Simplifying Misfire Troubleshooting

April 25, 2015
Tracking down the cause of a completely dead engine cylinder is relatively easy: either the ignition has failed, the cylinder is not getting the fuel it needs or there is a mechanical failure preventing the cylinder from compressing the air/fuel charge. 

Tracking down the cause of a completely dead engine cylinder is relatively easy: either the ignition has failed, the cylinder is not getting the fuel it needs or there is a mechanical failure preventing the cylinder from compressing the air/fuel charge. Tracking down the cause of an intermittent misfire, or one that results in only a partial power loss, can be more of a challenge. A challenge that attendees of Scott Shotton’s Automechanika Chicago class “Misfire – Efficient and Effective Diagnosis” would soon be prepared to meet.

Shotton has a lot of experience as both an instructor and as a drivability technician. He has more than 20 years of technical experience in automotive repair shops and currently teaches automotive technology at Kishwaukee College. He also is one of four trainers administering training for the Illinois EPA’s emissions testing program. As owner of The Driveability Guys, Shotton also performs mobile diagnostics and reprogramming for local repair shops.

He brings this real world experience of helping shops to his classroom. His class incorporates not only theory but practical case study examples that showed attendees how to put that theory to use on real problem cars.

“This is how I use these techniques,” Shotton told his class, “and you should be able to use them tomorrow.”

Each case study presented was used to illustrate a specific point or technique. Shotton encouraged his participants to analyze the data presented with him to help them master the skills and techniques he was teaching.

“Techs attending my class should immediately be able to streamline their misfire diagnostic procedures and increase their diagnostic accuracy with the techniques I cover,” Shotton shared after his class. “Both will only contribute to their productivity and their bottom line.”

About the Author

Pete Meier | Creative Director, Technical | Vehicle Repair Group

Pete Meier is the former creative director, technical, for the Vehicle Repair Group with Endeavor Business Media. He is an ASE certified Master Technician with over 35 years of practical experience as a technician and educator, covering a wide variety of makes and models. He began writing for Motor Age as a contributor in 2006 and joined the magazine full-time as technical editor in 2010. Pete grew the Motor Age YouTube channel to more than 100,000 subscribers by delivering essential training videos for technicians at all levels. 

Connect with Pete on LinkedIn.

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