I have a 98 conti. Mine did that same thing. It ended up being my one of my coil packs. Which is basicly a spark plug.
When your check engine light comes on have it diagnosed and it will tell you which celinder is misfiring and you reolace tha coil.I would say ignition coils. I have a 1999 Licoln TC and must replace all 8 due to misfires as vehicle approches 100K miles. Remember also if you change your coils install new spark plugs!
It depends on the reason that cylinder is misfiring. It could cause serious damage to the catalytic converter.
It could, depending on the cause of the misfire.
The catalytic converter
You engine is probably misfiring. Check your ignition and fuel systems.
There are several things which could be the cause of random back bruising. Some of the causes include spinal fracture, pancreatitis, coagulopathy and back injury among others.
The Vortec Engines with the Spyder, or octopus type fuel injectors had issues with the clip on the fuel injector harness breaking. thus, causing it to come loose which would cause random misfires. also causes could be low compression, bad plugs and wires, dirty injectors, cattilytic converters.
Most common cause of that is, Bad spark plug/plugs or plug wires, I think you will find your problem in that area.
The year, make and engine info would help but, a vacuum leak could cause that.
one of the coils
2008 malibu 3.6 L code says PO302 misfiring Misfiring in number 2 cylinder. Could be an ignition problem with a bad spark plug or spark plug wire. Could also be a bad fuel injector. Could also be a mechanical problem such as a bad valve. Start with new plugs and wires.
Auto Zone will check your computer codes for FREE... Most likely you have bad spark plugs or bad coil packs.