Q: Why does My car shakes or roughly vibrates only in idle & reverse ?

asked by on December 15, 2017

My car has had a rough vibration that's a little shakey in idle & reverse ONLY. When I drive it doesn't shake. My service engine light is on , but it's not blinking. Any ideas ??

My car has 142000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

This may be a sign of a faulty MAP sensor as the vehicle responds adversely to a load put on the motor (i.e. putting it in gear, making turns (which makes use of the power steering pressure switch) turning on AC or engaging the brakes). The Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor senses engine load and generates a signal that is proportional to the amount of vacuum in the intake manifold. The engine computer then uses this information to adjust ignition timing and fuel enrichment. When the engine is working hard, intake vacuum drops as the throttle opens wide. The engine takes in more air, which requires more fuel to keep the air/fuel ratio in balance. When the computer reads a heavy load signal from the MAP sensor, it adjusts the fuel mixture to slightly more rich than normal so the engine can produce more power. The computer will then retard (back off) ignition timing slightly to prevent detonation that can damage the engine and decrease performance. This may also be caused by other closely related components such as a dirty or failing mass air-flow sensor, a faulty throttle position sensor or potentially a vacuum leak. I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose and inspect your vehicle.

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 airbags work?
Airbags play a big role in keeping vehicle occupants safe in the event of a crash. They way in which they work is simple, yet the process has been fine-tuned over the years to offer as much protection as possible....
Transmission grinding when in gear.
Differential failure is a likely cause of this symptom. A faulty CV axle or transmission failure are also likely causes. I would recommend having your transmission and differential inspected by a professional to ensure all parts are working correctly.
Car slowed down, bolted, and check engine light appeared
Hi there. You have an internal transmission failure. I have seen this a few times on this vehicle. Most of the time the valve body in the transmission just needs to be replaced, but other times it is the transmission...
The car is not accelerating right and the speedometer is jumping.
Hello. The speed info goes from the VSS (vehicle speed sensor (transmission output sensor)) mounted on the tranny, to the PCM (powertrain control module (computer)) mounted on the passenger firewall, to the dash speedometer. If the speedometer is not functioning...
Starter removal
Hello. I would need to know which engine that you have in your truck to know the correct removal process for the changing of this starter. If the engine is not cranking, then it may indeed be the starter, as...
Error codes P0171 and P0374
Hello. These issues can be caused by a few things. From the codes it sounds like there may be an issue with the fuel system. It may also be an issue with the air intake system allowing too much air...
when I put my car in drive it won't go but when I put it in low gear and up the RPM its will slowly take off then I have to shift
Hello. The transmission malfunctions you are experiencing can be caused by a wide variety of issues. A few common causes for improper shifting behavior are low or contaminated transmission fluid, transmission sensor issues, or a worn transmission. The first thing...
windshield wiper missing spots
If the missing spots are within the area that is actually swept by the moving wiper blades, that means the spring tension on the arm is inadequate. Sometimes the spring that provides the tension will get rusty and sometimes the...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Nissan Versa
In In the world of subcompact sedans, the Nissan Versa is a serious contender. Not only does it come with a low price tag, but it also includes a lot more features than you’d expect for a subcompact, especially one...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Live in the Country
Living Living in the country is a whole different way of living. You deal with rough and uneven roads, mud, snow, rain, and ice and you need a vehicle that can stand up to these kinds of conditions with ease....
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re a Massage Therapist
If If you're a massage therapist, one of the cornerstones of your business has to be that you don’t keep your clients waiting. That means you need a vehicle that’s reliable. You also will have to move your gear, including...