What is the cost of a cylinder misfire?
A cylinder fire can occur for many reasons. When it does, the car will run rough, jerk, or buck.
With every spark plug electronically timed to fire at an exact instant to deliver the engine’s specified output, one slight change can cause this so-called “misfire.”
Repairing a misfire isn’t as straightforward as other car repairs as the problem can be due to a variety of reasons, including worn-out spark plugs, a vacuum leak or worn valve seals, for example.
If your engine were to misfire, it’s important to bring it to a mechanic as soon as possible, as the problem will worsen over time, often damaging the internal components of the vehicle.
How much does a cylinder misfire repair cost?
A cylinder misfire can occur for a variety of reasons. To make it easier, we have created a table that will show you what repairs are required to correct the misfire. The reasons for the misfire can have a huge impact on the cost of repairs. With so many variables, you could spend as little as $150 for new spark plugs to as much as $1,000+ for a vacuum leak.
What May Cause the Engine MisfireAverage EstimateBad fuel delivery$200 to $1,000 or more, depending on the reason for the bad fuel deliveryBad spark plug wires$100 to $300Broken piston rings$1,500 to $3,000Broken valve springs$450 to $650Carbon or oil-fouled spark plugs$100 to $250, depending on the costs of the plugs and local labor ratesFaulty ignition coil$150 to $250Fuel injector$275 to $400Vacuum leak$200 to $800
For older vehicles, YourMechanic claims the culprit is almost always the ignition system as these vehicles often lack the sophisticated sensors which can cause the misfire. As for modern vehicles, misfiring will be accompanied by a “check engine” light, telling you exactly which cylinder is to blame and whether it’s a problem related to the injector service the cylinder or the systems responsible for the ignition spark. These codes are often referred to as the spark plug.
On this Reddit thread, a forum member’s check engine light had come on due to a cylinder 1 misfire. The $609 price was not including $80 diagnostics.
Cylinder misfire repair overview
Common reasons an engine may misfire can be due to a faulty spark plug, faulty ignition coil, broken piston rings, burnt out valves, broken valve springs, a worn out camshaft or the fuel injector isn’t working.
A mechanic will first use their code scanner to diagnose the problem. If the spark plug is to blame, a mechanic will start the engine at idle to determine if it can sustain itself. Then, the lead from the coil packs will be removed to determine which wire could be to blame. If the ignition and spark plugs weren’t the issue, then the injectors will be closely examined to see if it needs to be replaced. A multimeter will be used by the mechanic to check the resistance value and determine the Ohms value. If the values are outside the limits, it may be necessary to replace them. The fuel pump can also be responsible for misfiring engines. You can check the fuel pressure to confirm.
Engine misfire causes
When driving, you may hear more than one cylinder misfiring, similar to a popping or sneezing-like sound. You may also hear backfiring.
A misfiring engine can make louder sounds and produce a foul-smelling engine. However, it is diluted with coolant and oil. A damaged cylinder wall could result in a distinct odor.
An engine vibration can sometimes cause internal parts to spin unpredictably, leading to a loss in power.
The exhaust can also emit large amounts of black smoke, which should be addressed immediately.
How can I save cash?
It may seem too late but an engine misfire can still be avoided. Make sure you read your maintenance manual. To avoid future problems, keep the engine tuned to manufacturer specifications.
It is important to immediately fix any misfires so that future problems do not occur. It is possible to end up paying a lot more for repairs if you wait too long.
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FAQ:
Q1. What is a cylinder misfire?
A1. A cylinder misfire occurs when the fuel and air mixture in one of the engine’s cylinders fails to ignite properly.
Q2. How do I know if my car has a cylinder misfire?
A2. Signs of a cylinder misfire include a rough idle, engine hesitation, and a loss of power or acceleration.
Q3. How much does it cost to fix a cylinder misfire?
A3. The cost to fix a cylinder misfire can vary depending on the problem’s cause and the vehicle’s make and model. It could range from $50 for a simple spark plug replacement to $1,500 for a full engine rebuild.
Q4. Can a cylinder misfire cause damage to my engine?
A4. Yes, a cylinder misfire can cause damage to your engine over time. If left unresolved, it can cause increased wear and tear on engine components and lead to more serious issues.
