What are the symptoms of an engine misfire?
4 Answers
Here is an introduction to the symptoms and causes of an engine misfire: 1. Symptoms of an engine misfire include: unstable vehicle idling, abnormal engine shaking, noticeable power loss, difficulty starting the vehicle, engine stalling easily, and black smoke from the exhaust pipe. 2. Causes of an engine misfire: (1) Severe burning of the contacts in the distributor cap of the ignition system, causing spark jumping; (2) Malfunction of the ignition coil; (3) Wear of the cylinder wires; (4) Carbon buildup in the fuel injector or clogging of the injector filter screen, leading to imprecise injection and atomization; (5) Excessive carbon buildup on the spark plugs.
When the engine misfires, the car feels like it's shaking violently, especially when accelerating—it's like riding a rocking chair. The throttle response is sluggish, and the power is noticeably insufficient, making it feel like the car can't move. Even at idle, the engine speed fluctuates, and the risk of stalling increases significantly. The strong vibrations inside the car force me to pull over. If this issue is ignored, fuel consumption will skyrocket, and a full tank won't last long, wasting money. Even worse, black smoke often comes out of the exhaust pipe with a strange smell, signaling potential hazards. Over time, other components may also be damaged, such as the catalytic converter failing, leading to higher repair costs. It's recommended to check the cause as soon as possible—common culprits include faulty ignition coils or worn spark plugs. Addressing it early can save a lot of money.
When I discovered an engine misfire, the first symptom was unstable idling, with the engine speed fluctuating up and down, and in severe cases, it would stall directly. While driving, there was noticeable acceleration lag—stepping on the gas pedal for a while before power kicked in, accompanied by increased body vibrations, as if the car was trembling. In terms of noise, you could hear the distinctive popping sound of a misfire, and the engine sound was uneven. The engine warning light on the dashboard often illuminated, which was a clear warning sign. If not addressed promptly, fuel efficiency drops significantly, with actual tests showing up to 15% higher fuel consumption. Additionally, the emissions system is affected, increasing the risk of damaging the catalytic converter, which can double repair costs. I recommend starting with simple checks, such as inspecting whether the spark plugs or fuel injectors are dirty.
The car shakes noticeably when misfiring, and the engine jumps erratically at idle. I feel a lack of power when accelerating, with intermittent power output. The noise also becomes abnormally loud, sometimes sounding like hiccups. What's more annoying is that it stalls several times when starting, making daily commuting a burden. If not repaired, fuel consumption may increase over time, and emissions may exceed standards. I usually check the spark plugs first.
