Misfire All Cylinders on One Side of Engine | Bank 1 or 2
Check engine light is on, so you decide to read the fault codes. It turns out that you have multiple P0300 fault codes. Further troubleshooting determines that all the diagnostic trouble codes are on one side of the engine. The YOUCANIC Full System Scanner can read and clear fault codes through every vehicle’s control module.
This article looks at common problems that can cause misfire codes on only one block. Before diving into this topic, it is essential to point out that if you have this problem after changing the spark plugs or ignition coils, ensure that the spark plug wires and ignition coil harnesses are not switched around.
What can cause a misfire on one bank, or side of the engine?
Catalytic Converter
A clogged catalytic converter is one of the most common problems that will cause misfire codes on one side of the engine. This issue only applies to vehicles with two catalytic converters and one catalytic converter for each bank.
A catalytic converter that is completely or partially clogged will restrict the exhaust gases. Because the exhaust can not escape the cylinder, it builds excessive pressure, and that cylinder will not fire properly. Each catalytic converter is connected to all the cylinders on one side; you will get several misfire codes plus the typical P0300 random misfire code.
A clogged catalytic converter can be verified by performing an exhaust backpressure test. You must remove the upstream oxygen sensor and connect an exhaust back pressure test gauge. Run the engine for a minute or crank it for a moment. To learn more, follow this guide on how to perform an exhaust backpressure test.
Comparing oxygen sensor values between the two catalytic converters can also hint at a bad catalytic converter. Also, symptoms of a clogged catalytic converter include:
- Check engine light on or flashing.
- Sluggish acceleration
- The smell of rotten eggs from the exhaust
- Excessive heat, catalytic converter turning red.
The chances of a partially clogged catalytic converter are high if you have these symptoms.
Low Engine Compression
Another possible problem that can cause misfire fault codes on only one side is low compression. A blown head gasket can cause low compression. To determine if you have low compression, remove the spark plugs. Connect a compression gauge to the spark plug holes and crank the engine several times.
Healthy engines should compress over 120 psi per cylinder, with no more than 10 percent variation between the highest and lowest readings. Since the gasoline engine has a spark plug, only moderate compression is enough, requiring about 140-160 pounds per square inch (PSI). Depending on their size and application, some engines may require higher compression, such as 220 PSI.
Wire Harness
A damaged wire harness from the ECU to the ignition coils can also be the culprit. Use a digital multimeter to test that you have power going to the ignition coil and a good ground connection.
Engine Control Unit
A faulty Engine Control Unit (ECU) can cause multiple random misfire codes. A bad ECU will likely cause misfire codes on all cylinders, but it may affect only specific cylinders in a few rare cases. Symptoms include communication errors and random fault codes.
Mass Air Flow Sensor
Vehicles sometimes have two air intakes, one for each bank. This translates into one Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor per bank. If one of the MAF sensors fails, it will send the wrong air volume and temperature data to the ECU. Since the ECU has inaccurate data about the air entering that side of the engine, the ECU will calculate the air/fuel ratio incorrectly. This causes the wrong amount of fuel to be sent to the cylinder on one side, which leads to misfire codes on one side of the engine.
Camshaft Position Sensor
The camshaft position sensor detects the speed of the well….the camshaft. The ECU uses this data to adjust the timing, timing of spark, and fuel injection. A bad CPS sensor can trigger misfire codes on one side of the engine.
This guide applies to all makes and models that utilize a V engine, such as V6, V8, V10, and V12. These engines are found in many makes, including Acura, Audi, BMW, Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Subaru, etc.
It doesn’t apply to vehicles with four-cylinder engines, inlines 5 and 6, since they typically have only one catalytic converter. It will apply if your vehicle has two catalytic converters, such as the case with BMW inline-six engines.
Can a booster vacuum leak cause misfires on only one bank?
Yes, a booster vacuum leak can cause misfires on only one bank. A vacuum leak in the booster system can affect the air/fuel mixture, causing an imbalance and leading to a misfire in one bank of cylinders.
The vacuum booster system is responsible for providing the necessary vacuum pressure to operate various components in the engine, including the EGR valve, PCV valve, and power brake booster. A vacuum leak in any part of this system can cause a loss of vacuum pressure and affect engine performance, resulting in misfires on one bank of cylinders.
A professional mechanic will use diagnostic tools, a vacuum gauge, a smoke machine, or a digital multimeter to diagnose and repair a vacuum leak in the booster system.
What would cause a misfire in only one cylinder?
A misfire in only one cylinder can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Ignition system problems: A faulty spark plug, ignition coil, or ignition control module can cause a misfire in one cylinder.
- Fuel system issues: A clogged fuel injector or a weak fuel pump can result in insufficient fuel delivery to a cylinder, causing a misfire.
- Vacuum leaks: A vacuum leak can cause an imbalance in the air/fuel mixture, resulting in a misfire in one cylinder.
- Valve train problems: A faulty valve, valve spring, or rocker arm can cause a misfire in one cylinder.
- Engine mechanical issues: A damaged or worn piston, rod, or bearings can cause a misfire in one cylinder.
- Computer problems: A faulty Engine Control Module (ECM) can cause a misfire in one cylinder.
To diagnose the specific cause of a misfire in one cylinder, a professional mechanic will use diagnostic tools such as an OBD-II scanner, a digital multimeter, and a cylinder pressure gauge. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your vehicle.
