Camaro and Firebird: Why is My Car Misfiring?

There are a few things that can go wrong in your Camaro or Firebird that would cause an engine misfire, read on to learn how to diagnose it.

By Bassem Girgis - March 2, 2016

This article applies to the Camaro and Firebird (1996-2002).

An engine misfire in the Camaro or Firebird can be caused by one or more components going bad. If you feel like your engine skips a beat, that's an engine misfire. This guide will go over what you need to do to discover the culprit. It's recommended you figure out the issue as soon as you can, so you don't cause any further damage to your vehicle. So if your car keeps misfiring, read on to learn how to diagnose it and get it to stop acting silly.

Camaro and Firebird Why is Car Misfiring

Materials Needed

  • Socket
  • Long screwdriver

Step 1 – Check spark plug wires

They could be worn or cracked.

If one of the spark plugs doesn't fire on time, the engine could misfire. Since the spark plug wires are what transfer the current to the spark plugs, they are the first parts we should inspect. Visually check all of the wires and make sure they have no cracks or wears. If you see any signs of tears or wears, be sure to replace all of them as a set. They will not only play a role in avoiding misfires, but they will also play a role in your car's performance, acceleration, and gas mileage.

bad spark plug wire
Figure 1. Bad spark plug wire.

If your spark plug wires are in good shape, proceed to Step 2.

Step 2 – Check spark plugs

They could be burnt.

As we mentioned above, if one or more of the spark plugs don't fire, the engine will misfire. The spark plugs are what give spark in the engine combustion, which causes the engine to operate at optimal performance. The spark plugs should be replaced every 30,000 miles, so if you don't remember the last time you've replaced them, now is definitely the time. Remove each spark plug using your socket, and inspect their tips. If any of the spark plugs look burnt, replace them all as a set.

bad versus good spark plug
Figure 2. Bad vs. good spark plug.

If the spark plugs are in good shape, proceed to Step 3.

Step 3 – Check fuel injectors

They could be dirty or faulty.

The fuel injectors spray fuel in the right time, which is the third party in the combustion process. If one of your fuel injectors fail to spray gas properly, it could cause your engine to misfire. Remove each fuel injector, and make sure there is no grime on the tip where the gas sprays. To ensure they are working, start your car, then use your long screwdriver as a stethoscope. Put the tip of the screwdriver on each fuel injector, and put your ear on the other end. If you hear a clicking sound, that means your injector is working properly. However, if you don't hear any sound, it means your injector has stopped working and is in need of replacement.

fuel injectors
Figure 3. Fuel injectors.

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