Engine is misfiring?

2005 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
100,077 MILES • 2.2L • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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BAT KID
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hi ive been having this misfire on my cavalier for a long time. its always had a very very slight rough idle for years but just until a month ago it finally got worse. long story short I would drive it and when I would come to a stop it would occasionally start misfiring but wen I drive it drives perfectly normal. only wen stopped or idling especially it would misfire intermittently. one night I got stranded cuz I was driving and the engine light started flashing I lost power so I pulled over, I checked the plugs and cylinder 4 plug was carbon fouled it was black and dry. I cleaned it and got it home and the code was a p0300 random misfire. the plug boots are still semi new so I changed the plugs,coil pack, and ignition control module that sits on the coil pack. after that and the car was fine. just a few days ago the car started acting up but differently this time. whenever the car idles it misfires a little but sometimes a lot and its at random. also when I put it in reverse the car starts misfiring like crazy. I checked the plugs and there are normal. the new coil fixed the fouling problem but ONLY when idling and in reverse the car misfires.no more codes came back ever since I cleared it a month ago. I put fuel injector cleaner in it,measured resistance and listened to the injectors,sprayed the engine for shorts but the problem still exists. im just stumped on how this car is acting especially with the car misfiring like hell in reverse
Jul 10, 2014 at 6:10 AM
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HMAC300
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This sounds like you have a fuel injector that is bad but to be sure here are two guides to help us fix it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-misfires-or-runs-rough

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-fuel-injector

Please run down these guides and report back.
Jul 10, 2014 at 7:21 AM
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BAT KID
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Thanks for the guides they showed me the fuel injector was bad so I got a new one the car has never run better thank you so much I love this site.
Jul 10, 2014 at 8:22 AM
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PATRILEY916
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I had the same problem but the spark plug was bad DOH!
Jan 31, 2015 at 7:45 AM
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BOYDABBOTT
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The engine is miss fireing on the two midle cylinders, I cheacked the coil-pack its good the crank sinsor I looked at and it was clean. What other things could be makeing it miss fire?
Oct 16, 2020 at 11:04 AM (Merged)
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OBXAUTOMEDIC
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[quote:e8d0879941="boydabbott"]Electrical problem
2004 Chevy Cavalier 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 98000 miles

The engine is miss fireing on the two midle cylinders, I cheacked the coil-pack its good the crank sinsor I looked at and it was clean. What other things could be makeing it miss fire?[/quote:e8d0879941]

Hello,

OK, you checked to coil pack. Did you check for spark at the plugs? Also check the plugs. When was your last tune-up? If all that checks out or you change the plugs and wire and it still missfiring check for vacuum leaks, bad or restricked injectors.

.
Oct 16, 2020 at 11:04 AM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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Engine Misfiring can be caused by worn or fouled spark plugs, a weak spark (weak coil, bad spark plug wire), loss of compression, vacuum leaks, anything that causes an unusually lean fuel mixture (lean misfire), an EGR valve that is stuck open, dirty fuel injectors, low fuel pressure, or even bad fuel.
Oct 16, 2020 at 11:04 AM (Merged)
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RBAXTER1
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04 cavalier facing into wind during snow started skipping. what should i look for and how would i repair it
Oct 16, 2020 at 11:04 AM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Check the ignition wires to see if they are arcing. If there presently is no miss, in the dark, mist water on them to see if anything shorts as well as the coil. Replace wires if you find an arcing.
Oct 16, 2020 at 11:04 AM (Merged)
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TAYNAB
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I am sitting at a stop light the car starts missing and now my ck engine light came on, had it cked and the computer said that all 4 plugs were miss firing changed plugs and still doing it. whatelse coule be the problem?
Oct 16, 2020 at 11:04 AM (Merged)
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JDL
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The code doesn't tell you what replace, just that the computer thinks there is problem on those circuits. Could be spark--fuel--compression, just about anything.

Did you visually check for spark at the plugs, engine cranking ? I realize some 4s may have the ignition module sitting right on top of the spark plugs. You can still test for spark, If you don't have a better way, Take the ignition module loose, turn it up side down, Use a spark tester in each boot, you'll have to ground metal part of tester/s to metal part of engine. Have helper crank it, while you watch for spark. Just a thought, after a bit of cranking, check the spark plugs, are they soaking wet with fuel?

Have you done a lot of cranking on this, You need to be sure the battery has a full charge or we can't do any testing.
Oct 16, 2020 at 11:04 AM (Merged)
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JDL
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Just an after thought, if it is only an idle issue, check idle air system. What were the actual codes #s
Oct 16, 2020 at 11:04 AM (Merged)
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SESTOVER
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Car wouldn't start in cold. Would turn over but not fire.
Battery went dead. Would not take a charge. Installed
new battery. After several tries, car started but idled
extremely rough and tried to stall.Check engine light
came on. I checked the codes and it read "Multiple/
Random Cylinder Misfire". Could the timing now be off
just by replacing the battery?
Oct 16, 2020 at 11:05 AM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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No, replacing the battery didn't cause the problem, but that isn't saying it isn't a concern. Start by checking fuel pump pressure and make sure that all plug wires are in good condition and not arcing. If the vehicle hasn't had plugs and wires for a long time, it may be time to replace them. NOTE: To check fuel pump pressure, go to our home page under DIY. There are directions and a video. Make sure the fuel pressure regulator is working properly (see video).
Oct 16, 2020 at 11:05 AM (Merged)
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2CP-ARCHIVES
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have a random misfire on 1 and 4 replaced plugs andcoilpack still misfiring. what should i check next
Oct 16, 2020 at 11:05 AM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Check to make sure the fuel pump pressure is within spec. Also, if the check engine light is on, check for trouble codes. Most parts stores will do it for free. Also, check to make sure the injectors are clean and getting power.
Oct 16, 2020 at 11:05 AM (Merged)
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SESTOVER
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Fault code P0300(multiple/random cylinder misfire). Cold engine starts up immediately but idles very rough.White exhaust and a strong odor of raw gas from tailpipe.Replaced plugs,plug boots,coil pack,fuel pressure check,ignition module,air filter,cleaned
fuel system. No change in engine operation.
Oct 16, 2020 at 11:06 AM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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The white smoke leads me to believe you have a bad head gasket. We should check that first here is a guide to help

