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Can a bad distributor cap cause an engine misfire?

I have an older car that runs with a distributor. Recently, my “Check Engine” light came on, and my engine has been shaking and stalling, so I think my distributor cap is faulty. I’m concerned that these symptoms aren’t the end of it, and my engine could misfire. Is it possible for a bad distributor cap to cause an engine misfire?

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Kara Vanderbeek · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
I’m sorry to hear about your vehicle troubles! Sorting out the cause and solution is the best way of handling any car maintenance trouble. In this case, faulty distributor cap could certainly be the culprit.
You should have your vehicle serviced as soon as possible, as a bad distributor cap can cause an engine misfire. If the distributor isn’t relaying enough juice to the spark plugs, your vehicle will suffer from incomplete combustion. As such, your engine can stumble or misfire.
To avoid any further engine troubles, it’s recommended that you contact a professional mechanic to diagnose and treat your vehicle.
As you get back behind the wheel, ensure you’re protected on the road with the right car insurance policy. To find savings on policies in just 45 seconds, download
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