What does it mean if a car engine is misfiring?
(2012-02-06 15:20:13) 1. Says: My roommmate's car's engine is misfiring, according to the mechanic he asked. The engine vibrates somewhat violently and the engine check light flashes. I was hesitant to get into the car with him, because he said his engine could catch on fire at any time and the car would blow up.Is that really the case?2. Says: nope. it is a lack of a firing plug usually, not a rogue arsonist :)
causes:
•Spark plugs
•Spark plug wires
•Ignition coil
•Fuel injector
•Wiring to fuel injector
•Timing Belt
•Vacuum leak or stuck open EGR
•Contaminated fuel or bad fuel pump
•Weak compression
•Blown head gasket
Did he get a code # from the service tech?
Misfire codes (including P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, P0306, P0307 & P0308) indicate that there is a misfire in a cylinder, the last number indicates which cylinder has the problem. If something is causing a miss in random cylinders or is affecting all of them, a P0300 misfire code will be stored in the car's computer. It's always smart to begin with the basics. Also consider the mileage and service history when diagnosing a misfire. Higher mile vehicles are more inclined to have mechanical issues with the engines, like low compression from worn valves or rings etc. Any accompanying codes should also be considered in case they may be related. If the spark plugs are worn (excessive gap) or the car is past due for a tune up, it may be smart to go ahead and start with spark plugs and spark plug wires and go from there.
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If by chance he has an old ford pinto, recalled at one time for exploding on impact, then you should WALK!3. Says: Like the two persons above me said, it's a cylinder miss fire. It is the same thing that happened to my Ford Expedition. A cylinder was misfiring and the whole engine vibrated bad. I was still able to drive it for half a week before I got paid and had money to fix it.4. Says: No the car won't "blow up." Misfiring is when a cylinder doesn't combust the aerated gasoline at the proper timing. This can cause the engine to cease or maybe overheat, but most likely not catch on fire and certainly not explode. Tag: What does it mean if a car engine is misfiring?