Engine misfires are no joke. Repeated happenings are a sign that major maintenance may be needed, and it is important to get this issue checked out right away.
Lucky for you, we’ve got a number of tips here because you likely need an answer fast. Good job on getting off the road and doing research, but now let’s get you back on the road. Engine misfires happen for a number of reasons. Let’s take a look at what causes an engine to misfire.
What causes an engine to misfire?
This may result from something like a catalytic convertor that needs changing. If this is true, your car will emit higher emissions as the carbon monoxide isn’t properly converted to carbon dioxide, which can also cause the vehicle to run at higher temperatures and put extra wear on the engine. Both this and problems with the spark plugs or wires are easily fixed by a mechanic.
Engine misfires often start with just one instance. Maybe you get the problem looked at and get a light fix, or maybe it was a simple glug in the fuel line that backed up the flow, and the issue will fix itself. We caution any drivers who experience a misfire to have the engine looked at by a professional. In most cases, it won’t be the end of the world but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
There are three basic categories of engine misfires:
If you live in an area that requires emissions tests, you will likely fail if the engine misfires or if there is a problem with the catalytic convertor. When it is clogged, the car is emitting dirtier fumes at a much higher rate.
You will notice severely decreased acceleration when the catalytic converter is failing. It shouldn’t fail if other engine maintenance is maintained, most problems with this part are a result of other issues not being taken care of promptly.
This is a big reason to keep up on other engine-related maintenance – the last thing anyone wants is a stalled engine and a failed emissions test.
Absolutely not. In worst case scenarios, your engine will stall and be completely ruined. If your check engine light is on, it is important to go to a mechanic immediately. Another option is to pull into an auto parts chain store and have them run a test – most have a little machine that they bring out to the parking lot. It will run a test on the engine to see what is wrong, and can turn off the light if there is not a problem.
If your engine is misfiring or the check engine light is on and you can’t figure out what is wrong with it, consider taking these steps:
What causes an engine to misfire is all about the mechanics under the hood, and how old the car is.
If you (and any previous owners) have taken good care of the vehicle, any misfiring should be something small that can be fixed. Hopefully, this is a one-time thing that doesn’t turn into a trend.
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Most cars have 2-4 O2 sensors. Using an obd2 scanner will tell you which one needs replacing. Your car’s manual should detail how to change them, and all you need to do is unclip the old one and clip on the new one.
I appreciate the information given in this article regarding the possible causes behind the engine misfire. Deformities in the spark plug could also be responsible for the engine misfire. The spark plug loses its ability to generate the ignition required to start the internal combustion. Any signs which indicate that the spark plug has some complications should not be ignored. The reason behind the appearance of such deformities should be identified and repaired immediately.