Q: Car hesitating and shaking.

asked by on January 14, 2016

After starting, my car hesitates, shakes, and sounds like it wants to stall.

Car is stalling Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

A lot of things could cause the problems you are having from a vacuum leak to a idle air control valve. My best advice is have your vehicle diagnosed firsthand but a trained professional, such as one from YourMechanic.

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

Hitting the gas pedal stalls the motor
When the car almost stalls, does the Check Engine Light illuminate? If so, a local mechanic (like those with YourMechanic) can diagnose the problem by scanning the vehicle computers for codes (https://www.yourmechanic.com/book/?mktg_jid=321). This could be caused by an electrical problem...
How do you use the heated seats in a 2012 Ford Fusion?
If your car is equipped with Heated Seats, you have an additional way to provide comfort during cold weather. Heated Seats can also help with muscle aches and cramps from long driving sessions. Here’s how to work your system: Locate...
Car is stalling while idling.
The most common problem with this condition is a faulty crankshaft position sensor. It is located near the transmission and controls ignition timing. if this is bad you may have the engine stall and will not restart. I would recommend...
Coolant light keeps coming on. 2009 BMW 335 xDrive
Hello. It sounds like there may be a coolant leak somewhere that is hard to find. It would be a good idea to have the coolant system pressurized and inspected for leaks. By adding pressure to the coolant system, it...
Am I safe to continue driving if my steering is off and check engine light is on?
When the steering (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brakes-steering-and-suspension-inspection) is concerned, the issues should be taken seriously. Driving without the assistance of power steering is very difficult if the steering fails. If going at high speeds you may not be able to correct in time...
I have rebuild transmission and is not driving out of D and D3.
Hi there. Check the shifter cable (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/shift-selector-cable-replacement) alignment to the transmission and make sure that the main valve is aligned up properly. The main valve could be off aligned causing the vehicle to not drive in the D and D3...
Truck is overheating and the heater is blowing cold air.
Hi there. There is a blockage in the engine preventing the engine from cycling the coolant. If there is a new water pump and a new thermostat, then the coolant should be cycling. Check the radiator for any blockages. Drain...
Transmission problem?
This may indicate a failing speed sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-speed-sensor-replacement). The transmission speed sensor is a magnetic sensor that provides information related to the speed of the input and output shafts in the transmission, allowing the transmission to shift smoothly. The sensor...
2011 f150 ecoboost 3.5 overheating while towing 6500 lbs trailer up parleys, what could the issue be? Instantly cools when off gas
Hi there. You are correct in assuming that many turbo-powered F-150's have issues with intercoolers wearing out - especially when they are put under significant loads and hill climbing as you've described. To be honest, most automotive manufacturers never assume...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2007 Ford Crown Victoria
This This enduring Ford classic enjoyed a nearly two-decade run before being discontinued from the retail market with the 2007 model-year being the last. Ever-popular with law enforcement (for whom models continued in production through 2011), and senior citizens, the...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Cruise Control Cable
If your accelerator pedal gets stuck or cruise control stops functioning, you may need to replace the cruise control cable.
How Long Does a Ball Joint Front Last?
Ball joints are an essential part of your car’s suspension. They connect your steering to your control arms, allowing you...