Engine misfire is a frustrating problem because in most cases it sounds worse than it is and gives you the feeling of an expensive repair. What are engine misfire symptoms? Find out the symptoms of engine misfire and their causes.
Engine misfire is a frustrating problem because in most cases it sounds worse than it is and gives you the feeling of an expensive repair. The signs of engine misfire could be different depending on the make and model but each of them produces the same aftereffect – a brief delay in power delivery. The problem could be temporary or repeated but it won’t lead to an expensive fix if you take timely action.
Engine Misfire: The Most Common Causes
What causes a car to misfire? An engine depends on three things to fire the cylinder – an adequate amount of fuel, oxygen to burn the fuel, and a spark for ignition. The inadequacy or absence of any of these elements will cause an engine misfire.
Some other possible reasons could be vacuum leaks, incorrect ignition timing, and worn-out valve springs.
Let’s discuss some engine misfire symptoms and their causes:
1. The ignition system
Ignition parts including spark plugs, ignition wires, and coil packs wear or corrode over time. They have a specific lifespan and have to be replaced after that time. When any or a couple of these parts start to wear out, there will be a point when the spark plugs don’t get enough electricity to create sparks.
It will start as brief intermittent misfires and become worse over time. However, most of the items in the ignition system are inexpensive and easy to fix.
2. Fuel system components
what causes a car to misfire could be from the fuel system components. Therefore, if the issue is not with the ignition system, but the car still has the engine misfire symptoms, parts in the fuel system are what you should check next. These components also wear out although at a slower rate. Examine for a clogged fuel filter, dirty fuel injectors, and failing mass airflow sensor or fuel pump. The EGR valve could also stick if not cleaned for a long time. If that is the case, it will allow the exhaust wastage to go into the intake manifold and create an engine misfire. Most of the issues can be solved by cleaning or replacing the problematic part.
3. Damaged cylinder walls
A misfiring engine creates popping or sneezing sounds. And it is exactly the engine misfire symptoms. Sometimes, there is a distinct smell too, which is a mix of gasoline, coolant, and steam. Such a strong odor is a warning sign indicating damaged cylinder walls. You should take the car to a mechanic to inspect the engine as soon as possible.
Is It Safe To Drive When An Engine Misfires?
Driving with an engine misfire is unlikely to be dangerous but, it could become worse over time. Ignoring the problem for too long can damage the engine parts such as the catalytic converter and oxygen sensor. Also, think of the safety concern when the car loses power and stops in the middle of a busy road. A misfiring engine also increases emissions and decreases fuel efficiency.
Summary
You may find one of the engine misfire symptoms above on your car. If that is, for sure your car is having trouble with the engine. You should take your car to a servicing center as soon as possible. The delay can damage your car a lot and cost a lot of money for replacement at the same time. Therefore, taking your car to a mechanic will extend the engine’s lifespan and ensure your safety while driving.
Find out more the car repair tips here.
