Shakes and rattling when accelerating at low speed

JJJANKINS

MEMBER
2012 NISSAN SENTRA
1.2L
4 CYL
AUTOMATIC
72,000 MILES

I was on my way home and the car started jerking I let off the gas and it stopped. As I started to press the gas again the car started shaking and rattling. I could barely get it up to 10 MPH. As the car sits in idle is sounds like something is rattling under the car when I press the gas it seem to chug. Oh and I just filled the tank with gas and it seemed to go from 400 miles to empty to 364 mile to empty in a 27 mile trip.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi,

Based on what you described, it leads me to think the internal component in the catalytic converter may have come loose and is plugging the exhaust when you try to accelerate. Did the check engine light turn on and stay on when the engine was running?

Do me a favor, take a look through this link, and let me know if it seems to mirror what you experience.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms

Also, if the check engine light is staying on while the engine is running, we need to scan the computer for diagnostic trouble codes. On this vehicle, the best thing to do is scan the can-bus system. CAN stands for controller area network. The network is what connects all the modules and computers together. Here is a video showing how that is done:

https://youtu.be/InIlnsjOVFA

If that isn't an option, see if you can get your hands on a basic scan tool. Here is a quick video showing how to use one:

https://youtu.be/b2IJGfImVvw

If the vehicle was drivable, most parts stores will do it free of charge. However, it doesn't sound that way. See if they will lend/rent one to you for use. If you do this, let me know the codes that are retrieved.

If you are unable to scan the system, let me know. We will try to go about things from a different angle. Also, if it is possible, record the rattling and upload it for me to hear.

Let me know,

Joe