What are the symptoms of a car engine misfiring?
3 Answers
The symptoms of a car engine misfiring are: 1. Unstable idling and abnormal engine vibration; 2. Significant decrease in power; 3. Difficulty in starting the vehicle and the engine is prone to stalling; 4. Black smoke from the exhaust pipe. Engine misfiring refers to a situation where the engine fails to generate sufficient power due to a malfunction, resulting in a lack of power and some cylinders not working. Engine misfiring can shorten the usage cycle of lubricating oil, and may lead to sudden engine stalls, increased fuel consumption, black smoke emission, and loss of power. An engine is a machine that converts other forms of energy into mechanical energy. It was invented in the UK and can be used both as a power generation device and as a complete machine including the power unit. Types of engines include internal combustion engines, external combustion engines, electric motors, etc.
Driving feels really weird, the car body keeps shaking like an earthquake, especially when stopping at a red light—the whole car trembles, making it hard to hold the steering wheel steady. The throttle response is sluggish when starting, overtaking feels powerless, and climbing hills is even more strenuous with the engine wheezing. The yellow engine warning light on the dashboard might suddenly turn on, indicating an issue. Occasionally, there are strange popping sounds from the exhaust, like a tractor hiccuping. Fuel consumption keeps rising, requiring more gas for the same distance. Don’t ignore these problems—prolonged issues can damage engine components like valves or piston rings, so get it checked ASAP.
Engine misfire means one or two cylinders are not firing or working, caused by ignition system issues leading to unbalanced combustion. Worn spark plugs or electrode carbon buildup prevent discharge, resulting in no ignition. A burnt-out ignition coil or high-voltage pack is also common, preventing current from reaching the spark plug. Clogged or leaking fuel injectors cause improper fuel spray. The consequences are obvious: severe engine vibration like an earthquake machine, significantly reduced horsepower, and difficulty accelerating. The exhaust pipe produces intermittent popping sounds and emits black smoke, polluting the environment. Simply plugging in an OBD scanner can detect the trouble code, identifying the faulty cylinder for timely and hassle-free repairs.
