A cylinder misfire is when one or more cylinders don’t produce power. A cylinder misfire can cause your car to jerk buck or run rough.
This problem can be a result of several reasons, including a Faulty spark plug, a damaged oxygen sensor, clogged fuel injectors, and more.
So, have you noticed that your car has a cylinder misfire and wondered how much it will cost to fix the problem? If yes, then today you have landed in the right place. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about a cylinder misfire including how it costs to fix the issue.
Contents
How much does it cost to fix a cylinder misfire?
There is no exact figure of how much it will cost to fix a cylinder misfire. This is because a cylinder misfire can occur as a result of many reasons. How much you will pay to fix the problem depends on the cause of the issue.
With so many variables at play, you can spend as little as $5 for a faulty spark plug or as much as $500 if the problem is a result of a hole in the piston. The number of cylinders that have misfired will also determine how much it will cost.
For instance, if two cylinders have misfired, you will pay more compared to if only one cylinder has misfired. Below is a detailed breakdown of how much it costs to fix a cylinder misfire.
Average costs of cylinder misfire fix
Cause of cylinder misfire | The average cost in $ |
Faulty spark plug | 5 |
Faulty spark plug leads | 12 |
Faulty ignition coil | 45 |
Burnt out valve | 500 |
Faulty management system | 1000 |
Hole in the piston | 5000 |
Vacuum leak | 800 |
Faulty fuel injector | 400 |
Broken valve springs | 650 |
If your car has a cylinder misfire, take it to a trusted mechanic as soon as possible. The mechanic will inspect the car to know the cause of the cylinder misfire and tell you what needs to be done and how much it will cost to fix the issue.
Is cylinder misfire easy to fix?
It depends on the cause of the problem. A cylinder misfire can take minutes or hours to fix depending on the cause of the problem.
For instance, if the cylinder misfire is caused by a hole in the piston, then this is a big problem that can only be fixed by replacing the entire engine, a process that will take hours to complete.
On the other hand, if the misfire is a result of a faulty spark plug, then it will only take a few minutes to complete. So, the cause of the problem will determine whether the issue is difficult or easy to fix.
But generally, most causes of cylinder misfires are usually complex and need to be fixed by a qualified and experienced mechanic.
Common causes of engine cylinder misfire
Problem with the ignition system
One of the main causes of cylinder misfiring is if the ignition system has some issues. Modern ignition systems have multiple crucial components, including spark plugs, coil packs, crankshaft, and wire. If there is an issue with any of these parts, then it can cause a cylinder to misfire.
Problem with the emission equipment
Most modern cars are equipped with emission equipment that helps to minimize the amount of pollution emitted to the environment.
A good example of this equipment is the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR). If the emission equipment is not functioning properly it can alter the air/fuel mixture on the engine causing the cylinder to misfire.
An issue with air and fuel delivery
For the engine to work, air and fuel mix in the engine which is then ignited by the spark plug. The continuous explosion power at the engine creates a rotational force which then propels the car.
If an issue occurs that throws off the air/fuel mixture because of a vacuum leak or fail fuel injector then it may cause a cylinder to misfire.
An issue with the control circuit
All inputs and outputs of the engine are connected through electrical circuits. If there is an issue with the control circuit such as loss of connection or damaged wiring it can cause a cylinder to misfire.
Sensor problem
Modern cars are equipped with many sensors that control crucial functions like spark timing and fuel delivery. If the sensor malfunctions, it can send a wrong signal that can cause a cylinder to misfire.
Engine problems
The engine contains pistons that compress air and fuel mixture, when the piston moves upward, the cylinder must remain sealed off completely to create sufficient compression.
If there is a mechanical problem with the engine, then the cylinder may fail to seal off completely leading to loss of compression and thus a cylinder misfire.
Symptoms of a cylinder misfire
Rough acceleration
When a cylinder misfire occurs, you will feel a strong jerk coming from the engine. This mostly occurs when in high gear.
Heavy vibration
The car engine is designed to be balanced. When one or two cylinders and not firing properly, the engine will be thrown out of balance causing heavy vibration when accelerating and when the car is idle.
Abnormal sounds
When the cylinder misfire, the engine will make a sudden pop sound. If you notice a sudden change in engine sound then chances are that the cylinder is not firing properly.
Check engine light
Modern cars are equipped with sensors that monitor engine performance. If the sensors detect any problem with the engine, you will be alerted immediately. So, if there is a check engine alert, then the issue could be a cylinder that is not firing properly.
Unusual smell
An Unusual smell from the engine is also a sign of cylinder misfire. A damaged cylinder wall can cause fluid to leak, resulting in an unusual smell.
Loss of power
When there is a cylinder misfire, your car will lose up to 30% of power, meaning it will struggle to accelerate. So, if you notice that your car has lost power, then the problem could be a result of a cylinder misfire.
Final verdict
From the information given above, the cost of fixing a cylinder misfire varies depending on the cause of the problem. Some problems such as faulty spark plugs are less costly to fix while others like a hole in the piston are costly to fix.
If your car shows the symptoms of cylinder misfire, you should take it to the nearest mechanic for a thorough checkup and repair. If the problem is not fixed on time, then it can escalate to a more serious problem that will cost you a lot of money to fix.
