Will the car's misfire trigger the malfunction indicator light?
2 Answers
Car misfire will trigger the malfunction indicator light, usually a yellow warning light. After engine misfire occurs, the vehicle will experience increased fuel consumption, black smoke emission, weak acceleration, severe vibration, and louder engine noise. It's also prone to stalling. The method to diagnose misfire is relatively simple: sequentially disconnect spark plug wires or fuel injector connectors while the engine is running. For normally functioning cylinders, cutting off spark or fuel will cause obvious engine reaction, while non-functioning cylinders will show almost no change in engine operation. Another method is to use an infrared thermometer to measure exhaust pipe temperature - the exhaust temperature of non-firing cylinders will be significantly lower than that of firing cylinders.
As a master mechanic with 20 years of experience, I can tell you that a misfiring cylinder will definitely trigger the check engine light. Modern vehicles use ECU computer systems to monitor engine status. Once a cylinder fails to ignite, the ECU detects abnormal RPM or excessive emissions through the crankshaft position sensor or oxygen sensor, immediately triggering a trouble code to illuminate the warning light. Common causes include worn spark plugs, cracked ignition coils, or clogged fuel injectors, which can cause severe engine vibration, power loss, and an uncomfortable driving experience. Ignoring this issue long-term may damage the catalytic converter and increase repair costs. Never ignore the warning light - promptly visit a professional repair shop for code diagnosis to prevent major issues. Regular spark plug replacement and maintenance can help prevent cylinder misfires.
