Q: My car is smooth when it turns on and shakes while driving, what can it be?

asked by on February 17, 2018

I put another engine in my truck. It starts smooth and when it drives it shakes. What could this be?

My car has 100000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Shaking of the vehicle can, of course, be suspension related so be sure to rule out faults there as a cause. If the engine itself is shaking or vibrating, the usual causes are problems with the motor mounts, engine imbalance in rotating parts (faulty harmonic balancer, etc.), uneven cylinder compression, or ignition/fuel system problems that cause poor operation under load. If you want the cause of the shaking pinpointed, please request an engine vibration diagnostic and the responding certified mechanic will get this resolved. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.

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

What precautions should be followed when driving?
It’s vital that you are able to drive without distractions, without objects rolling around in the cabin, and without anything impeding your control of the car. Here are the most important precautions to follow when driving: Don’t adjust the seat...
Got my oil changed this morning and now my oil light is on and the cold/hot gauge is passed the h.
Hello. It sounds like the engine was not filled all the way. A lack of engine oil or a low engine oil level will cause the oil pressure to drop and can cause the engine to overheat as well. I...
Acceleration hesitation while climbing up sometime check engine light appear, high fuel consumption.
I would recommend checking the mass air flow sensor as this is a commonly known part that can cause this kind of loss of power. This regulates the air intake into the fuel injection and ensures a proper air/fuel mixture....
How can I remove the message "service the battery charging system?"
Hi there: If you've recently had major work done to your Chevrolet Equinox, it's always a good idea to have the ECU reprogrammed or updated so it can monitor those changes; especially if any aftermarket parts were used. However, the...
Over heating
This can be caused by a number of things such as low coolant levels, a faulty thermostat (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/thermostat-replacement), or a failing coolant fan switch. As you may know the coolant fan switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/cooling-fan-relay-replacement) helps to maintain the proper coolant temperature...
Hello, my battery died in my car last night I replaced it got home and now it won't start. Starter or alternator? CEL on now also
Hello, thank you for writing in. With full battery power, the battery may still be struggling to use that voltage and it may not be providing enough amperage to the starter. You should have the battery tested at an automotive...
Difference between a 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan SE and 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan C/V besides the seating? Chassis & suspension diff?
The C/V version is rated for 1,500 pounds of cargo and 300 pounds of passengers (1,800 pounds combined). All other versions of this vehicle, including the SE, have a suspension rated for 1,150 pounds max, passengers and cargo combined. Obviously,...
Oil leaking
Oil can leak from the valve cover gaskets, the oil pressure sending unit, the front and rear crankshaft seals, camshaft seals and through any o-ring that seals sensors to the block or head. It is possible to have multiple leak...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Ford F-250
When When it comes to large, heavy-duty pickup trucks, the 2012 Ford F-250 only has two competitors – the Chevrolet Silverado HD and the Dodge Ram 2500/3500. Though the F-250 doesn’t outperform the Ram in the towing department, it certainly...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Ford Focus
The The 2012 Ford Focus brings a lot to the world of compact cars. Available as either a four-door sedan or a five-door hatchback, the Focus has great fuel efficiency and European styling that sets it apart from other cars...
Top 10 Best-Selling Cars of 2016
Ford F-series pickup trucks, Toyota Camry, and Honda Civic are some of the best-selling cars of 2016 and all deliver on reliability and efficiency.