Misfires while driving - 1997 Jeep Wrangler

The firing order for a 2004 Oldsmobile Alero with a V6 engine is typically 1-2-3-4-5-6. Cylinder 5 would be the fifth cylinder in the firing order. A misfire in cylinder 5 could potentially cause the symptoms you described, including the car shutting off while driving and the RPM gauge behaving erratically.

When a cylinder misfires, it can disrupt the engine's smooth operation and cause a loss of power. In some cases, it can be severe enough to stall the engine while driving. The erratic behavior of the RPM gauge could also be related to this misfire.
To address the issue, you should consider the following steps:

1. Diagnose the Misfire: Confirm that the problem is indeed a misfire in cylinder 5. Use a scan tool to retrieve trouble codes and identify the specific issue causing the misfire. This could be related to ignition, fuel delivery, or other engine components.
2. Check Spark Plugs and Ignition Components: Inspect and replace the spark plugs and ignition components, such as the ignition coil and spark plug wires, if they are worn or damaged.
3. Check Fuel System: Ensure that the fuel injector for cylinder 5 is functioning correctly. It should provide the right amount of fuel to the cylinder.
4. Examine Vacuum Leaks: Vacuum leaks can also cause misfires. Check for vacuum leaks in the intake manifold or vacuum hoses.
5. Perform a Compression Test: Low compression in cylinder 5 could lead to a misfire. Perform a compression test to check the compression levels in all cylinders.
6. Consider Other Sensors: Sometimes, faulty sensors like the crankshaft position sensor or camshaft position sensor can also cause misfires. These sensors help the engine's control module determine the correct timing for fuel injection and spark.
7. Professional Diagnosis: If you're unable to identify and fix the issue on your own, it's advisable to seek the help of a qualified mechanic or technician. They can perform a comprehensive diagnostic check to pinpoint the problem accurately.

A misfire can lead to various engine performance issues and potentially dangerous situations, so it's essential to address it promptly. Ignoring a misfire can also cause damage to other engine components over time.

If only one cylinder is firing, you will not have enough power to move the car. I would not do it. If the van's other cylinders fire, but intermittently, you might get enough power to drive it to some place to get repairs. Unless you also hear loud knocking noises indicating broken parts, it is probably safe to drive it to a mechanic.

if that is engine related, we dont know here , we cant drive it and feel it.
if that was engine vibration, its most likely MISFIRE.
the #1 cause of MISFIRE, is not doing the 60k mile tune up.

is the CHECK engine lamp off driving? if not scan the ECU/PCM
any scan tool works. (new types) even a $9 tool.
scan it for P03xx codes, misfire.

rough hot or cold engine.
rough only driving and not at idle and not racing RPM parked?
does engine ever stall>?

Have a repair shop diagnose the misfire

replace no 2 injector

More then likely you need to change the spark plugs because they are fouling out. Thats the cheapest fix that I would do first! Then check coils.

P0301 Cylinder No. 1 Misfire Detected
P0302 Cylinder No. 2 Misfire Detected
P0303 Cylinder No. 3 Misfire Detected
P0304 Cylinder No. 4 Misfire Detected
P0305 Cylinder No. 5 Misfire Detected
P0306 Cylinder No. 6 Misfire Detected
P1346 Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Circuit Range/Performance Fault
P1349 Variable Valve Timing (VVT) System Malfunction
P0330 Knock Sensor
P0446 EVAP Vent Control Fault
P0430 Catalyst System

Stop driving immediately.....

You defiantly skipped on your timing........

My truck is doing the exact same thing. I have been told it is the Intelligent Power Distribution Module or IPDM. The Nissan Dealership that is working on my truck says $400.00 parts and labor to fix.

here's a couple of links that might help
http://www.aa1car.com/library/distributor.htm distributor

http://www.aa1car.com/library/dis.htm distrbutorless

http://www.aa1car.com/library/misfire.htm misfire

There could be many different things that are causing this and I will need some more information from you in order to get you going again:

1. Are you sure that it is misfiring and not just idling rough?
2. Is the check engine light on? If so what is the code?
3. When you are driving down the road does it feel like it's misfiring or does it drive normal?

Answer these questions for me and I'm positive I can get you on your way again! Thank you for using FixYa!