Q: My car starts to shake when its idling and when I give it gas and the check engine light goes on and off, car acts like it wants t

asked by on January 17, 2018

My car acts like it wants to stall, I warmed it up this morning and was taking my daughter to school, while sitting at the light it started shaking a little and acted like it didn't want to go when I pressed the gas pedal, it started shaking when the car was just sitting, when I pressed the gas pedal it was ok but when the car slowed down the check engine light would go off and on and act like it wanted to stall, could it possibly be the air filter, I was told it needed to be replaced

My car has 134000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Car is shaking or vibrating Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hi Theresa. Thanks for contacting us today. There are a few possible reasons why your Cobalt is having these issues. Typically the vibration and shake is caused by either a vacuum leak, engine misfire or even loose engine mounts. I think the best way to know for certain what needs to be repaired is to have a professional mechanic complete an on-site inspection.

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

Camshaft timer is off.
You will want to have the fault codes read out of the engine computer to see where the fault lies. P0011, P0016, and P0017 all have to do with the camshaft actuator. These faults are saying the camshaft position does...
Ticking noise coming from throttle body area.
There are a lot of moving components that could make that noise. Improper valves can make that noise but I feel like you may have a lifter that is partially plugged, preventing normal oil pressure from fully pumping out the...
Minivan rattles and steering wheel vibrates
Steering wheel vibration during turns might be an outer constant velocity joint (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/axle-cv-shaft-assembly-replacement). The mechanic can check general condition of the engine, even if the engine noises are not present when the vehicle is checked. Check aftermarket automotive suppliers for...
My car runs hot, past the middle of the gauge, when stopped or sitting at idle.
This is most likely related to a faulty or sticking thermostat (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/thermostat-replacement) or a bad coolant fan relay switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/cooling-fan-relay-replacement). As you know, the thermostat regulates the coolant flow in and out of the engine and keeps the circulation of...
Why would there be smoke coming from under my hood and now my car does not shift 2001 Honda Civic
Hi there. It seems that the transmission fluid is leaking. Check the cooler hoses from the transmission to the radiator on the car and see if they are leaking. A leak on the transmission will cause the vehicle to not...
i have this code for my 2008 nissan sentra po725 readng the symptoms i have none car runs perfect in fact like about 9 months ago
I am unable to tell you exactly what is going on with your vehicle without more information, but I can give you the information I have available on the diagnostic trouble codes (DTC's) that you have listed. The P0725 relates...
Idles but when driving it acts like its out of fuel.
Check all of the battery ground cables to the car on the battery, engine, and chassis. There is a bad ground somewhere that is causing the ECM to not work properly. This would cause the fuel pump to not work...
Car rattles and shakes when the foot is off the gas.
There could be an issue with one or both CV Shafts. The outer bearing assembly on the CV Shafts could be damaged or out of grease causing the joints to stick on deceleration making the vehicle shake and rattle. Jack...
Master Cylinder failure, for a second time. Why? 2011 Nissan Altima
Hi there - I believe your master cylinder failure is being misdiagnosed. I believe the problem is with the brake booster (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-replace-a-power-brake-booster) - one of the control valves (vacuum?) to be specific. If this valve malfunctions, it could allow much...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Don’t Have Kids
Buying Buying a used car is rarely a simple process, but if you don’t have kids, you have many more options than those who have to account for additional passengers. There are plenty of choices out there, depending on your...
How to Buy a Classic Chevy
For experienced car collectors and rookies alike, owning a classic Chevy is a rite of passage. There are multiple decades and styles in which Chevrolet made popular cars. Many of these cars then had a devout following in the years...
Top Automotive News & Stories: October 1-7
BMW i5 images leak, an ultra-lux Jeep, hydrogen-fueled Colorado ZH2, Fisker's electric future, record plug-in sales, NHTSA Road to Zero, and more.