Firing Order
The firing order is the sequence in which the cylinders fire, such as 1-3-4-2 on many four-cylinder engines.
What is Firing Order?
It is chosen for smooth running and even crankshaft loads. Cylinder numbering follows the manufacturer's convention. It matters when connecting ignition leads. On V-engines, cylinder numbering and bank identification vary by manufacturer, so always check the workshop data. Uneven firing intervals give some engines their characteristic sound.
How it works
Each cylinder fires once every two crankshaft turns in a four-stroke engine.
Why it matters for your car
Wrongly connected leads cause rough running and misfires. Knowing the order helps interpret misfire data.
Other terms
- Aluminium Body
- Borescope (Inspection Camera)
- Boxer Engine (Flat Engine)
- Brake Bedding-in
- Cetane Number
- Driving Through Flood Water
- Emissions Test
- Fuel Rail
- Goodwill Repair
- Halogen Bulb
- Lead Replacement Additive
- Low Washer Fluid Warning
- LPG (Autogas)
- NOx Storage Catalyst (Lean NOx Trap)
- Potentiometer
- Power-folding Mirrors
- Scrub Radius
- Tar Remover
- Torque Converter Lock-up Clutch
- Waterless Wash