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
  • 33,873 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.
SPONSORED LINKS
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, October 20th, 2016 AT 8:40 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Stall While Driving Content

Is it Safe to Drive Check Engine Light?
VIDEO
Is it Safe to Drive Check Engine Light?
Instructional repair video
Engine Stalls While Driving
GUIDE
Engine Stalls While Driving
An engine that stalls while driving and then starts back up again, either immediately or after a short time is different from an engine that just wont start or if the...
VIEW MORE

Sponsored links