s typically a sign of a misfire or another critical engine issue. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Engine Misfire: A misfire occurs when one or more cylinders in your engine fail to ignite properly. This can be caused by faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors.
- Fuel Delivery Issues: Problems with the fuel system, such as a clogged fuel injector or a failing fuel pump, can lead to uneven fuel delivery, causing the car to judder.
- Faulty Sensors: Malfunctioning sensors, such as the oxygen sensor or mass airflow sensor, can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, leading to engine performance issues.
- Transmission Problems: In some cases, juddering can be linked to transmission issues, such as a slipping clutch or low transmission fluid.
- Exhaust System Blockages: A clogged catalytic converter or exhaust system can cause backpressure, leading to engine misfires and juddering.
Each of these issues can trigger the engine control unit (ECU) to illuminate the engine light and, in severe cases, cause it to flash. A flashing engine light is a warning that the problem could damage your engine if not addressed promptly.
Steps to Take When Your Car Judders and the Engine Light Flashes
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, follow these steps to ensure your safety and prevent further damage to your vehicle:
- Pull Over Safely: If the engine light is flashing, pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so. Continuing to drive could cause severe damage to your engine.
- Turn Off the Engine: Once you’ve stopped, turn off the engine to prevent further damage.
- Check for Obvious Issues: Look for visible problems, such as loose wires, disconnected hoses, or leaks under the car.
- Call a Professional Mechanic: Contact a trusted auto repair shop, like Kevin’s Autos, to have your car inspected and diagnosed by a professional.
- Avoid Driving Until Repaired: Driving with a flashing engine light can worsen the issue and lead to costly repairs. Have your car towed to the repair shop if necessary.
By following these steps, you can minimize the risk of further damage and ensure your car is repaired correctly.
How Kevin’s Autos Can Help
At Kevin’s Autos, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing engine issues, including misfires, fuel system problems, and sensor malfunctions. Our experienced technicians use advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the root cause of the problem and provide reliable, affordable solutions. Don’t ignore a flashing engine light—contact us today to schedule an inspection and get your car back on the road safely.
Remember, addressing these issues promptly can save you from more extensive and expensive repairs down the line. Drive safe, and let Kevin’s Autos take care of your car maintenance needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my check engine light flashing and my car struggling to accelerate?
This happens because of clogged injectors, dirty fuel filters, or a defective fuel pump. The fuel delivery system comprises many parts that deliver fuel to the engine. If one of these parts is not functioning correctly, it can trigger the check engine light to flash. The engine chomps more fuel whenever you accelerate.
How much does it cost to fix a jerking car?
Repair Costs for a Car That Jerks When Accelerating
Fuel Injector Cleaning: $75 - $300. Air Intake System Replacement: $200 - $700. Mass Airflow Sensor Replacement: $350 - $600. Accelerator Cable Replacement: $175 - $575.
Why is my check engine light blinking and car stuttering?
The most common cause is any defects in the ignition system. Another popular culprit is a faulty fuel system. These may involve swapping out pricier parts such as fuel injectors. The third possible explanation for engine misfires is an internal engine problem.
Why is my engine light blinking and my car shaking?
The shaking and flashing check engine light could be caused by a variety of issues, including: Engine misfire Spark plugs or wires problems Loose or damaged parts Clogged fuel injectors Ignition system issue It is recommended to get your car inspected by a mechanic to diagnose the problem and make necessary repairs.
Why is my car shaking and jerking?
Whether there's too much or too little fuel, it can cause an engine to misfire, meaning you'll feel shaking or jerking during acceleration. This could mean a problem with the fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel filter, or another mechanical part related to air and fuel delivery in the engine.
Why is my car juddering and engine light flashing?
There are a range of reasons why your car is juddering at speed. Your vehicle could have dirty fuel injectors, a damaged fuel pump, a blocked catalytic converter, a faulty mass airflow sensor, broken spark plugs, or even an accumulation of moisture.
Why is my car jerking and stuttering?
Engine Misfiring
If your engine isn't running smoothly, it can translate to a juddering or shaky ride, whether whilst accelerating or cruising at a constant speed. Engine misfires, often caused by old spark plugs, a clogged mass air flow sensor or a failing coil pack can cause this.
Why is my check engine light flashing and jerking?
The flashing check engine light and shaking both point towards an engine misfire. The problem is likely a bad spark plug or ignition coil, so replacing these engine components should fix the problem. Do not continue to drive with a flashing check engine light and a shaking car.
Why does my car jerk when I accelerate and engine light comes on?
Fuel System Issues
Over time, they can become clogged with dirt and debris, leading to uneven fuel distribution. This can cause your engine to misfire and your car to jerk during acceleration. Regularly cleaning or replacing fuel injectors can help maintain smooth acceleration.
Is it safe to drive a juddering car?
If a car is juddering, it means that there's an irregular vibrating motion that you can feel through either your seat, the steering wheel or throughout the entire vehicle. This juddering can be a sign of an underlying problem with your car – which you should get checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible.
