Q: Shaking and revving upon startup.

asked by on January 08, 2016

The car shakes and the engine revs upon startup.

Car is shaking or vibrating Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

It is normal for the engine to rev a bit higher than normal when a car first starts up. But, after a few seconds it should come back down to normal. In cold weather, it might stay high for a few minuets. But, if the RPMs are going very high then there is a problem. The idle should go up a few hundred RPMs not a few thousand. A large vacuum leak can cause symptoms similar to what you are describing. A faulty or stick Idle Air Control Valve could also cause this. If you think the RPMs are going up abnormally I would suggest getting a technician to have it inspected for you.

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

I can't jumpstart my car
Hi, there could be multiple things involved with this issue. An engine requires three things in order to run by itself; fuel, spark, and compression of air. It sounds like the engine is able to run for a few seconds,...
Passenger's side headlight not working
If you have already replaced the bulb, the problem may be with the wiring, or with the headlamp control module that your particular vehicle has. You will need to find a VW qualified technician to inspect and get headlamp working...
Car smoking and shaking
Depending on what kind of smoke will determine what the shaking could be. There are 3 basic types of smoke. Black smoke is raw fuel. Raw or unburnt fuel can foul spark plugs causing a misfire. A misfire will seem...
Car took longer to start than usual
Hi there, thanks for writing in. Although your car is nearly brand new, it certainly isn't impossible for it to have a failed battery. If it cranked over slowly as it was starting, it could be an indication that the...
Unresolved leakage problems
Have the oil pressure tested (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-pump-replacement) to see if it is low, or the oil sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oil-pressure-sensor-replacement) is reading wrong. Also have the engine compression tested to see if the cylinder number 2 has a problem or not. The P0302...
Spike in costs around 120,000 miles?
Hi there. Your question of what to expect in service costs is difficult to answer. There are variables involved, whether the vehicle was driven hard by the previous owner(s), or whether the vehicle has had maintenance performed at the recommended...
When I turn left clunking sound and when steered right a rubbing sound abs and stabilitrak light is on
Hi Adele. Thanks for contacting us today. There are several possible reasons why your warning lights are illuminated, and likely are the source of the noises you're hearing as well. Some of the possible sources include worn tie rod ends,...

Related articles

2012 Honda Odyssey vs. 2012 Mazda 5: Which One Should I Buy?
Passenger vans may be one of the most maligned classes of vehicles. From being called "Mom-mobiles" to being mocked extensively by those who have not experienced the comfort and ease of getting into and out of a van, vans just...
2012 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2012 Toyota RAV4: Which One Should I Buy?
Mid-size crossover SUVs are an excellent option when you need to take several friends along with you, or bring your kids along and yet still need to keep a tight leash on your purchase cost as well as your ongoing...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Ball Joint (Front)
Common signs include clunking noises and excessive vibration from the front, and you may start steering to the right or left unintentionally.