What is multi-cylinder misfire?
3 Answers
There are many causes of engine misfire, which can be mainly divided into the following two aspects: 1. Damage to external components: mainly caused by components around the combustion chamber such as valves, valve seat rings, valve guides, and spark plugs. Usually, check the spark plugs, clean the carbon deposits on the intake and exhaust valves, and inspect the turbocharger for any issues, such as wear or burning of the turbocharger impeller. 2. Misfire caused by the failure to ignite or delayed ignition of the mixture in the cylinder: This is usually due to an abnormality in a certain component or part, causing the ECU to regulate the engine unstably, failing to meet the theoretical value calibrated by the ECU, resulting in misfire.
Multi-cylinder misfire refers to the issue where several cylinders in a car engine fail to ignite properly, which I think is quite common. Having driven for decades, common causes include aging or dirty spark plugs, burnt-out ignition coils, poor fuel injection such as clogged fuel injectors, or air leaks in the intake system. The symptoms are particularly noticeable—the car will shake irregularly, lack power during acceleration, the engine noise increases, and the dashboard warning light may come on. Long-term neglect can damage the catalytic converter, which is expensive to repair. I recommend promptly using a diagnostic tool to read the trouble codes, such as P0300, and start with simpler fixes like replacing spark plugs or cleaning fuel injectors. Regular maintenance checks on these components and maintaining fuel quality can help reduce the occurrence of such issues. In terms of safe driving, severe shaking can make the car unstable, especially at high speeds or on curves, increasing the risk of accidents—don’t push through and continue driving in such conditions.
Last time I experienced multi-cylinder misfires, the car shook violently—it felt like an earthquake in the driver's seat. Acceleration was sluggish, and fuel consumption skyrocketed alarmingly. At the repair shop, the mechanic suggested it might be faulty ignition coils or a weak fuel pump. Replacing them fixed the issue, costing around a thousand yuan in total. Regular maintenance like frequent spark plug changes and using fuel additives for cleaning can effectively prevent such problems. Don't underestimate these issues, especially when driving at night with flickering lights—it's even more dangerous. Now, I stop and check immediately if I notice anything unusual—safety comes first. Always refuel at reputable gas stations, as low-quality fuel can clog injectors and cause misfires.
