Car vibrating with check engine light on

LISA TARNOWSKI-HUTTNER

MEMBER
2014 MAZDA CX-9
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
52,825 MILES

My car is a Mazda CX5, not a CX9 -you did not list this in your options.
I was only driving for about ten minutes going fifty five mph. My car began shaking really bad and it got really loud. The check engine light came on and another light came on. I stopped and looked at my tires but, they were okay. I turned the car on and it seemed fine until I got to fifteen mph. It was shaking again and I could feel that it was sluggish.

I stopped and called a tow truck. The tow truck guy started it and opened the hood. He said "well, this is not good at all!". My engine was vibrating or shaking side to side and up and down. Each side of the engine would rise about one and half feet as it shook. There was no smoke but, there was a burnt smell.

There were several codes displayed. The tow truck driver said that the check tire pressure code and the check power-train code were listed. Do you have any idea what
this could be? Why would an engine shake so bad?

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,192 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.com.

If the check engine light was flashing, it sounds like a misfire. If I had the specific codes, I could tell you more. I have no idea what he meant by check power-train code. Honestly, it sounds like he wanted to make it sound worse than it is.

Take a look through this link. It discusses engine misfires and possible causes as well as possible solutions. Note also that a major engine miss will cause the engine to shake.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-misfires-or-runs-rough

If it is possible, can you get me the codes from the car's computer so I can better direct you? If the vehicle was towed to your house, here is a video that shows how to retrieve codes. I realize most people do not have a scanner, but often times, a parts store will lend or rent one to you.

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

More specific directions:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

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Sunday, September 2nd, 2018 AT 9:09 PM

LISA TARNOWSKI-HUTTNER

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I am not able to do the tests. I am disabled and use a walker. My car was towed to the dealer's service department. They will be able to check it tomorrow. Thanks anyway

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Monday, September 3rd, 2018 AT 5:46 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,192 POSTS

Hi Lisa:

If there is anything I can do to help or if you have questions, please feel free to ask.

Take care,
Joe

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Monday, September 3rd, 2018 AT 6:53 PM

LISA TARNOWSKI-HUTTNER

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hi Joe,
I forgot that I have a HUM in my car. I opened the app and found the codes. The first warning is:
Battery critically low AT 11.8 volts.
Second warning/code is:
DTC code: PO300 OEM.
Do you know what they mean?
Thank you,
Lisa

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Monday, September 3rd, 2018 AT 11:43 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,192 POSTS

Hi again:

Yes, I know. First, the battery should be above 12 volts with the engine off and around 14 volts when running. Now, either the battery is weak or the alternator is not charging the battery. Run through this test and let me know what you find.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

You will need a volt meter or multi meter to do the test. If you never used one, here are directions:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

Next is a battery load test. Here are simple directions to follow:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

As far as the trouble code, P0300, that means the engine has a random misfire. If you find that the alternator is not doing its job or the battery is really weak, chances are, that is what is causing the misfire problem. They are most likely directly related.

If you do not feel comfortable checking the alternator, most parts stores will do it for free. If that is what you decide, have them also load test the battery.

Let me know what the results are and I can then point you in the right direction.

Take care and I will watch for your reply.

Joe

Car vibrating with check engine light on

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