Why does the engine stall? One of the cylinders is not working

13.11.2019

Issues discussed in the material:

• Why does cylinder failure occur in an engine?
• What is the danger of cylinder failure?
• How to independently identify the cause of cylinder failure

While driving a car, did you feel that the power unit was vibrating, while its power dropped, and it began to consume more fuel? Does the car start only the second or third time? These signs indicate that a cylinder failure has occurred. In our article today we will look at how to fix this problem.

Why does the engine troit?

Some car owners do not know why the engine idles at idle. If you are an inexperienced driver, you need to identify this malfunction and then find the reason why it occurred.

Cylinder failure is a good reason for the engine to misfire. The cylinders may stop functioning alternately. Moreover, you don’t even need to search for a breakdown, because it will immediately become clear that a cylinder failure has occurred. The engine will shake and vibrate, the speed will begin to jump, it will be difficult to start the car, and the car will begin to consume more fuel. It is simply impossible to ignore such symptoms. For example, if one cylinder fails in an engine that has only 4 of them, the speed will drop by 25%. Even an inexperienced driver will notice this malfunction.

Valve mechanism

The last place to look for a problem is the valve mechanism and piston system. Usually, in this case, the car owner is advised to contact a car service center.

But the VAZ 2106 engine has a fairly simple design, so it’s easy to figure out and identify a fault of this nature, although it will take half a day.

To simultaneously inspect the condition of the cylinders and valves, you will have to dismantle the cylinder head. To do this, it is worth removing the carburetor, manifolds and other equipment from the engine that is attached and will interfere with the dismantling process. Then, it is worth inspecting the condition of the intake and exhaust valves, as well as the valve seats.

The cylinder head may need major repairs. Also, it is worth looking at the condition of the pistons and oil rings. The pistons could burn out or the engine's life would be exhausted. To fix it, it is necessary to overhaul the engine.

1. Trouble with VAZ 2109 engine - Help for car enthusiasts
2. Diesel stalls when cold - causes of diesel engine malfunction
3. 4 main reasons why engine oil consumption is high
4. Basic malfunctions of turbines and turbochargers

Signs of engine tripping

How to determine if a cylinder has failed:

1. After a cylinder failure, the power unit will shake at idle speed. Unfortunately, an inexperienced driver is unlikely to notice this immediately after a breakdown. The fact is that this symptom occurs over time. And if you notice that the engine is shaking, it means that the problems started a long time ago. And after the cylinder failed, the engine worked for a long time and became worn out.
2. The spark plug became dark, smoked, and carbon deposits formed. This sign indicates that the spark plug should be replaced. But this is at best, and at worst, such a symptom means that the machine is not working properly. Even though spark plugs can be used for quite a long time, they should not be sooted. A slight change in shade is allowed.
3. The exhaust system began to sound differently. This also indicates a cylinder failure.
4. If the car picks up speed poorly, both at low and high speeds, then the engine is not functioning properly. The reason could be either a cylinder failure or another engine failure.
5. The car began to consume more fuel. In this case, you should definitely check the operation of the engine. This symptom indicates a serious problem with the motor.
   

   We recommend

   “The design of the clutch cylinder: a little theory for successful practice” Read more

6. The engine speed “floats”, you can see this by the jumping arrow on the dashboard.
7. When you accelerate or drive a car, it moves jerkily.

What does driving with an inoperative engine cylinder lead to?

When a cylinder fails, the fuel mixture entering it does not burn. The fuel is mixed with oil, removing it from the cylinder bore. The mixture will then penetrate into the crankcase. Due to the fact that the surface of the cylinder is dry, scoring occurs on it. In addition, oil mixed with fuel does not lubricate healthy cylinders well.

As a result of the failure of the first cylinder, the others will also stop working normally. Where will all this lead? The car owner will be forced to spend a large sum on boring the cylinder block or even on lining.

The next problem that will happen if the cylinder fails is that the engine will overheat. The change in its operating temperature is due to the fact that the lubricant does not perform its functions. And, as you know, motor oil not only lubricates surfaces, but also removes heat.

All of the above is sufficient reason to declare: under no circumstances should you operate a car after a cylinder failure!

How can you tell if a cylinder has failed?

