You've probably come across an engine misfire before if you've driven a car for a while. An engine misfire happens when the combustion process is unfinished, triggering the cylinder to remain unfired. Anytime you hear your engine misfire is an early sign you'll face car issues such as decreased engine power and increased fuel consumption and emissions. Below are some causes of engine misfires and how to mitigate them.
Vacuum Leakages
A leaking vacuum hose or intake manifold gasket could also be an indicator of a misfire, usually called a lean misfire. Lean misfires occur when there's an air-fuel mix issue(a mixture of too little fuel and too much air). Early signs of this problem are rough idling, the dashboard warning light turning on, and diminished gas mileage.
Worn Out Spark Plugs
Some engine misfires ensue from old or defective spark plugs. The spark plugs are small components with a crucial role in igniting fuel in the engine. If they're faulty or worn out, it means the engine won't fire on all cylinders. Signs of defective spark plugs include increased fuel economy in your car and difficulty in starting the engine.
A Malfunctioned Ignition Coil
An ignition coil transforms a low voltage output of your vehicle's battery to a high-voltage punch which initiates the firing of the spark plugs. A bad ignition coil will result in a misfire in the cylinder it serves.
Reduced Fuel Pressure
Low fuel pressure is another probable cause of engine misfires. Low pressure makes limited fuel enter the engine's combustion chamber leading to a lean air-fuel mixture, triggering misfires in all the cylinders. Signs of low fuel pressure include a faulty fuel pump, a clogged fuel filter, and a damaged fuel regulator. You can check fuel pressure using a manual fuel pressure gauge.
The engine is the heart of your car, and misfires could hinder its working efficiency. If you need engine repair, we invite you to bring your vehicle to Sherman Oaks Exclusive today!