When your INFINITI starts acting up while you’re cruising through Queens, one common problem could be an engine misfire. This happens when something throws off the timing or process of your engine firing properly, and instead of a smooth and steady drive, you might feel shaking, sluggish acceleration, or rough idling. That little hiccup might not seem like much at first, but ignoring it could lead to damage down the line.
An engine misfire should be looked at quickly because it can mess with fuel economy, engine performance, and even cause more severe damage if left untreated. A check engine light might pop on. Your ride may start vibrating, or it may not respond the way it usually does when you hit the gas. These are signs your INFINITI needs attention, and understanding the reasons behind a misfiring engine can keep things from getting worse.
Common Causes Of Engine Misfires
There are a few different problems that can cause your INFINITI’s engine to misfire. Some are quick to fix, others might need a deeper look. Here are the most common causes that show up in our service bays:
1. Faulty Spark Plugs
Spark plugs help light the fuel-air mixture inside your engine, which is a main part of how it runs. If the spark plugs are old, dirty, or worn out, they won’t fire correctly, and that can lead to a misfire. Heat, oil deposits, and just general wear from driving can break down the quality of your spark plugs over time.
2. Ignition Coil Issues
The ignition coil sends high-voltage electricity to your spark plugs. If it’s not delivering that charge properly, then the spark plug doesn’t do its job, which leads to a misfire. A failed coil can cause random misfires or even prevent your car from starting.
3. Fuel System Problems
Fuel needs to reach the engine in a clean, steady stream. If your fuel injectors are clogged or your fuel pump isn’t doing what it should, the mixture of fuel and air isn’t right. That throws off the engine process, causing misfires. You might notice it most when accelerating or under load.
4. Vacuum Leaks
Your engine takes in air through a carefully measured path, but if there’s a leak in the system—maybe a cracked hose or loose fitting—it can lead to the wrong air-fuel ratio. That can cause rough idling, stalling, or misfiring while driving.
Even though each of these issues can show up differently, they all lead to the same type of problem: your engine struggles to fire like it should. A good example is someone with an older QX60 who started feeling shaking when stopped at red lights. After a quick inspection, it turned out to be a cracked ignition coil boot, a relatively small fix that made a big difference.
Checking for these issues early can save a lot of hassle and money before things get worse. If any of the symptoms listed above sound familiar, it’s probably time to take a closer look at what’s going on under the hood.
Diagnosing Engine Misfires
Once you’ve felt your car shake or lag, the next step is making sense of what’s actually causing it. Modern cars like INFINITI models are packed with systems that help clue you in when something is off, especially through the check engine light and how the engine sounds or feels.
One of the first hints is usually that dreaded check engine light. It lights up when your car senses something wrong, like misfiring cylinders. A technician can plug in a scanner to read these error codes, which tell exactly where the problem is coming from. It could be a misfire happening in a specific cylinder or a general code pointing to the ignition system.
Outside of a dashboard warning, there are physical signs too. Sometimes the car sounds different, either clicking, sputtering, or coughing a bit when you try to accelerate. You could feel shaking, especially when idling or climbing a hill. If you’ve driven your INFINITI long enough, you’ll probably notice when something feels off.
For a solid diagnosis, it’s always better to get the help of someone who knows these models inside and out. Leaving a misfire unchecked can lead to more costly repairs like ruining your catalytic converter or damaging the engine block itself. An experienced technician will run through a checklist of possible causes and use software systems specific to your car to figure out exactly what’s failing.
Good diagnosis is part feel, part data, and part expert process. The quicker it’s done, the more likely you’ll avoid expensive repairs or sudden car trouble on a Queens street corner.
Preventive Maintenance For Avoiding Misfires
Misfires can usually be avoided with some basic care and attention over time. By following a simple schedule and listening to how your car feels when you drive, you can often catch issues before they pop up in a way that’ll leave you stuck at a stoplight in Queens.
Start with spark plug and ignition system upkeep. Spark plugs usually need to be replaced every 30,000 to 60,000 miles depending on your model and how you drive. If your INFINITI uses iridium or platinum-tipped plugs, they last longer but still wear down eventually. The ignition coils don’t have to be swapped as often, but they should be checked during major services so you’re not surprised by a sudden misfire in heavy traffic.
The fuel system is another key area. If your engine isn’t getting clean and consistent fuel, it’s going to struggle. Poor fuel quality, water in the tank, or clogged injectors can cause misfiring, so it pays to be picky about where you fill up. Having those injectors cleaned from time to time helps a lot, especially in city driving where short trips are more common than highway runs.
Here are three important habits to build into your routine:
- Stick to a service schedule recommended for your specific INFINITI model, especially when it comes to spark plugs and filters.
- Use high-quality fuel, even if it’s a few cents more per gallon. It burns cleaner and can protect your engine from carbon buildup.
- Ask your tech to inspect the vacuum lines and gaskets during tune-ups. These parts can crack or loosen over time, especially with the stop-and-go traffic across Queens.
When you combine good driving habits with timely maintenance, you lower your chances of sudden engine trouble. And let’s be real, having your car stall when you’re already late isn’t how anyone wants to start a day.
What To Do If Your INFINITI Is Misfiring
If your engine starts acting up, the best thing you can do is stay calm and take the right steps. Misfires don’t always mean disaster, but they shouldn’t be ignored.
As soon as you notice shaking, lack of power, or that persistent check engine light, you’ll want to limit any further stress on your engine. That means slowing down, avoiding hills if possible, and gently easing into acceleration. Keep the drives short and get to your local service shop as soon as you can.
Here’s what to do next:
- Do not push the car to keep up with traffic. Light acceleration helps avoid strain on the engine.
- Avoid highway driving. Misfires can make merging and quick changes risky in fast-moving traffic.
- Let professionals handle the fix. Trying to patch things up without the right tools or knowledge might just make things worse.
One Queens driver brought in their Q50 after noticing some shaking at stoplights. They had tried cleaning the spark plugs on their own but ended up damaging the threads, making what could’ve been a quick repair much more involved. Avoid that mistake by taking the issue to someone trained to fix it right the first time.
You know your car better than anyone. When something doesn’t feel right, it usually isn’t. A misfire might feel like a quick pause in your drive, but it often points to a fixable issue that just needs the right set of hands and tools.
Keep Your INFINITI Running the Way It Should
Catching a misfire early and dealing with it the right way can make all the difference between a simple repair and major engine damage down the road. Whether it’s a worn spark plug, a coil issue, or an imbalanced fuel mixture, staying on top of maintenance will help your INFINITI keep running smoothly.
A solid repair fixes the immediate problem, but a good maintenance plan helps prevent the next one. Keeping up with regular checks, quality fuel, and prompt attention to small issues makes your drives around Queens easier and far more reliable. As seasons shift and engine wear adds up, it’s always better to act early instead of waiting until something bigger breaks.
Staying in control of your engine’s health means fewer surprises and a car that lasts longer. It’s about peace of mind, not just a check engine light going off. Keep an eye on how your INFINITI drives and don’t let a minor misfire turn into a major setback.
When you’re ready to explore your options, take a look at our available INFINITI cars for sale at INFINITI City of Queens. Whether you’re thinking about upgrading to a new model or keeping your current one running at its best, our team is here to offer knowledgeable support and reliable service. Stop by and let us help keep your driving experience smooth and stress-free throughout Queens.
Connect with us
