Q: Car is misfiring

asked by on June 02, 2016

My local Mazda dealership mechanics couldn't figure this problem out. I've been experiencing misfires on the #3 cylinder for a couple years now. While the car was still under warranty, they would just replace spark plugs and coils, then the car would be fine for a time. I think the last year it was under warranty, I had it in 4 times for the exact same issue. They eventually swapped the #3 coil and plug with one of the other 3 in the car and the misfires continued on #3. Then they replaced the air intake, but it still happened again. The check engine light came on and #3 cylinder misfired again. While working on the car with a friend, we pulled the power harness from the front of the #3 COP, and then he realized he didn't have the tools he needed, so we plugged it back in. I started the car to go home, and the previous sputtering/misfires had gone away. Later that day, my check engine light also turned off. So, it turns out that every time Mazda was replacing spark plugs and coils, the only thing that was really fixing the problem was them unplugging the power from the #3 COP, and then plugging it back in again. Since then, misfires would happen every about 2 to 3 times a year. I unplug the power from the #3 COP and it would fix it every time. I've tried just moving the wires near the plastic connector a bit when this happens, just in case something was loose, but the only thing that ever seemed to "fix" it was to unplug and plug it back in again. So, that brings me to this week. I've had misfires the last several days in a row, and my previous workaround is not working anymore. Is this something I can fix myself?

Engine is misfiring Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

It sounds to me like you have a wire connector issue with the ignition coil pins. The male and female sides fit too loose and only make partial contact. After driving a while a small amount of corrosion forms in the connection and causes the misfire. As soon as you disconnect and reconnect it the connection was made again so it would work for a while. The coil may have failed due to excessive resistance from the corrosion in the connector, and this is most likely what has happened now. I suggest you have the vehicle scanned again. If the failure was #3, then replace the coil and connector. You should also try and put stabilant 22 in all the coil connectors before reconnecting them. The stabilant 22 will stop any corrosion and help keep a full connection. A certified mechanic from YourMechanic can inspect your misfiring issue at your home or office.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

What Is the Difference Between a 2-Cycle and 4-Cycle Engine
The difference between a 2-cycle engine and 4-cycle engine is the 2-cycle only needs one revolution of the crankshaft to get to a power stroke, while a 4-cycle engine needs 2 revolutions. To help explain the two different types of...
How do I adjust the rearview mirror?
The rearview mirror is an extremely important safety feature that provides you with visibility through your rear window. Before driving, you should always adjust your rearview mirror so that you have maximum visibility. You can adjust the mirror manually, by...
Car won't start in hot weather
One possible cause of this issue could be the ignition control module or ignitor. Once they age, they are very susceptible to heat and temperature. Another possibility could be a main relay as well. Fault codes should be read out...
Car chugs & dies when gas gauge gets to 1/4 full
The fuel sending unit is not accurate and is empty at 1/4 of a tank, or you have a fuel pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-fuel-pump) that has a faulty bottom screen which has come off and sucks air below a 1/4 tank. A...
Whistling noise when press in on clutch
Hey there. It sounds like the noise comes around when you are using the clutch which sounds to me like you may have an issue with your throwout bearing. The part on the vehicle may have been faulty and failed...
2007 Infiniti fx35 cranking but not starting. Do you know what the problem might be?
Hi there. The fuel pump is not energizing and causing the engine to not start. Check the fuel pump relay and listen for it to click. Also listen for the fuel pump to hum when the key is turned on....
found a patch of transmission fluid on the ground burning smell below my radiator
Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle is likely experiencing a leak or other malfunction with the cooling system. It is difficult to say without performing an inspection, but you can perform a basic one just by visually looking...
Does bad AC compressor makes the steering stiff
It is possible that the compressor is beginning to lock up and the belt is slipping on the pulley. This can cause a burnt rubber smell, as well as some smoke. When the belt spins on a locked up pulley,...
Hesitation when accelerating
Hi There, It sounds like you may have a clogged catalytic converter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/catalytic-converter-replacement) that may be causing the vehicle to struggle to accelerate. There are a number of reasons that may cause the catalytic converter to fail. They include: O2...

Related articles

P0013 OBD-II Trouble Code: B Camshaft Position - Open or Short in Oil Control Valve (OCV) (Bank 1)
P0013 code definition “B” Camshaft Position - Open or Short in Oil Control Valve (OCV) (Bank 1) What the P0013 code means...
P0015 OBD-II Trouble Code: Camshaft Position B - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1)
P0015 code definition Camshaft Position “B” - Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1) What the P0015 code means P0015 is the OBD-II generic code...
P2650 OBD-II Trouble Code: “B” Rocker Arm Actuator Control Circuit Open Bank 1
P2650 P2650 trouble code definition “B” Rocker Arm Actuator Control Circuit Open Bank 1 What the P2650 code means P2650 is an OBD-II generic code for the engine control module (ECM) detecting the B rocker arm actuator control circuit for...