What is a miss fire on 96 Ford Ranger?

A misfire on a 1996 Ford Ranger occurs when one or more cylinders fail to ignite the air-fuel mixture properly, leading to a loss of power, rough idling, and increased emissions. Common causes include faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel injectors, or vacuum leaks. Diagnosing the issue typically involves checking the ignition system, fuel delivery, and engine compression. If left unresolved, a misfire can lead to further engine damage and decreased fuel efficiency.