Engine Misfire: Causes, Signs, and How to Fix It

When your car sputters, shakes, or loses power suddenly, you’re likely dealing with an engine misfire, a condition where one or more cylinders fail to ignite fuel properly. Also known as a cylinder misfire, it’s not just a nuisance—it can damage your catalytic converter, waste fuel, and even leave you stranded on the highway. This isn’t some rare glitch. It’s one of the most common engine problems drivers face, and it’s often caused by simple, fixable issues.

An engine misfire usually happens because of three things: bad spark plugs, the tiny electrodes that ignite fuel in the cylinder, a failing fuel system, including clogged injectors or a weak fuel pump, or a broken ignition coil, the part that sends high voltage to the spark plugs. Sometimes, it’s even something as simple as a cracked vacuum hose or a dirty oxygen sensor, which tells the engine how much fuel to burn. If you’ve noticed your check engine light blinking or heard a rough idle, those are red flags.

Most people panic and assume they need a new engine. But 80% of the time, it’s just one part that’s worn out. You don’t need to replace the whole engine. You just need to know where to look. The posts below show you exactly how to diagnose a misfire without guessing. You’ll find step-by-step checks for spark plugs, fuel pressure tests, coil testing methods, and how to tell if your oxygen sensor is lying to your engine. Some of these fixes take under an hour. Others save you from a much bigger bill down the road. Whether you’re a weekend mechanic or just trying to avoid a tow truck, this collection gives you the real, no-fluff answers.