6-cylinder engines are popular across a wide range of vehicles due to their balance between power and efficiency. They can be found in inline (I6) or V-shaped (V6) configurations, each with a unique firing order. Knowing the firing order is essential for tasks like replacing spark plugs, setting ignition timing, or diagnosing engine misfires.
Below, we provide a comprehensive 6-cylinder engine firing order chart, including popular manufacturers, engine models, and their respective firing sequences.
6 Cylinder Engine Firing Order Chart
Toyota
| Engine Model | Configuration | Firing Order | Cylinder Numbering |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2JZ-GTE | Inline-6 (I6) | 1-5-3-6-2-4 | Front to Rear |
| 1JZ-GTE | Inline-6 (I6) | 1-5-3-6-2-4 | Front to Rear |
| 1G-GTE | Inline-6 (I6) | 1-5-3-6-2-4 | Front to Rear |
| 3.0L I6 | Inline-6 (I6) | 1-5-3-6-2-4 | Front to Rear |
| 2GR-FE | V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| 1MZ-FE | V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| 3MZ-FE | V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| 7M-GTE | Inline-6 (I6) | 1-5-3-6-2-4 | Front to Rear |
Nissan
| Engine Model | Configuration | Firing Order | Cylinder Numbering |
|---|---|---|---|
| RB26DETT | Inline-6 (I6) | 1-5-3-6-2-4 | Front to Rear |
| RB25DET | Inline-6 (I6) | 1-5-3-6-2-4 | Front to Rear |
| L24 | Inline-6 (I6) | 1-5-3-6-2-4 | Front to Rear |
| VQ30DE | V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| VQ35DE | V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| VQ37VHR | V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| VG30E | V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
Related 4 Cylinder Engine Firing Order Chart(For All Automotive)
BMW
| Engine Model | Configuration | Firing Order | Cylinder Numbering |
|---|---|---|---|
| M50B25 | Inline-6 (I6) | 1-5-3-6-2-4 | Front to Rear |
| M52B28 | Inline-6 (I6) | 1-5-3-6-2-4 | Front to Rear |
| M54 | Inline-6 (I6) | 1-5-3-6-2-4 | Front to Rear |
| S54 | Inline-6 (I6) | 1-3-5-6-2-4 | Front to Rear |
| N52 | Inline-6 (I6) | 1-5-3-6-2-4 | Front to Rear |
| N54 | Inline-6 (I6) | 1-5-3-6-2-4 | Front to Rear |
| N55 | Inline-6 (I6) | 1-5-3-6-2-4 | Front to Rear |
Ford
| Engine Model | Configuration | Firing Order | Cylinder Numbering |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L SOHC | Inline-6 (I6) | 1-5-3-6-2-4 | Front to Rear |
| 4.6L V6 | V6 | 1-4-2-5-3-6 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| 3.0L Duratec | V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| 3.5L EcoBoost | V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| 2.8L Cologne | V6 | 1-4-2-5-3-6 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| 3.8L Essex | V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| 2.5L Duratec | Inline-6 (I6) | 1-5-3-6-2-4 | Front to Rear |
Related Engine Liters to Cubic Inches Chart(For All Engine Sizes)
Chevrolet / GM
| Engine Model | Configuration | Firing Order | Cylinder Numbering |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L V6 | V6 | 1-6-5-4-3-2 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| 3.6L V6 | V6 | 1-6-5-4-3-2 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| 3800 Series II | V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| LFX 3.6L | V6 | 1-6-5-4-3-2 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| LY7 3.5L | V6 | 1-6-5-4-3-2 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| Vortec 4.3L | V6 | 1-6-5-4-3-2 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| LX9 3.9L | V6 | 1-6-5-4-3-2 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
Honda
| Engine Model | Configuration | Firing Order | Cylinder Numbering |
|---|---|---|---|
| J30A | V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| J35 | V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| C30A | V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| J32A | V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| J37A | V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| J30B | V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| J32B1 | V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
Related CC to Hp Calculator
Dodge / Chrysler
| Engine Model | Configuration | Firing Order | Cylinder Numbering |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7L V6 | V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| 3.5L V6 | V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| 2.7L V6 | V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| 3.3L V6 | V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| 3.6L Pentastar | V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| 2.5L V6 | V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| 3.2L V6 | V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
Mercedes
| Engine Model | Configuration | Firing Order | Cylinder Numbering |
|---|---|---|---|
| M104 | Inline-6 (I6) | 1-5-3-6-2-4 | Front to Rear |
| M112 | V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| M256 | Inline-6 (I6) | 1-5-3-6-2-4 | Front to Rear |
| M104.992 | Inline-6 (I6) | 1-5-3-6-2-4 | Front to Rear |
| M272 | V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| M276 | V6 | 1-2-3-4-5-6 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
| OM642 | V6 Diesel | 1-5-3-6-2-4 | Left Bank-Right Bank |
Related Small Engine Repair Cost Chart(For All Repair Types)
Subaru
| Engine Model | Configuration | Firing Order | Cylinder Numbering |
|---|---|---|---|
| EZ30 | H6 (Boxer 6) | 1-6-5-4-3-2 | Left to Right |
| EJ30 | H6 (Boxer 6) | 1-6-5-4-3-2 | Left to Right |
| EJ36 | H6 (Boxer 6) | 1-6-5-4-3-2 | Left to Right |
| EZ36 | H6 (Boxer 6) | 1-6-5-4-3-2 | Left to Right |
| FB25 (H6) | H6 (Boxer 6) | 1-6-5-4-3-2 | Left to Right |
| EZ20 | H6 (Boxer 6) | 1-6-5-4-3-2 | Left to Right |
| EJ25H | H6 (Boxer 6) | 1-6-5-4-3-2 | Left to Right |
Why Firing Order Matters
- Engine Smoothness: Proper firing order reduces vibration and allows smooth rotation of the crankshaft.