To do this, disconnect the wiring from the spark plugs one by one. In the case where there is no spark, you will understand that the slave cylinder is vibrating. During the test, you must be extremely careful so that you do not get an electric shock.

In addition, when diagnosing a carburetor engine, the switch or distributor can be broken. To prevent this from happening, put the spark plug wire on a regular bolt, so the spark will work without interruption.

Carrying out diagnostics on injection-type engines is easy and safe. After all, such a power unit uses a direct fuel injection system into all cylinders.

How do you know if the injection engine is faulty? First of all, turn off the fuel supply to the injectors. If you feel that the car has become worse, it means that the cylinder has failed.

We recommend

“Replacing the clutch cylinder: process and recommendations for choosing a part” Read more
To carry out diagnostics on a diesel engine that idles at idle, you should remove the nuts from the high-pressure fuel pipes one by one. They are attached to the nozzles.

Be extremely careful when performing this work. The fact is that when the nut is unscrewed, diesel fuel may begin to flow out under high pressure. Pay attention to the speed. Haven't they gone down? This means you have detected a cylinder failure.

Ignition

The ignition module is a unit that comes into question after all the checks have been carried out. It is the bobbin that can become the culprit for the power unit tripping at idle or in other modes. To check the coil you need to do this:

Unscrew the spark plug, then apply it to the ground (any part of the body).

If the spark is good, its color is of high quality, and a characteristic crackling sound is heard, then the serviceability of the reel is not questioned. On the contrary, if there is no spark, or it is of poor quality, the module must be replaced, and thus it will be possible to “cure” the tripping.

It's not very often that a switch goes bad, but it does happen. It must be checked and, if anything, replaced.

Where to look for the cause of cylinder failure

Important!

You will have to look for the cause of engine cylinder failure in a garage. There are two possible ways here: check the mechanics or the electrical, that is, the ignition. Let's start with the simplest thing and diagnose the electrical system.

• Spark plug . Let's use a proven method to check their functioning. Look at the side electrode and insulator, their color should be light brown, not black. There should also be no soot. If there is soot, it means the mixture is over-enriched or there is oil on it. Now let's start checking sparking. Place the spark plug on the high-voltage wire, and then bring it to the cylinder block, the distance between them should be 1-2 cm. Turn the starter. Did the spark travel that distance? This indicates that the spark plug is working properly, otherwise it should be replaced.
• BB wires . They may be damaged. How to check this? Pay attention to the tip of the high-voltage wire. Did you see a light gray coating on it? This means he is operating at the limit. Use a special multimeter to check the resistance of the high-voltage wire. Please note that depending on the motor, the wire length and resistance may vary. When there are no additional instructions, 20 kOhm is taken as a constant resistance value. If this value is exceeded, then the problem is in the high-voltage wire.
• Ignition distributor . When the spark plug does not work properly, a breakdown occurs in the ignition distributor cap. In this case, it is necessary to diagnose the ember; stretching the spring will also help.
• High voltage wires are mixed up . If a cylinder failure occurs, the cause may be in the explosive wires.

We recommend

“The injector is pouring into the cylinder: causes and solutions to the problem” Read more
Now we check the mechanics.

• Injector . A malfunction in its operation may be one of the reasons for the failure of the cylinder. For example, an injector is broken, or the injector is clogged with a poor quality fuel mixture. Note! Damage can result from the use of the latest fuel purifiers, which can be purchased at any specialized auto store. It is best to diagnose and clean the injectors at a trusted service center.
• Gas distribution mechanism . The fuel mixture enters the cylinders in the wrong quantity and quality. This can happen for various reasons. For example, the timing belt was installed incorrectly, the tensioners or oil seal became unusable. The camshaft may also break, or the hydraulic lifters may need to be replaced.

Because the engine constantly overheats, the cylinder head gasket may burn out. This happens because the car owner does not monitor the antifreeze level or drives the car at high speed.

All of the above can cause the cylinder to fail. By the way, not everything that can lead to such a breakdown is listed here. Only by understanding why one cylinder in the engine failed will you be able to eliminate the problem. You can do this yourself or by visiting a specialized service center.

Fuel supply

Fuel supply is one of the important elements in the formation of the air-fuel mixture. Let's consider where a malfunction can occur. The following elements should be diagnosed: carburetor, fuel pump, fuel filter and intake manifold.

