If your car is shaking, sputtering or making strange noises when sitting idle, it can be a cause for concern. A variety of issues may result in your car idling rough, some of them more severe than others. Common vehicle idling problems include:

• Your vehicle’s idle air control valve (IACV) may have become clogged with dirt and debris. The IACV normally functions to control how much air enters the engine of an idling car and, if it becomes dirty, it can result in rough idling.
• Vacuum leaks from hoses or gaskets in your engine can result in your car idling rough. These vacuum leaks change the air-to-fuel ratio in your engine, which commonly causes idling issues.
• There may be a malfunction with your car’s mass airflow (MAF) sensor. This sensor ordinarily measures the amount of air entering the engine to adjust fuel delivery, and any malfunction can lead to rough idling.
• The throttle body, which allows air into the engine, may be too dirty to function properly. When dirt and grime accumulate in the throttle body, it can cause your car to idle rough.
• Your engine control module (ECM) may be experiencing electronic issues. Faulty wiring and other issues can prevent the ECM from properly controlling engine idle, resulting in a rough performance.

When your car begins acting erratically while idle, it’s always wisest to have it inspected and repaired by professional mechanics. Get in touch with Arvu Auto today to schedule a vehicle inspection at our shop in the West Minneapolis metro!