Cylinder misfiring...any Car Nuts? :)

just asked my DH, & he said take it to an auto parts store & have them hook it up to their diagnositics. The computer should be able to identify the issue, & then the store will give you an estimate on parts.

With an issue such as this, it may require multiple parts before the fix is finished....including computer chips. His 1st thought was plugs &/or the pickup wire/coils for the plugs. Plugs can run about $3 each....& this repair can head into the hundreds.

But, by having the parts store run a diagnostic, you will be better prepared to negotiate at your repair shop. It's almost like a 2nd opinion beforehand..... Good Luck!

I have an 06 Kia and it needed a new coil, it was doing something funky like that. It cost 160 total, (sorry I hate cars wishing they had better public transportation around here b/w gas, ins and repairs its $$$).

Timing belt?

Wicked expensive by the way.

You could go to an auto zone type place and buy the spark plugs. Sometimes if you smile nice they will put them in for you. If not you need a socket wrench and a gapper. Well it isn't called a gapper but it is this series if metal blades of different thickness that you slide into the spark plug to make sure the gap is the right size. I started replacing my dad's spark plugs when I was six, trust me it is easy.

If that isn't the problem you are only out around 20 dollars if it is you saved a bundle.

well, I think the cheapest thing would be to replace the spark plugs, so I'd start there. It's going to be a process of elimination.

My job is cars. Our rule of thumb is that the first step is always to catch up on maintenance before doing any other diagnostic tests. On your car, the spark plugs were due to be replaced at 100,000 miles. So if you have not done that, then just bring it in to have them replace those. Unfortunately, because you have a 6 cylinder car the labor could be as high as 1.8 hours according to my labor guide. In terms of other diagnostics, the only thing worth having them do would be to ask them to do a quick "wet test" of the spark plug wires and the ignition coil pack. If they get any arcing, then those component(s) could be an issue.

If you have more questions, feel free to PM me. You can send me the engine codes from their diagnostic if you want.

I also need to correct some misinformation. If the only thing the repair shop has done for her was to read the codes stored in the computer, then they can NOT tell whether it is the spark plugs, ignition coil, ignition wires, or other component. All it will tell them is a code number or numbers. Misfire codes could be any one or more of codes P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, P0306. Also, if you decide to replace your own spark plugs make sure you research the exact recommended spark plug. Some cars require a fancier plug than a $3 Auto Zone plug or you can cause bigger more expensive problems by using the wrong brand or type of plug...seen it many times.

I don't like this guy, okay? (Sorry - it's the first thing that came into my head.)

The reason is that the same thing happened to me and I drove it directly to my dealership. They did the computer diagnostic and were able to tell me with no doubt or hesitation that it was the spark plug.

I think this guy wants to eat you up with labor fees by saying "maybe it's this or maybe it's that" after he "hooked it up".

I'm not a ray of sunshine, I know. But I will tell you what he told me. It was good that I came in before it "jumped" from one spark plug to the others.

Sorry...
Dawn

Grew up with gear head family that raced cars, collected cars, fixed cars as a hobby. Truthfully, It could be any of the things the mechanic said. All those things could cause those symptoms. Cheapest thing is going to be spark plugs or wires even but it could go all the way to some things that cost well a ton with parts and labors. Do you have any friends or friends of friends that work on cars as a hobby that might be looking for a few spare dollars? Spark plugs and even the wires can be very inexpensive and aren't a deal to change especially for someone who is a mechanic or even just a gear head. Right now the economy isn't that great and I know lots of gear heads who'd fix the car for parts and a few bucks to be honest. Alot less than a shop who has the overhead of the building, all it's lovely bills, paying the mechanic, and other expenses. Just something to think about.

Otherwise, take it into a trusted mechanic. There are alot of jerks out there but if you ask around you will start to hear some names over and over again. Getting cars fixed sucks because it's time consuming, and there is always variables that you didn't see coming. Sadly that's the best advice you can get. Luckily we have the internet now and you can look up what the parts cost and the average labor time for the job that needs done right after he gives you the estimate on your phone. So you know if you can tell him to keep the estimate and you'll find someone else or not. That's another recommendation people once they hand over their hard earned dollars for an estimate need to walk away if it doesn't sound right. Too many people just go oh ok because they don't want to throw away the 50 it just cost for the estimate. Sometimes throwing that 50 away is FAR cheaper in the end than letting a crook or imbecile fix your car.