The engine misfire detection process according to one aspect of the
invention first makes tentative detection on the occurrence or the
non-occurrence of an engine misfire in execution of both vibration
control and rotation speed control. In response to the tentative
detection of an engine misfire, the engine misfire detection process
subsequently makes final detection on the occurrence or the
non-occurrence of an engine misfire. In the event of no final detection
of an engine misfire, the engine misfire detection process makes
tentative detection and final detection on the occurrence or the
non-occurrence of an engine misfire in prohibition of the vibration
control. In the event of still no final detection of an engine misfire,
the engine misfire detection process makes tentative detection and final
detection on the occurrence or the non-occurrence of an engine misfire in
further prohibition of the rotation speed control. Even in the event of
no final detection of an engine misfire in execution of both the
vibration control and the rotation speed control, the procedure of the
invention makes final detection on the occurrence or the non-occurrence
of an engine misfire in prohibition of execution of the vibration control
and further the rotation speed control. This arrangement desirably
increases the detection frequency of engine misfires.