Engine misfire? Engine shaking

Tiny
LAURENDUNLAP
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 4 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
Okay, I have a 2004 chevy cavalier and I startd it and it sounds real funny like shakes and sound like it wants to turn off but doesn't. Autozone said to change my spark plugs so I did that, sounds alil bit better but still have the problem. It does not want to catch speed right away, as if theres not enough power. Theyre saying its the ignition coil.I just changed it and still a probem. They said it sum engine misfire but I dont know I really need help with this so please get back with me asap :/
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Saturday, May 28th, 2011 AT 11:19 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Do you have a check engine light and when was last tune-up??

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

1.Defective spark plugs
2.Inadequate spark/coil,defective spark plug wire.
3.Lack of compression
4.False air leakage.
5.Faulty fuel injectors.
6.Insufficient fuel pressure.
7.Contaminated fuel.
8.EGR valve that is leaking.
9.Oxygen sensors.
10.Throttle position sensor.
11.Manifold absolute pressure sensor
12.Mass Airflow Sensor
13.Idle air control valve

Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it-
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Saturday, May 28th, 2011 AT 11:29 PM
Tiny
EDGARMEZA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1995 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 144,000 MILES
Engine Performance problem
1995 Chevy Cavalier 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 144000 miles

I was driving and sadenly the Engin started to die, but not completely, it was shaking a lot and I had to put in neutral and and keep giving more gas and I could still drive to get to work. The car starts and keeps running very week and still have to put more gas for not let the engine die. What I have to check and what can be broken?
Thanks
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Monday, June 19th, 2017 AT 9:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
Sounds like a misfire.

May be not getting enough fuel to the engine due to a weak fuel pump and plugged filter-shck fuel pressure to see if it is in spec.

Check for good spark to each cylinder, may be a bad plug, wire or coil. Is where I would start.
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Monday, June 19th, 2017 AT 9:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
COMPAQ
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1995 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
Engine Performance problem
1995 Chevy Cavalier 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 120000 miles

my 1995 Chevy cavalier when started runs fine but after 10-15 secs the engine starts to shake, and continues when idling until I accelerate.
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Monday, June 19th, 2017 AT 9:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DRCRANKNWRENCH
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,380 POSTS
Does your car shake the same when cold as when it reaches operating temperature?

I assume it gets worse when you put it into gear? Does it go away if you rev up the engine in park or neutral?

Does it almost stall the motor?

My first thoughts are a dirty throttle body and intake, dirty injectors, dirty or clogged fuel filter.

Other than that, your motor mounts could be worn out.
Depending on the car and the driver, mounts in different stages of failure can; cause vibration at idle, allow the motor and transmission to move excessively and lead to other parts being damaged.

Internal and external bablancers are always a suspect as well becasue they will be at a ower harmonic at idle giving the most imbalance and decrease as motor speed increases. Don't ignore this because even though you don't feel the higher harmonics, a failed balancer/damper, will cause engine damage.

Relating back to the first thought, engine performance. You could have internal engine problems such as uneven compression, which you can either find links for help in finding a certified and reputable repair facility near you in this link.
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Monday, June 19th, 2017 AT 9:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
COMPAQ
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Monday, June 19th, 2017 AT 9:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DRCRANKNWRENCH
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,380 POSTS
From here I would think the best place to start would be a few things that are general service items as to eliminate them as the source of the problem.

Try replacing the following;

air filter
spark plugs and spark plug wires, especially if the wires have never been replaced
I cannot recall if your car has a distributor, if so replace the cap and rotor as well
Run a can, 2 if you never have, of injector cleaner. I suggest BG44K which you will probably have to go to a gas station or car dealership to get.
I believe your car has a, "In the tank filter", so it cannot be serviced. However double check this, when you are purchasing your parts as a reputable parts store will be able to tell you. If it is servicable, replace it as well.
Finally, an O2 sensor for good measure.

Use the links available on this site as they will be helpful. There are great video and text walk-throughs of performing general maintenance.

Detailed information specific to your vehicle is not readily available on-line. That is why I mentioned checking on the type of fuel filter through a reputable parts store. This is information found in service manuals which require a fee to use.

A dealership will give you the information if you purchase your parts there, but they can be more expensive. You might still ask if you get your BG44K at a dealership. Dealerships will be the best source for information as they use the factory Parts/Service manuals for reference.
The link to the on-line Mitchell manual is very much worth the cost as you will have a Dealer Level service manual for any vehicle you have or will work on. Service manuals from dealers are the only truly comprehensive source for all car specs and maintenance information, but they cost at least $100 or more. You can get a Haynes manual from an auto parts store for around $30, but they are very generic in that they cover several years and models with much less information.

Let me know how everything goes and I wll check back soon.
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Monday, June 19th, 2017 AT 9:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
NICHOLASDEFELICE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
Engine Performance problem 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 103000 miles

Hi I would like to know why my car has recently lost power and started shaking. The engine is shaking too and the car has no acceleration and accelerates very slow to a top speed of 60. It recently overheated and I added water. That may have something to do with it. I put cold water in on accident when it was hot but I don't think it cracked. Ty.
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Monday, June 19th, 2017 AT 9:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 107,922 POSTS
Is the check engine light staying on? Have you checked the catalytic converter?

Let me know.
Joe
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Monday, June 19th, 2017 AT 9:06 PM (Merged)

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