There are a number of causes. A good approach is to buy/borrow a Code Reader (ODBC-II) and see what errors the car's computer reports. Some auto parts stores will read your codes for free. Then, search the internet for that fault code and your year/make/model. You'll probably find the answer quickly.
Contaminated fuel could cause a misfire.
Random multiple cylinder misfire, is when the engine cylinders do not fire in the correct order, and do not do it constantly. There is no particular pattern to it. My experience with this condition is that it is usually caused by a faulty ignition coil that is beginning to burn out. It could also be bad wires pluds rotor or cap
One or more spark plug wires could be going bad. The porceline insulator on a spark plug could be cracked.
Depending on the cause of the misfire, it could damage the catalytic converter.
If the cat was damaged and restricting the exhaust it could cause a random misfire (P0300) but you would also have a severe loss of power.
Check condition of the plugs, could also be coil pack(s) going out, if ignition looks good check compression all cylinders
It's called a misfire... or random multiple misfire. It can be cause by a number of things. check your spark plugs for fouling, your spark wires for breaks or cracks in the rubber, your distributor, or your fuel injectors... it could be a tricky prob. or it could be easy as pie to fix...
Yes they can, if one or more are either stuck open or not working at all it will cause a misfire.
Anything that could cause a cylinder misfire can cause the check engine light to flash. A restricted fuel filter is one.Anything that could cause a cylinder misfire can cause the check engine light to flash. A restricted fuel filter is one.
Many possibilities. Plugs, plug wires, coil, ignition module, fuel injector, head gasket. Essentially anything that interfers with combustion on 2 or more cylinders.
It could.
It could, depending on the cause of the misfire.