Misfire code 1997 subaru outback check engine light, misfire code. When I take it to the mechanic, the car does not misfire. This is the 3rd time the light has come on in 3 weeks. I just had an over heating problem that cause the head to warp and spent $3000.00 on the car. It was after this work that the misfire code began. The car has had a complete tune up and the ignition coil replaced. It has 131,000 miles on it.

Many things can cause a misfire,but basic mechanical checks or tests can be made relatively inexpensively.Compression testing the cylinders with a compression gauge will verify the general condition of the engine's piston rings and valve sealing capabilities.A leakdown test is similar to a compression check except that a leak down test is directed more towards verifying specifically the valve's sealing capabilities.A valve can burn or a bad seal occur between valve and seat...causing a misfire.Valves and piston rings are mechanical in nature,but there are many other possible causes.Vacuum leak,ignition problems,fuel problems,sensor problem,etc etc.Good luck.

I suspect there may be damge to a n ignition part such as a plug or plug related part, if they are all original parts replace the pars for that cylinder and retest, do you feel the misfire?