Let's start with the most common cause of tripping - the carburetor. It has a float chamber where the float can break, blocking the normal supply of fuel. Because of this, a lean mixture is obtained, which actually leads to triplication.

To fix the problem, you will have to disassemble and rebuild the carburetor. To carry out restoration and repair operations, a repair kit is usually used, which can be purchased at any car market.

The fuel pump, or rather its malfunction, can lead to poor fuel supply. Of course, to fix the problem, you can buy a repair kit and rebuild the unit. But, as practice shows, the repair will not last long, and it is recommended to replace the unit. Also, it is worth replacing the fuel filter, which is located near the gasoline pump.

A crack in the intake manifold can lead to air leaks, which will lean the mixture and lead to the effect of a throttled power unit.

In order to inspect the part, you will need a pit or a lift, since the lower part of the collector can only be seen from the side of the car pan. If it is determined that the part has a crack, it must be removed from the machine and welded using argon welding.

Diagnostic methods

When you find out that the motor is not working, you should diagnose it. This is the only way you can find out which cylinder failed and why. You can do this yourself, or go to a car service center. There the engine will be checked using a computer. However, most often you will be able to find out on your own why the engine is tripping. However, if there is a cylinder failure, and the reason is a decrease in compression, you should find a competent specialist who will solve your problem.

Act one. We find the cylinder that failed. To do this, we diagnose the engine after it starts. Be extremely careful when performing this work. Turn the ignition key, the hood should be open. Let's listen to the sounds coming from the engine compartment. Pay attention to how the engine works. Now, one by one, we disconnect the explosive wires that go to the spark plugs.

If you disable a cylinder that is working properly, the engine will run rough. If a cylinder fails after the spark plug is disconnected, the power unit will operate without changes.

How else can you perform diagnostics? We do not touch the explosive wires. We simply turn off the chips one by one that control the fuel supply from the injectors to the cylinders. If you disconnect the chip, but the motor runs without changes, it means that this cylinder has failed.

Act two. We carry out diagnostics of explosive wires, as well as spark plugs. First of all, you should disconnect the wire and carry out an inspection. Is the insulation damaged? This indicates that the problem is in the BB wire. Then we check whether the conductive core is intact. Did you find that it has kinks or is burnt out? This means that a breakdown or internal resistance may occur. To measure it, use a multimeter. The data obtained must satisfy the acceptable readings. Otherwise, current will not flow normally to the spark plug.

Did you find out that everything is fine with the wire? Then we unscrew and diagnose the spark plug.

Is the spark plug base or its electrodes deformed or do they have carbon deposits on them? A new spark plug needs to be installed. If everything is fine with it, then the reason for the engine tripping is not a cylinder failure.

Act three. We determine how much air penetrates the cylinder. If it is not enough, then the fuel mixture will be over-rich, which means the engine will start to stall. The air supply system must not be depressurized. To check whether this is so, you should shut off the intake pipe, and then use a compressor to supply air into the cylinder through a vacuum hose. Supply pressure 0.5–0.7 atmospheres. Pay attention to the sounds you hear when doing this. Is there a hissing sound? This indicates that the air supply system is leaking.

How else can you diagnose the engine for breakdowns? Examine the air filter. When it becomes clogged, no air can enter the cylinder. We inspect the throttle sensor, as well as the mass air supply sensor. To carry out such diagnostics, you will need a computer; it should be connected to a special connector.

Act four. We find out what volume of the fuel mixture enters the cylinder. For this purpose, you will need to measure the pressure in the fuel system (no more than 7 atmospheres). Use a pressure gauge. It must be connected to the injector ramp. To find out the pressure, you will need to measure it in four different operating modes of the engine: when you turn on the ignition, then at idle speed, at operating speed, when the tube is removed from the pressure regulator and the check valve tube is pinched.

Have you discovered that your blood pressure is insufficient? Most likely, the fuel pump or pressure valve in the fuel system has broken down. Is the pressure normal? Then, perhaps, the injectors are faulty or dirt has accumulated in them. At the end of the test, we diagnose the functioning of the fuel system using special equipment. Most likely, you will find errors in the electronic control unit.

Act five. Using a compression meter, we find out what the compression is in the cylinder. This device should be inserted into the spark plug hole of the cylinder that has failed. Then turn the ignition key and increase engine speed. Record the received data 2-3 times. Did you notice that the compression decreased by 15%? This means that the piston in the cylinder has become unusable. The problem may also be in the piston rings or valves. To determine the cause, you will need to disassemble the motor.

