Q: Car jerking and gas smell and loud noise

asked by on October 03, 2017

I'm way overdue for an oil change but whats concerning me is the loud engine noise that it makes when I start it followed by trembling and constant shaking of the vehicle. There's also a very profound smell of gasoline that comes and goes. The car feels as if it's going to blow up or shut off on me while driving and it jerks when I'm pressing the gas all the way. What could be the issue and how much would it cost me to repair including an oil change and fixing a muffler with a hole?
My car has an automatic transmission.

Fuel is leaking from gas tank Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

The most important issue is the fuel odor which signifies either a leak (vapor or liquid) or engine misfiring. A leak is potentially disastrous, especially if you park in an enclosed space such as a garage where vapors can accumulate. Misfiring will cause the catalytic converter to overheat. I would start with a fuel leak diagnostic. Once the leak is resolved, the problem with the engine operation would be handled. Causes of rough operation range from fuel system to ignition system, air induction, sensors and so forth but you could even have contributing factors such as faulty motor mounts. The exhaust leak and oil change should be resolved last. One caveat though: if you do not elect to have any repairs done, it’s NEVER a good idea to drive a vehicle that has a known exhaust leak due to the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning. So, in a bit of a twist, if you are not repairing the engine (the rough operation), fixing the fuel leak and the exhaust leak become the priorities. If you are electing mobile repair, the dispatched, certified mechanic who handles the fuel leak will be well qualified to deal with all other issues (the rough operation and the exhaust leak). If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic because we want you to make the most of your repair dollars and help you to get the best possible results.

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

How do I use the Aux port?
You can use the Aux port to play music from an external device through your sound system. When you use the Aux port, the sound system volume control will still work, but all other features must be controlled on the...
Transmission issue while accelerating?
Hey there. This may be a sign of a faulty transmission control solenoid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/downshift-solenoid-replacement). As you know, automatic transmissions use pressurized hydraulic fluid to change gears. Every time a gear change is required, the car's computer activates a transmission solenoid,...
2009 Toyota Sienna, runs fine, fluids full, no heat inside vehicle, causes?
Hi there. It sounds like the air mix servo for the temperature control may have failed. These models were also prone to radiator and water pump leaks. The leaks would be slow and not produce fluid on the ground; sometimes...
Does a differential fluid change include opening, scraping, and replacing the gasket seal?
Hello. Depending on which way you choose to service the fluid, it may be necessary to remove, clean, and reseal the differential cover. As there is no drain plug on this differential housing, draining the differential fluid will either require...
VVT oil control valve part number needed so I can replace the part.
Hi there. The part numbers that you have provided are for the left and the right. There is a difference in the two parts as they operate slightly different from each other. It is best to take the parts to...
Car overheating and there is no cabin heat while at idle.
Hi there. Check the radiator to the vehicle. It seems that the cooling system is working, but the radiator is restricting the coolant flow. This is why when you step on the gas pedal the coolant temperature drops. I recommend...
Went in for an oil change and came out with a non working car.
Hi there. First check the ECM (computer) for any codes that could be store as the check engine light came on. Before blaming any location for the vehicle's running condition, check to see what codes are stored to have a...
03 Nissan Altima wouldn't accelerate over 50 mph.
Hi there. This sounds like the gas pedal position sensor or the throttle body position sensor is not working properly. You can try manually resetting the gas pedal position sensor. To do this, perform the following: Turn on the ignition...
2004 Nissan Titan running lean any suggestions
The causes of lean operation, such as if you have diagnostic trouble code P0171 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0171-obd-ii-trouble-code-system-too-lean-bank-1-by-andrew-quinn) are easiest to pinpoint by looking at the secondary firing patterns on all cylinders. That will confirm if the too lean condition, that has caused...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Lexus LS
With With a four-generation legacy spanning a quarter of a century, the Lexus LS may not be the riskiest, most cutting-edge vehicle in its class but its devotees don’t mind – the reliability, near perfection of design, and pronounced bent...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Lexus LS 600h L
The The “h” stands for hybrid, and while you might hope to get greatly improved gas mileage for your effort to go green, that shouldn’t be your motivation for buying this model. The 600h L offers a mere 1 mpg...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re a Photographer
If If you are a photographer, and you’re considering buying a used car, the big thing to consider is the type of photography you do. Thanks to the advances in digital photography, chances are you’re not hauling around a lot...