Has your car’s engine started coughing and shuddering alarmingly while losing power? Does it seem like it’s struggling and about to stall? If you’re experiencing any of the indications of an engine misfiring laid out below, then it’s wise to visit your local Chevy dealership without delay. If not resolved, a misfiring engine can rapidly lead to more serious problems.
Sputtering, Shaking Engine
A misfire is when a spark plug inside one of the engine’s cylinders fails to spark and ignite the fuel properly. The leading cause of misfiring is when a spark plug becomes worn out, broken, or fouled by carbon residue, although faulty ignition coils, fuel injectors, air filters, catalytic converters, and airflow sensors can also result in misfiring.
Whatever the cause, as a misfiring spark plug fails to ignite the fuel-air mixture consistently, the engine shakes and sputters. This symptom will typically worsen when the car slows down and pauses in idle.
Suddenly Stalling Engine
At its worst, misfiring will cause the engine to stall. This means the spark plugs have failed to fire rapidly enough to keep the combustion process going, causing the engine to shut down.
Stalling can occur at the most inopportune of moments, such as when pausing at traffic lights or before a busy intersection. Sometimes, the engine will even struggle to start up again.
Thickening Exhaust Smoke
When a cylinder misfires, the fuel being injected can start to build up inside the combustion chamber. This excess unburned fuel may eventually start leaking back into the exhaust system, where it can partially ignite, causing thick black smoke to emerge from the tailpipe.
Reduced Engine Power
While misfiring, the engine is no longer working at optimal efficiency. This means it’s losing power. You’re likely to find it harder to accelerate while overtaking other vehicles or coming out of a corner.
Falling Fuel Economy
Without all the fuel being properly used, a misfiring engine will lose fuel efficiency. As a result, you may notice that you’re stopping at gas stations more frequently than usual.
Check Engine Light Appears
All the engine problems resulting from a misfiring cylinder will usually be picked up by the vehicle’s sensors. You’ll then see the check engine light appear on your dashboard.
This warning light probably won’t specify the exact problem, but if you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms at the same time, you can probably assume that misfiring is to blame. A trusted technician can help you to diagnose the underlying problem.
Have your misfiring engine checked and repaired today by experienced professionals at Blue Ribbon Chevrolet. Our full-service dealership serves as a reliable one-stop shop for all your automobile purchasing and servicing needs.
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