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/head-gasket-blown-test

Please run down this guide and report back.
Oct 16, 2020 at 11:06 AM (Merged)
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TURBOJAY
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Thanks for this post I had this problem and the head gasket was blown I fixed it myself cost me $265.00 all fixed!
Oct 16, 2020 at 11:06 AM (Merged)
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NGHTREBEL34
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we have changed coils n modules computer crank sensor cam sensorhad computer programed for the car if you have any ideas please feel free to email me car has not been able to be drove in a few weeks need help soon thanks
Oct 16, 2020 at 11:06 AM (Merged)
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RHALL77
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what cylinders are missfiring or not getting spark
Oct 16, 2020 at 11:06 AM (Merged)
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NGHTREBEL34
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clynders 2 and 3 are not firing
Oct 16, 2020 at 11:06 AM (Merged)
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RHALL77
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check the ingnition module. this is most likley your cause. is it a eco tech engine
Oct 16, 2020 at 11:06 AM (Merged)
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DCJJJT
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been running great until yesterday,misfiring badly,a friends scan tool showed cyl.2 &3 misfiring,replaced coil pack and now have only slight miss but seems to be running very rich,anyone have any ideas.
Oct 16, 2020 at 11:06 AM (Merged)
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BRUNCIAK
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Swap #2 and #3 injectors with #1 and #4. If the injectors are bad you will get a misfire on #1 and #4 cylinders.
Oct 16, 2020 at 11:06 AM (Merged)
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COMPASS AUTO
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Have your ignition module tested, and check the spark plugs.
Oct 16, 2020 at 11:06 AM (Merged)
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03BLUECAVALIER
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I have a cylinder misfire.
Furthermore the sound coming from my muffler is altered.
The car fells like it is bogging down.
Engine is shaking as if I were in a high gear driving too slow.
Also right after I step on the clutch most of the time idle speed is temporarily drops to about 500rpm.

The problem is not
-compression
-fuel injector
-spark plugs
-coil pack

I had a mech check back pressure in the exhaust system he said that was fine, but the new mech I have it at wants to check it again.
It has been a month now that I do not have my car and all the mech I take it to think the problem is one thing only to find out they are wrong. The current mech I have it at is going to give up shortly and set my own my way with a bill and no result.

What do you think the problem is?
I could use all the help I can get. Thank you
Oct 16, 2020 at 11:06 AM (Merged)
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CZBONE
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You might check the coil pack housing and ignition module. I recently had a misfire problem, would hardly run at all, wasn't driveable.
I changed the coils and spark plugs, the problem persisted. I finally took it to a mechanic and the coil housing was the problem. I know you listed coil and plugs as not the problem, just a posibility you might check. I have a 97 2.4, not sure how much the ignition system has changed.
Oct 16, 2020 at 11:06 AM (Merged)
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03BLUECAVALIER
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I changed the coil pack and the plugs.
I will have to try the housing and the plugs boots.
My mech just handed me my car back and said he cann't fix it and for me to put it on a computer, but it would be costly.
Oct 16, 2020 at 11:06 AM (Merged)
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NEWLINE31
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Did you ever figure out a solution. I believe I am having a similar problem. Mine doesn't always do it though, it just depends. Sometimes when it does misfire, if I turn off the car and then turn it back on it works fine. I have replaced the plugs and cleaned the full injection system. Thanks for any help.
Oct 16, 2020 at 11:06 AM (Merged)
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MAXW0025
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I'am having the exact same problem and was also wondering if you have found a cure to your problem.
Oct 16, 2020 at 11:06 AM (Merged)
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PROFESSORBROTHER
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Had the same problem listed above. Changed out the spark plugs and tried the coil packs, but the problem persisted. Tried the coil pack housing on a whim because of a previous reply on this thread and it worked! I also have a '97 2.4L Cavalier. Hope this helps!
Oct 16, 2020 at 11:06 AM (Merged)
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DCHAVERA
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I have a 99 2.4L Cavalier and had the same problem. Change the housing around the coil packs first. After changing out many part, the check engine light went off and fixed it. However a few weeks later it's doing the same thing. Now I just need to find out WHY it is going out.
Oct 16, 2020 at 11:06 AM (Merged)
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RIVERMIKERAT
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Have it scanned for both soft and hard codes. Also have live data polled.
Oct 16, 2020 at 11:06 AM (Merged)
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MINDY JOHNSON
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I have a 2003 Cavalier just put new plugs and boots on it. Ran perfect till motor warmed up then was misfiring again.it comes cylinder 3 again as was before replaced the plugs. it also had a code P0440 EVAP System No Flow During Purge. Can you please help me on where to start i also put a new gas cap on it.

Thank you
Oct 16, 2020 at 11:06 AM (Merged)