When starting the car there is a shake/vibrate, what mechanically is causing this?

JJ1998

MEMBER
2013 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
1.4L
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
105,714 MILES

When starting the car up, cold or from warm, the car seems to shake/vibrate, not violently but enough, you can feel it chunderring, also whilst this is happening the revs flicker maybe one or twice then stay consistent under 1,000 RPMs but I can also hear a ticking sound from the engine.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,192 POSTS

Hi,

As far as the vibration, it can be caused by several things. For example, if there is an engine vacuum leak, it can cause a rough idle. Also, a faulty engine mount can allow engine vibration to be felt.

If you haven't already, do a quick inspection to check for vacuum leaks.

Here is a link that explains how to do it:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

Next, is the check engine light staying on when the engine is running? If so, you should scan the computer to determine the diagnostic trouble code that is stored.

Here is a quick video showing how it's done:

https://youtu.be/b2IJGfImVvw

When this happens, take notice if there is any gray or dark smoke from the exhaust. Also, if you can record it running so I can hear the ticking, I may recognize what needs to be checked.

Let me know.

Joe