Q: Shuddering, check engine light on. 2005 Saab 9-2X

asked by on August 26, 2016

My car started having some problems after several repairs have been done. These included the water pump, AC belt and timing belt kit replacement, along with the front camshaft seal, alternator belt and power steering belt change. About a month later, the car developed a misfiring issue on the third cylinder which I found out about at the mechanic's. The car would shudder at higher speeds. The dash shows a check engine light on as well. The mechanic also found the compression was as low as 21 PSI. What could cause this? Have the previous repairs maybe caused this problem?

Timing Belt Replacement $318.59 - $1516.66 Get a Quote
Engine is misfiring Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote
Check Engine Light is on Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello. It is possible that the previous repairs could cause this problem. It is also equally possible that the new problems are not related to the previous problems that you were having. If the timing belt is not on the proper timing, it could cause a misfire condition and low compression in the engine. There also could be a problem with the third cylinder of the car. The valves could be burned or the piston damaged. If this is the case, it would be necessary to have the entire engine replaced or rebuilt. If you need help scoping out the problem, have a certified technician, like one from YourMechanic, come and inspect the Check Engine Light and the timing for proper alignment.

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

Water leak in driver's side floorboard
Your water leak could be coming from numerous locations. However, if your vehicle has a sunroof, the drain tube may be the cause. This tube drains right onto the floor boards. Other potential causes include the windshield, marker lights and...
My heat blows out of the passenger vents but blows cold air out of driver vent...what is the issue???
Hey there. The temperature blend door on the left side is not switching from cold to warm. The temperature actuator needs to be replaced and the linkage checked. Have a local expert inspect the cooling system (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ac-is-not-working-inspection) to verify these...
Fan doesn't come on unless defrost is on.
Hi there. I am assuming you are referring to the radiator cooling fan (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/cooling-radiator-fan-motor-replacement). If it works when the AC or defrost is on and not when the engine starts to warm up, then that can be a circuit issue...
I give my car gas, and it shuts down
Hi there. Are there any warning lights on? If there are any warning lights, this could lead us to the possible cause of your concern. However, low fuel pressure could be the cause. If there is not sufficient pressure in...
Key will insert and remove but won't turn. Already eliminated steering wheel lock by wiggling and turning key.
Hi there. It sounds like the ignition cylinder may be worn. The cylinder can become worn just as the key. Over time, the metal inside the cylinder of the tumblers can become worn and stick or not provide the correct...
My car is trying to stall when shifting gears.
Hi There, It sounds like you may have a faulty MAP sensor as your vehicle seems to respond adversely to varying loads being placed on the motor which is what the MAP sensor is designed to do. The Manifold Absolute...
When im accelerating i can feel the engine pulling back
There are a number of things that may cause the car to hesitate (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-hesitates-during-acceleration-inspection) when accelerating such as low fuel pressure, a dirty or faulty mass air flow sensor, clogged or dirty fuel injectors, a faulty throttle position sensor or...
Load woo noise rear passenger side. Car has new rear tires, and rides smooth. Is it a bad bearing?
I suggest having a mechanic ride with you and see if it is one of the rear tires or the bearings are noisey. I suspect the bearing is noisey unles noise started right after the new tires were installed.
What would make my camshaft positioning sensor keep messing up on my 2007 Ford F-150 fx4 with a 5.4 liter. I replaced it twice
The sensor itself can and should be tested prior to condemning it. In addition to a functioning sensor, the circuit back to the PCM must be intact and not have any loose connections, corrosion or high resistances. It is not...

Related articles

How Belt Pulleys Work
There There are two main types of car pulleys: crank pulleys, and accessory pulleys. Most pulleys are driven by a main crank pulley, which is bolted onto the crankshaft. When the engine is operating, the crank pulley rotates, transferring motion...
How Long Does an Alternator Belt Last?
Your Your car’s alternator is what delivers energy to your vehicle’s battery. It works by means of converting mechanical energy to electrical energy, taking power from the engine’s crankshaft and delivering it to the battery where it is stored. The...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Power Steering Belt
If you hear strange noises coming from the front of your vehicle or the power steering belt looks worn, have your power steering belt replaced.