☰
GET A QUOTE

Q: Engine is knocking and it shakes the car while idle.

asked by on September 05, 2016

I was approaching a red light and my car started to stutter when it downshifted to first gear. When I came to a complete stop it started to shake and cut off. I managed to pull over add some fluids (it was really low on oil and ATF) . Crank it back up to take it home and it seemed as if it was having trouble when it shifts out of first gear. I had to let off the gas in order for it to shift gears. And let's not forget to mention the clackng noise when the car is started. Before it was only when I accelerated. What could be the problem?

My car has 242000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Recommended Services

Noise from engine or exhaust Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote
Or For Any Other Auto Repairs Get a Quote

Hello there, you have a few different things going on with your 2006 Ford Fusion. The clacking noise you have described on start up is most likely rod knock from low oil. If the oil level is left low and the engine is continued to be driven mechanical damage can result. It is a similar story for the transmission, it is not usual to have shifting problems when the fluid level drops whether from a leak or wear and tear. A qualified technician such as one from YourMechanic should inspect the noise in your vehicle immediately to determine what is going on.

Ford
Noises
Fusion
Stalling
2006
V6-3.0L
shaking
shifting
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

Rear window not going up
The window regulator in that door has broken. The window regulator uses a series of cables and pulleys to move the window up and down. Oftentimes, the pulleys, (which are made of plastic,) will break. When this happens, the cables...
Read more
Clunking over bumps on a 2005 Pathfinder
Clunking, if you don't see any play, is either bushing (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-bad-or-failing-stabilizer-bar-bushings) or a strut mount (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-strut-assembly). So you've got to check them all. It's not that easy to check them unless you had experience with this. You don't know how...
Read more
The four wheel drive system is not engaging the front wheels
From what you are describing it sounds like you have either a failure in the transfer case (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transfer-case-output-shaft-seal-replacement) or in the front axle actuator. I usually drain the fluid from the transfer case first and check it for metal. If...
Read more
Vibration from passenger side front wheel.
Occasionally, you will be able to measure enough play in the bearing that you can condemn it without further testing. You have to check the factory spec. to see what is allowed and will have to use a dial indicator....
Read more
Check engine light when running heater.
Hello, thank you for writing in. Lets discuss the codes individually. The P1166 stands for the air/fuel ratio sensor giving you false readings. This may be due to a poor wiring connection, or a failing sensor. P1167 is telling you...
Read more
car shakes when idle and accelerating
It is very possible that you have a valve cover gasket or spark plug tube seal leak on your vehicle. These type of leaks will allow oil to leak onto the spark plugs causing misfires. When the engine misfires due...
Read more
Parts
You already have the names of the parts and can purchase them with the names you have so they can be installed. Just remember that the parts will not be covered by our parts warranty.
Read more
I have a 2002 chevy s10 pickup and while im driving 60mph my rpm will go up to 3000 and the engine will tev but the mph stays the
Hi Mari. Thanks for sending your question to us today. In most cases, a lack of acceleration like you're describing is due to the transmission slipping. Sometimes this is due to dirty transmission fluid while in other cases, it's a...
Read more

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Just Retired
Here’s Here’s a cruel, hard fact – car manufacturers no longer target seniors. Instead, they devote their time and energy to appealing to the 18-45 demographic. Still, some features make certain cars more suitable for older drivers. We have evaluated...
Read more
How to Diagnose a Stalling Car
It’s It’s incredibly frustrating to have a car that stalls and it always seems to happen at the worst possible time – like when you’re in middle of a busy intersection with fifty enraged drivers behind you. There are a...
Read more
How Long Does a Throttle/Accelerator Pedal Position Sensor Last?
The The throttle/accelerator pedal position sensor detects the position of the accelerator pedal. This information is then transmitted to the vehicle’s computer - the engine control module (ECM). From there, the data is then sent from the computer to the...
Read more

Browse other content

Cars
Cities
Maintenance
Estimates