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Engine Misfires

Urgency: High

An engine misfire occurs when one or more cylinders fail to fire properly. You may feel a jerking sensation, loss of power, or hear popping sounds from the exhaust. Misfires can be caused by ignition problems (spark plugs, coils), fuel delivery issues, or mechanical problems (low compression). Persistent misfires can damage the catalytic converter.

Need to read your codes?

An OBD-II scanner lets you read and clear diagnostic trouble codes from your vehicle's computer. Most scanners work with any car made after 1996.

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Possible Causes

  • Worn spark plugs
  • Failed ignition coil
  • Clogged fuel injector
  • Vacuum leak
  • Low fuel pressure
  • Worn valve seals

Related OBD-II Codes

When to See a Mechanic

See a mechanic as soon as possible. Continued driving with misfires can damage your catalytic converter, which is an expensive repair.

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