Alarm Signals

The starter is the highest-loaded electrical consumer in a car. If, when starting the car, an extraneous sound, noise, or crackling appears, or it becomes clear that there have been changes in the operation of the starter, action must be taken without delay. On a VAZ 2109, problems with the starter can be different, some of them can be fixed with your own hands by reading how to do it or watching a video. Here is a small instruction on faults.

If, however, the starter does not work on the VAZ 2109 and the problem is different, you need to contact a specialist.

Solutions

At first glance there is a lot, but nothing is impossible. What is made by human hands can definitely be repaired, and with the necessary knowledge and skills, this can be done much faster and with better quality. Good repair.

Hello, dear car enthusiasts! All. But, especially car enthusiasts of VAZ models. VAZ starters, despite their reliability, durability and endurance, still fail sooner or later.

The average starter life is usually 5-6 years, which is half the life of the engine. And whether it’s a malfunction of the VAZ 21093, VAZ 2109 or 21099 starter, the problem will still have to be solved by diagnosing, repairing, and possibly even replacing this electrical component.

Since the VAZ starter design differs only slightly, we will take into consideration the situation when the VAZ 2109, 21099 starter does not turn.

After turning the key in the ignition, you may find that:

What to do if the starter does not work? Of course, look for the cause of this phenomenon and try to eliminate it.

VAZ 2109, 21099 starter does not work after one click

Reasons why the VAZ 2109, 21099 starter does not turn,

after a single click, there may be several.

The fork that pushes out the starter bendix may be bent, broken, or otherwise deformed. In this situation, the bendix does not fully fit the flywheel; the cores only partially enter the coil, preventing the contacts from closing.

The teeth on the Bendix sprocket have worn out. Because of this, the solenoid relay cannot transmit voltage to the starter.

Also, the cause of the phenomenon of “one click” of the starter may be either the order of the armature bushings or a short circuit in the winding.

VAZ 2109, 21099 starter does not work after frequent clicks

Repeated clicks are repeated due to the fact that the retracting winding retracts the core, and the holding winding cannot hold it and lets go. This can continue until the battery runs out completely.

VAZ 2109.21099 starter does not work and there is no response to turning the key

The absence of any response from the starter to turning the key in the lock sometimes indicates a short circuit in the windings (if smoke and a burning smell appears from the starter when you try to start).

If the lack of starter response is not accompanied by “special effects” in the form of smoke and a characteristic odor, you should pay attention to the condition of the additional relay and the contacts of the battery terminals. The same reaction of the starter is observed when the ring in the starter gearbox is partially destroyed

The same reaction of the starter is observed when the ring in the starter gearbox is partially destroyed.

If the starter does not respond to turning the key in the lock, you need to take into account that the reason may lie in the key itself. If the check confirms this, it will be enough to just replace the ignition key to fix the problem.

It may also happen that after removing and disassembling the starter, you will not find any damage. Do not rush to replace it with a new one or go to a car service center. Perhaps after you clean the starter, apply new grease and reinstall it, it will come back to life.

After you find and fix the starter malfunction, try not to cause it to break down again in the future, because this lightweight device already has a hard time - the rotation of the massive flywheel and the start of movement of the entire piston group of the engine depend on its serviceability.

How to prevent the engine from stalling

After you check the motor and find out why it is misfiring, you should fix the problem. When spark plugs or explosive wires fail, it will be easy to solve the problem: just replace them. We take exactly the same actions if the ignition coils or switch are broken. However, when the fuel or air system is clogged, it will not be possible to quickly eliminate the breakdown. To clean the injectors, you will have to use a cleaning compound, such as Injection System Purge. It may also be necessary to replace the lambda probe, because it most likely functions incorrectly.

Have you cleaned the injectors, but this did not help fix the problem and the fuel mixture is flooding the spark plugs? Then we replace them. If the engine fails, the fuel pump and other components of the fuel system should be removed and new ones installed. It is not recommended to repair or install old elements. It may also be necessary to replace the air filter and parts of the air supply system if depressurization occurs.

At the very end, we remove errors in the electronic control unit; this may also be the reason that the motor is not working.