Q: Car shuddering

asked by on February 25, 2016

The VSA and Check Engine lights are on. My car is not accelerating properly, and it shudders and shakes.

Check Engine Light is on Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

When the vehicle stability assistance (VSA) control module detects wheel spin, it sends a request to the modulator unit to apply brake pressure to slow the spinning wheel. At the same time, it sends a signal to the traction control unit to reduce engine power. By doing this, the VSA system improves vehicle stability. If the VSA control module detects a problem in the system, it will illuminate the VSA light. On the other hand, the Check Engine Light comes on when the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a problem in one of the powertrain systems. The symptoms you are experiencing (shuddering and poor acceleration) have dozens or potential causes. Retrieving the corresponding diagnostic trouble codes with dedicated equipment will help analyze both problems. I suggest having a professional, such as one from YourMechanic, service your vehicle to determine what repairs are needed to clear these lights.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I use the convenience net?
The convenience net can be used to store small loads in the trunk. To use the convenience net, simply attach it to the cargo tie-downs. Be careful not to hold a very heavy load in the convenience net.
Door not working
This is a hard issue to answer without seeing exactly what the door is doing. You may want to enlist the help of a mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who can come out to your location and assess why...
car wont start after pumping gas.
Sometimes the fuel vapor system control valve leaks and causes fumes from the gas tank when filling it. This can get pushed into the engine causing an excessively rich condition (too much fuel) inside the engine. Now when you go...
tire pressure
Hi there: This is a fantastic question and one that should be asked by more car owners. Tire pressure recommendations (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-does-tire-pressure-mean) should always be followed by the vehicle manufacturer. On the inside of your driver door is typically a white...
Clutch slave cylinder
Hi, thanks for writing in. If your slave cylinder is leaking in this vehicle, I would not recommend driving it at all. It is very likely that within just a few applications of the clutch, you could lose all of...
Can a bad canister purge valve cause my car to shake/vibrate under the hood when i brake or make constant stops?
First thing to check is the problem codes (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-read-and-understand-check-engine-light-codes-by-jason-unrau) that are setting your Check Engine light on. While it is true that fumes from the vapor canister are pulled into the engine during "coast down" when there is high vacuum...
Won't go in drive
You will need to have the shift linkage checked where the shift cable connects to steering column. The bracket screws come loose and inhibit proper shifting.
2010 Ford Taurus w/190K miles stalling when idle. Told it needs new timing chain and cam phaser. Is this true?
The diagnosis seems to be what may be causing the many different codes since a timing chain and phasers can cause the stalling. The cost quotes is not out of line.
The temperate gauge indicates overheating in stop/go traffic and has stalled a few times when idle. Oil is low could this be it?
The first thing to do is to make sure the oil and coolant are filled up to prevent any engine damage. The problem may be caused by low oil but only if engine is oreal low on oil. The coolant...

Related articles

P0223 OBD-II Trouble Code: Throttle/pedal position switch/sensor B circuit high output
P0223 P0223 code definition Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch B Circuit High Input What the P0222 code means The P0222 code is an indication that the Engine Control Module (ECM) has detected voltage from the throttle position sensor to have exceeded the...
P2059 OBD-II Trouble Code: Reductant Injection Air Pump Control Circuit/Open
P2059 P2059 code definition Reductant Injection Air Pump Control Circuit/Open What the P2059 code means P2059 is an OBD-II generic code indicating that the Engine Control Module (ECM) detects that the reductant injection air pump control circuit has an open...
What Does the Brake System (Hand Brake, Parking Brake) Warning Light Mean?
When the brake system warning light is on, your brakes may not work properly. The parking brake may be engaged, or there is a low fluid level.