Q: Car started shaking. Cleaned carb and air filter. Now it starts, runs, dies, or starts and dies.

asked by on November 15, 2016

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.

Car is stalling Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

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.

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 turn on the audio's repeat mode in a 2012 Toyota Corolla?
When repeat mode is turned on, the track that you are listening to will repeat when it has finished playing. To turn repeat mode on, press the RPT button. Press the button a second time to turn repeat off.
Power steering not working.
First thing to check would be to make sure the belt is still attached to the power steering pump and that the fluid is at the level mark, typically low fluid level indicates a leak somewhere in the system. I...
Window motor
Hi. The driver's window switch may be getting water or other liquids inside and the window switch is shorting out. There is a recall to replace the switch if failing, and cover the switch in butel tape to make it...
Vehicle leaking after repair
Hi, what color is the fluid? Engine oil will be brown or black depending on how old it is. Transmission fluid can be red or brown and thick. Coolant tends to be yellow or green and will feel similar to...
Dead battery
Once the battery is replaced, have a trained technician, like one from YourMechanic perform a charging system test to make sure the alternator is charging the battery. If the alternator is not charging the battery the battery will run down...
Clunking noise and jolting when put in reverse
Many different faults can cause the vehicle to clunk and not be able able to shift out of gear. Transmissions use the fluid to help change gears, and when fluid is low or dirty, it can cause many issues with...
Throttle Sensor
Hi, thanks for writing in. The throttle is controlled by an electronic throttle control and the vehicle will most likely be in a fail safe mode that will not allow throttle control. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic...
Can leaving the glow plugs on damage them?
The glow plugs on every vehicle that I have ever worked on that come on when the key is turned on will have a timer unit. This timer unit limits how long the glow plugs will stay on each time...
Why does the battery go dead if you forget to use park? 2013 Ford Edge
Hello - newer cars are designed with convenience features that keep certain systems (radio and other infotainment systems) "active" UNLESS the car is in Park. This means there is an on-going battery drain (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-diagnose-a-car-battery-drain_2), which will run your battery down...

Related articles

Politics and Personal Driving Preferences: Do Republicans and Democrats Drive Different Cars?
Dodge Rams are the most popular car in Republican states; the Toyota Prius is the most popular in Democratic areas (as are hybrids and foreign cars).
How to Get Dodge Dealership Certified
Dodge car dealerships offer automotive technician jobs to mechanics who are certified through the MOPAR CAP (Career Automotive Program).
How to Troubleshoot a Car That Shudders When Turning
If your car steering wheel shakes or shudders when turning, it could be the tires, power steering, or steering damper.