How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Misfire?
Last Updated on December 20, 2023
A cylinder misfire could cost anywhere from $5 to $3,000, depending on whether you need to replace a sparkplug or replace your engine.
An engine misfire occurs when the cylinders fail to produce power. Signs of misfiring cylinders include slow and shaky acceleration or vibrations when idling. The chance of a misfire increases in warm or cold engines.
How much does it cost to fix a misfire? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the cost of repairing an engine misfire.
Key Takeaways:
- Engine misfires can range from minor issues like faulty wiring to major problems requiring engine replacement, costing between $5 and $3,000.
- Common signs of an engine misfire include slow acceleration, rough idling, stalling, and the check engine light turning on.
- Various factors, such as faulty spark plugs, damaged valves, or fuel system issues, can cause engine misfires.
- Timely repair by a trusted mechanic is crucial, as costs vary based on the misfire’s cause, with labor rates generally ranging from $35 to $150 per hour.
What Is an Engine Misfire?
Engines require the right mix of air and fuel for smooth function. Your engine has cylinders to maintain the right balance of air and fuel.
When the ratio of air and fuel changes, it creates improper ignition within the combustion chamber, causing a misfire.
Misfires can also occur when a piston doesn’t descend, causing the crankshaft to stop.
The risk of a misfire increases as your vehicle gets older. Wear and tear in spark plugs, wires, camshafts, and other components could increase the risk of a misfire.
You could experience a misfire on any cylinder. They’re most common, however, on cylinder 1.
In some cases, engine misfires are caused by an issue that’s easy to fix, like faulty wiring, a faulty spark plug, or a disconnected injector. In other cases, engine misfires are caused by damage to critical components of the engine, increasing the cost of repairs.
Signs of an Engine Misfire
The most recognizable signs of an engine misfire include:
- Slow, shaky, or weak acceleration
- Vehicle vibrations when idling or “rough idling”
- Stalling engine
- Check engine light
- Sputtering sound
- Difficulty starting the vehicle
What Causes an Engine to Misfire?
General wear and tear on a vehicle can cause a misfire. The chance of a misfire also increases when dealing with a warm or cold engine.
Some of the things that cause an engine to misfire include:
- Faulty spark plugs or wiring
- Broken piston rings
- Damage to valves and valve springs
- Damaged ignition coin
- Clogs or other dysfunction in the fuel injector
- Wear and tear on the camshaft
Other causes of a misfire include a clogged catalytic converter, a clogged crankcase ventilation shaft, issues with the oxygen sensor, vacuum leaks, and leaks in manifold gaskets, among other factors.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix an Engine Misfire?
Fixing an engine misfire could be simple and affordable. Or, it could require you to replace the entire engine.
In some cases, for example, an engine misfire is caused by an injector or coil plug being disconnected, in which case it’s a simple fix.
In other cases, there are damaged components that need to be repaired or replaced. In some cases, ignoring an engine misfire for a long time caused greater damage to the engine and components, increasing the cost of repairs.
Generally, you can expect to pay $35 to $150 per hour for labor. Then, you’ll pay for any parts you need to repair or replace.
The cost of repairing your engine misfire varies based on the cause:
- $200 to $1,250 to repair a faulty fuel delivery system
- $100 to $400 to repair damaged spark plug wires
- $500 to $750 to repair broken valve springs
- Up to $2,000 to repair chipped piston rings
- $200 to $1,000 to repair a vacuum leak
- Up to $3,000 to repair other damaged engine components or the engine itself
Other Things You Need to Know About the Cost of Repairing an Engine Misfire
Engine misfires can be simple or complicated, depending on the source of the issue.
Here are other things you need to know about the cost of repairing an engine misfire:
Engine Misfires Are a Repairable Issue: As long as you don’t ignore the engine misfire for a long time, you can generally repair the issue. Have a trusted mechanic look at your vehicle as soon as you notice signs of an engine misfire.
Your Engine Draws Less Power After a Misfire: The primary sign of an engine misfire is an engine that draws less power. Your car may struggle to accelerate, for example, or feel “weak” overall when increasing in speed.
Shakes or Vibrations May Mean a Misfire: If your vehicle feels like it’s shaking or vibrating, then it could be a sign of an engine misfire.
Talk to a Trusted Mechanic: Engine misfires could be a simple issue to repair – like a simple spark plug or wiring change. Or, it could be a complex and expensive issue. Take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic to ensure you get an accurate diagnosis of the issue.
Final Word
An engine misfire is an issue you can repair. Contact a mechanic to ask about the cost of repairing your engine misfire.
In some cases, engine misfires are caused by a problem that can easily be fixed – like a plug coil or injector that was disconnected.
In other cases, engine misfires are caused by damaged components that need to be repaired or replaced, increasing the cost of repairing the issue.
Depending on the cause of your engine misfire, you could pay anywhere from $100 to $3,000 to repair it. Engines can misfire for a variety of reasons.
