Backfired and then the car shut off

Tiny
MIKE SIPE
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 3.2L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 93,000 MILES
I heard a loud backfire then the car shut off it started back up, but sounds like it is missing. What could be wrong?
Thursday, October 20th, 2016 AT 8:22 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,916 POSTS
Probably the most likely cause is a spark-related misfire that allowed unburned gas to accumulate in the exhaust system where it finally ignited with a "bang". On 1996 and newer models, the Engine Computer will detect which cylinder is misfiring and it will set a diagnostic fault code identifying that cylinder. That type of fault code will cause the Check Engine light to turn on too. The people at many auto parts stores will read those codes for you for free. Record the number(s) so we can see what they mean.
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Thursday, October 20th, 2016 AT 8:40 PM

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