Sluggish start and shaking while driving?

CAROLINARS94

MEMBER
2009 TOYOTA YARIS
96,000 MILES

I have the vehicle listed above that I bought last year. It has been perfectly fine until recently. A while ago one of the hubcaps fell off while I was driving. Ever since I noticed it started shaking a bit when driving. Took it to the tire shop and they said everything seemed fine, but they just kind of looked at it, not really thoroughly inspected it or anything. Almost felt like they thought I was being dramatic. Now I noticed the car is kind of slow/sluggish when I start it and the shaking hasn’t stopped. Not sure if these two things are related or not. I plan to take it to a shop, but I’d like to have an opinion first on what it could be and have a little knowledge before going in. As a woman, I don’t want to be taken advantage of so any advice would be appreciated!

7 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,787 POSTS

Hi,

When do you feel the vibration? If I had to guess, I suspect a wheel weight came off when the hubcap came off causing a tire balance issue. Do you feel the vibration more in the steering or the seat/floor of the vehicle? Is there a speed you notice it more? If you speed up, does it seem to get worse or go away?

As far as it being sluggish, by chance is the check engine light on or flashing while the engine is running?

Let me know as much as you can because the wheel balance (in my mind) makes sense, but that wouldn't cause it to be sluggish.

Take care,

Joe

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Friday, August 18th, 2023 AT 10:36 PM

CAROLINARS94

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Thanks for your response. The vibration is more in the seat/floor, not the steering wheel. I haven’t felt comfortable getting on highways or places with higher speeds since this issue started, but I do notice it more as I’m slowing down and stopped.

No check engine or any other lights are on.

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Saturday, August 19th, 2023 AT 5:17 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,787 POSTS

Hi,

If you are feeling it when stopped, then it's not a tire issue. Are there any sounds or odors that are different than normal?

Let me know.

Joe

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Saturday, August 19th, 2023 AT 7:50 PM

CAROLINARS94

MEMBER
4 POSTS

No other sounds. No lights on the dashboard either.

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Sunday, August 20th, 2023 AT 5:58 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,787 POSTS

Hi,

This is a tough one. If you feel it when not moving, it can't be a tire, wheel, or wheel-bearing issue. Could something be tapping on the underside of the vehicle such as the exhaust system? It can't be an engine misfire because that would turn the check engine light on.

Let me know.

Joe

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Sunday, August 20th, 2023 AT 7:05 PM

CAROLINARS94

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Could it be an ignition coil? A friend also mentioned something about break discs or an engine or transmission mount?

I’m taking the car to the mechanic this week, so I’ll find out soon enough. I just want to be able to ask the right questions.

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Monday, August 21st, 2023 AT 8:20 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,787 POSTS

Hi,

The idea of the brake rotors was a consideration, but that wouldn't happen with the vehicle stopped. You would feel it moving while the brakes are applied unless you have a brake hanging up. If that were the case, you still wouldn't feel it stopped but may feel it under any condition while moving.

An ignition coil would cause a misfire which could be the issue, but the check engine light would be flashing or staying on steady with the engine running. Also, it would be less noticeable while you are decelerating and you indicated you feel it when decelerating. The trans or engine mount could be an issue as well, but I would think you would likely hear a clunking noise if one was broken.

Do you experience any of those symptoms?

Let me know.

Joe

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Monday, August 21st, 2023 AT 7:08 PM