Shaking Chevy: SureTrack Real Fix

by Abigail Lucero

Real Fixes from SureTrack® provides expert-based knowledge captured from millions of documented repairs and community discussions. Read on to see how SureTrack can help you fix tricky issues that are not easily diagnosed with OEM information alone. SureTrack is available at no additional cost within ProDemand.

This fix illustrates the power of the SureTrack community to quickly help a fellow tech solve a problem. SureTrack community member, tchrono, had a 2012 Chevrolet Equinox LT in the shop with a shaking engine when the vehicle warms up. They posed the question to the community, and with the help of Dmckemie12 and others, they were able to resolve the issue quickly.

The following Community Fix summarizes the interaction between members of the community that led to the solution.

The following Community Fix summarizes the interaction between members of the community that led to the solution.

Vehicle
2012 Chevrolet Equinox LT 2.4L Eng VIN K Eng CD LEA

Title
Engine Shakes When Warm

Complaint
When the vehicle is cold, runs great. When the engine warms up while in park, the whole engine shakes badly, making the vehicle rock front to back. But if you put the vehicle in neutral, it smooths out.

Diagnostic Steps Performed/Parts Replaced
The vehicle had a code for a secondary air injection system. Tested pump, air flow, etc., and all was okay. Replaced the secondary air injection check valve with the tube, which was clogged up with carbon. No more secondary codes. The other code was for lost communication with the fuel pump computer. Tried another computer and the code was gone, but the problem still exists. When the vehicle shakes, all 4 cylinders are misfiring. But again, when the engine is cold it runs fine, only when it warms up does the shaking occur.

Cause
The VVT solenoids can occasionally cause this at times when clogged or faulty.

Correction
Replaced the VVT solenoids and cleared codes, returning the vehicle to optimal driving conditions.

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About the Author Abagail Lucero 

Abagail Lucero is the Product Marketing Manager for ProDemand. She joined the company in 2011 as a member of the SocialCRM shop marketing team and has served in many roles at Mitchell1, lastly as Security and Compliance Supervisor. Abagail holds a Bachelor of Science degree from California University of Pennsylvania.