- Performance: Correct ignition timing ensures maximum power delivery from each cylinder.
- Longevity: Avoids uneven wear on engine components and prevents misfires.
- Maintenance: Essential for correct spark plug installation, distributor setup, and coil pack connections.
Misunderstanding a firing order can lead to engine knocking, poor acceleration, and even major mechanical damage. Always reference the manufacturer’s service manual or a verified chart for your specific engine model.
Common Misconceptions
- All 6-cylinder engines share the same firing order.
- Not true, inline-6, V6, and flat-6 engines have distinct firing orders. Using the wrong sequence can cause serious engine damage.
- Cylinder numbering is universal.
- Cylinder numbers are assigned differently in inline, V-shaped, and boxer engines. Always check your engine’s layout.
- Firing order affects fuel efficiency.
- Indirectly, yes. A misfiring cylinder wastes fuel and reduces overall engine efficiency.
FAQs
What is the firing order of a 6 cylinder engine?
The firing order of a 6-cylinder engine depends on its configuration. For inline-6 (I6) engines, it is usually 1-5-3-6-2-4. For V6 engines, it can be 1-2-3-4-5-6 or 1-4-2-5-3-6, depending on the manufacturer. Flat/boxer 6 engines often use 1-6-5-4-3-2. The firing order ensures smooth engine operation, balanced crankshaft rotation, and proper ignition timing.
How to adjust valve clearance on a 6 cylinder engine?
To adjust valve clearance on a 6-cylinder engine:
- Remove the valve cover.
- Rotate the engine to Top Dead Center (TDC) on cylinder #1.
- Use a feeler gauge to measure the gap between the rocker arm and valve stem.
- Loosen the lock nut and adjust the clearance according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Recheck the measurement, tighten the lock nut, and repeat for all cylinders following the engine’s firing order.
What firing order is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2?
The firing order 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 is for V8 engines, not 6-cylinder engines. This sequence balances crankshaft rotation and reduces engine vibration for V8s. It is not used for inline-6, V6, or flat-6 engines.
How are cylinders numbered on a V6 engine?
Cylinder numbering on a V6 engine depends on the manufacturer and the bank layout:
- Left bank (driver side): Usually cylinders 1, 3, 5
- Right bank (passenger side): Usually cylinders 2, 4, 6
- For some V6 engines, numbering starts from the front of the engine, but always check the service manual to confirm the layout.
How to remember straight 6 firing order?
A simple way to remember a straight 6 (inline-6) firing order 1-5-3-6-2-4:
- Visualize the cylinders as a line from front to rear.
- Think of the sequence as 1 front → 5 rear → 3 middle → 6 rear → 2 front → 4 middle.
- Repeating this rhythm ensures proper ignition timing and smooth engine operation.
What happens with incorrect firing order?
Using an incorrect firing order can cause:
- Severe engine vibration
- Misfires and poor acceleration
- Uneven wear on pistons, crankshaft, and bearings
- Potential engine damage or failure if run for extended periods
- Correct firing order is essential for smooth operation and engine longevity.
What happens when you have too much valve clearance?
Excessive valve clearance can lead to:
- Ticking or tapping noises from the valvetrain
- Reduced engine performance and power
- Poor fuel efficiency
- Misfires or rough idling
- It’s important to adjust valve clearance according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
What is the correct firing sequence for an in-line 6 cylinder diesel engine?
Most inline-6 diesel engines use the firing order 1-5-3-6-2-4. This sequence balances crankshaft rotation and reduces vibration, ensuring smooth operation.
