Can the Engine Run with a Misfiring Cylinder?
3 Answers
Engine misfiring means one or more cylinders are not functioning properly, and the vehicle should not continue to be driven under such conditions. Symptoms of engine misfiring: Unstable idle speed and abnormal engine vibration. Generally, the more cylinders an engine has, the smoother it runs. When a cylinder misfires, the vehicle's idle speed may fluctuate noticeably, or the engine may vibrate abnormally; significant power loss occurs because vehicle power is generated by compressing air and fuel in the engine cylinders for combustion. If a cylinder misfires, the fuel does not burn properly, leading to poor acceleration; difficulty starting the vehicle and engine stalling become more severe with more misfiring cylinders; black smoke from the exhaust pipe indicates unburned fuel being expelled from the misfiring cylinder. Solution: If the exhaust flow is noticeably intermittent, accompanied by strong exhaust pipe vibration and obvious engine shaking, sometimes with abnormal noises, this is often related to ignition coil failure. The relevant components of the ignition system should be replaced.
I once experienced an engine misfire, and the car drove like it had asthma, with the engine shaking violently to the point where it was hard to hold onto the steering wheel. Although it could still barely move, the speed wouldn't increase, and it felt underpowered when climbing hills, with fuel consumption skyrocketing. That time, it was due to a faulty spark plug, and when I barely made it to the repair shop, the engine nearly stalled several times. I recommend not driving a misfiring car for long periods because the severe vibrations can damage the piston rings or catalytic converter, and repairs can be quite expensive. In daily driving, if the engine warning light comes on or there's unusual shaking, stop and check components like the spark plugs and ignition coils. If you must drive, keep the speed below 30 mph and only go a short distance to the repair shop, but calling a tow truck is still safer. Regular maintenance can prevent these issues, and it's important to check these parts when changing the oil.
Engine misfire is usually caused by ignition system failures or cylinder sealing issues, such as faulty spark plugs or clogged fuel injection. Even if one cylinder isn't working, the car may still run, but you'll experience severe vibrations, reduced power, and increased fuel consumption. Continuing to drive poses risks—the vibrations can accelerate engine wear, damage bearings or pistons, and even lead to more serious mechanical failures. It's strongly recommended to diagnose the issue immediately upon detection, such as checking spark plug gaps with simple tools. If you must move the vehicle, keep the speed below 40 km/h to avoid exacerbating the damage. When heading to a repair shop, prioritize flat roads, turn off the AC to reduce load, and monitor coolant temperature to prevent overheating. Early repairs can save costly maintenance fees and ensure driving safety.
