Engine Misfire - RAC not much help

[Bigdogcasa]

My car developed a misfire in the past week or so, following running out of petrol when I forgot to fill up and due to shortage of filling stations it ran out before I could get to the next available. (Less than quarter of a mile short) It was only after a few days it developed so not sure if it is a coincedence or if it is electrical.

The problem was not too bad and mainly under load and after putting in a shot of Redex when I filled the tank I had hoped it would clear. Then took it for a blast down the dual carrageway thinking it might clear only to discover getting worse so bad that I called out rac.

The RAC guy faffed about for hour and half and did not manage to fix it but thought it was a duff number two lead as removing it did not make any noticable difference. Does this mean it is the lead or could it also be a fuel issue with perhaps a blocked injector. Another thing which may or may not be relevant is that the oil and fuel warning lights have started to flicker on and off in unison.

I had been thinking of replacing the leads but would appreciate any thoughts on the matter and if this is the logical thing to consider first.

Thanks in advance your help is always so worthwhile and useful in helping a mechanical dunce like me get a better understanding of how a car ticks.

[Crasher]

The RAC are a breakdown organisation and so you will have to take you car to a garage to get it fixed. What engine does your car have? Presumably, it is a petrol engine.

[delta925]

Most likely your problem is caused by debris sucked into the system, a HT lead failing at the same time highly unlikely.

[billb70]

Hi I am having the same problem and diagnostic code showed the crankshaft position sensor as at fault. bought one and going to fit it so see if that cures the misfiring... otherwise onto the coli pack next or the distributor cap...

[Bigdogcasa]

Most likely your problem is caused by debris sucked into the system, a HT lead failing at the same time highly unlikely.

Thanks for that.

What is the solution and can I do it or does it need a garage.

I had car dropped off at my local mechanic only to get a message from his wife saying he had broken his back in a fall and was obviously not going to be able to look at my car, so at moment do not have a machanic I can depend on.

[Bigdogcasa]

Most likely your problem is caused by debris sucked into the system, a HT lead failing at the same time highly unlikely.

Got the No.2 lead changed after a great deal of dificulty reaching the distributor cap end. In fact I had to get help from someone with smaller hands and arms thaan my own to reach it. Thank goodness it fixed it as was not looking forward to having to look at fuel issue.

Thanks for your advice though.