Car shakes after changing ignition coil - what could be wrong?

Ownership and Maintenance
1

I’ve recently changed the ignition coil in my car, and ever since then, I’ve noticed a significant shake when the engine is idling and even a bit while driving. It’s pretty concerning, and I’m trying to figure out what could be causing this.

Possible Causes

There are a few thoughts I have regarding the shakes:

  • Incorrect Installation: Could I have installed the coil incorrectly? I followed the manual, but I’m not a professional mechanic. Are there common mistakes I should look out for?
  • Faulty Replacement: Is it possible that the new ignition coil I purchased is defective? I got it from an online store, and I’ve heard that sometimes aftermarket parts can be hit or miss.
  • Other Ignition Issues: Are there other components in the ignition system that might be affected when changing the coil? I want to rule out issues with spark plugs or the spark plug wires.

Symptoms to Note

The shakes are accompanied by a few other symptoms as well:

  • Check Engine Light: The light has come on since the change.
  • Rough Idle: The engine feels like it’s struggling to keep a steady pace at stops.
  • Power Loss: There’s a noticeable drop in power during acceleration.

Questions

  • Has anyone experienced something similar after changing their ignition coil?
  • What steps did you take to diagnose and fix the issue?
  • Could this be something easy to fix, or am I looking at a bigger problem?

Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated. I want to get my ride back to smooth operation as soon as possible!

2

It’s common for a car to shake after changing an ignition coil. It could be due to misfiring if the new coil isn’t functioning properly, or maybe there’s an issue with the spark plugs. Have you checked those?

6 Likes
3

That makes sense! I had some similar issues before. Sometimes a loose connection can also cause vibrations, so double-check your connections too.

4

Don’t forget the possibility of a faulty installation. If the coil isn’t seated correctly, that could lead to all sorts of shaking. Did you do it yourself or have a mechanic help?

3 Likes
5

I did it myself, so that could very well be the issue. I’m going to take a closer look at the installation.

6

Also, check your fuel injectors. If they aren’t delivering fuel properly, that can cause the engine to shake as it struggles to run smoothly.

7 Likes
7

Great point! I didn’t think about the fuel injectors. I’ll add that to my checklist.

2 Likes
8

Sometimes swapping the coil can highlight other issues, like worn spark plugs. Have you looked at those? Bad plugs can definitely lead to shaking.

9

I haven’t checked the spark plugs yet. That’s something I’ll need to do right after I inspect the coil installation.

10

I had a similar shaking issue. It turned out to be a combination of a faulty ignition coil and bad spark plugs. Sometimes it’s not just one thing!

1 Like
11

Yikes, that sounds frustrating! I hope I don’t have that many problems. Just one would be enough!

12

Have you ruled out vacuum leaks? They can cause rough idling and shakes. I had that happen to me once, and it was a nightmare to track down!

7 Likes
13

No, I haven’t checked for that yet! I’ll give it a look too. Thanks for the suggestion!

14

Haha, right? I’ll try to keep it light while I troubleshoot.

15

Check your connections! After changing the ignition coil, it’s essential to ensure all connections are tight and secure. Loose wires can definitely cause shaking.

16

Absolutely! I’ve also heard using a multimeter to check the resistance of the coil can help pinpoint issues. Have you done that yet?

17

Using a diagnostic tool is a smart move! It can read error codes and help identify any underlying issues with the ignition system. Don’t skip that step!

1 Like
18

True! I once figured out a misfire with my scanner. What kind of tool are you using?

19

You might also want to check the spark plugs. If they are worn or dirty, they could cause uneven firing and shaking. It’s worth a look!

20

Good call! I’ve had that issue before too. What’s the condition of your plugs?