What Causes One Cylinder in the Engine to Stop Working?
3 Answers
There are several reasons for a misfire in one cylinder of the engine, including ignition system failure, wiring system failure, and engine malfunction. Ignition System Failure: Issues such as faulty ignition coils or injector problems. In such cases, the vehicle's ignition system should be inspected, with immediate replacement of spark plugs and cleaning of the fuel lines. Wiring System Failure: If one cylinder misfires but there is no noticeable engine vibration, it is often due to wiring issues. In this scenario, inspect the vehicle's wiring for any short circuits and check the spark plugs and distributor wires. Engine Malfunction: There are numerous potential causes for engine malfunction, including overheating or poor-quality engine oil. These situations are relatively complex and require professional inspection at a repair shop or 4S dealership.
I often repair cars, and there are quite a few reasons why one cylinder isn't working. The most common issue is a burnt spark plug, which reduces ignition efficiency and fails to ignite. Alternatively, a faulty ignition coil can't provide the high voltage needed. On the fuel system side, a clogged fuel injector prevents fuel from spraying in, or a weak fuel pump leads to insufficient fuel mixture in the cylinder. A leaking head gasket causes compression failure, and worn piston rings result in low pressure—even if the spark plug fires, combustion lacks power. Control unit issues, like ECU errors or faulty sensors, can misjudge operating conditions and shut down the cylinder. The car will noticeably shake, struggle to accelerate, and fuel consumption will spike. Ignoring this can damage the entire engine. I recommend regularly checking spark plug life and fuel system cleanliness, and visiting a professional shop immediately if issues arise to avoid minor problems turning into major repairs. An unbalanced engine wastes more fuel and increases safety risks, so stay vigilant.
When I first started driving, I didn’t understand maintenance, and as a result, one cylinder failed, causing the entire car to shake violently. Later, as I became more knowledgeable, I realized there could be various reasons: spark plugs aging and failing, with electrode gaps too wide to ignite; ignition coils burning out and breaking the circuit; fuel injectors clogging, preventing fuel from reaching the cylinder. It could also be due to cylinder leakage causing insufficient compression, such as from valve deformation or piston ring damage. Electronic control issues, like a faulty crankshaft position sensor, could mislead the ECU into shutting down that cylinder. Symptoms, besides shaking, include smoky exhaust and increased fuel consumption. The lesson I learned was to regularly replace spark plugs and inspect wiring harnesses to avoid aging. Uneven engine operation accelerates wear, so timely repairs are essential for safety. A simple self-check involves using a stethoscope to listen for differences in cylinder sounds to preliminarily identify the problem source.
