Code definition P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
What does the code P0300 mean
Most vehicles will have 4-6 cylinders. Each cylinder will fire the spark plug one after the other in a smooth and continuous manner. The spark plug fires a spark using a flammable air / fuel mixture and ignites the fuel. The fuel then releases energy to drive the crankshaft, which must rotate smoothly while the car is moving.
If more than one cylinder fails, it will increase or decrease the number of revolutions per minute (RPM) of the crankshaft. If this rise and / or fall is greater than 2 percent, the powertrain control module will write fault code P0300.
If the percentage of revolutions per minute (RPM) increase or decrease is between 2 percent and 10 percent, the Check Engine light will be lit. If the percentage of revolutions per minute (RPM) increase or decrease is greater than 10 percent, Check Engine Light will flash on and off as well as alert the driver of a more serious misfiring problem. Fault code P0300 indicates that there is a misfire in random or multiple cylinders.
What causes the code P0300?
- Spark plugs that are damaged or worn
- Spark plug wires and / or solenoids that are damaged or worn
- Damaged or worn distributor cap (only if applicable to vehicle)
- Rotor button damaged or worn (only if applicable to vehicle)
- Faulty fuel injectors
- Clogged EGR valves or lines
- The ignition timing does not work
- Vacuum leaks
- Low fuel pressure
- Head gasket (s) that are leaking
- Cracked manifold cap
- Faulty camshaft sensor
- Faulty crankshaft sensor
- Faulty mass air flow sensor
- Defective oxygen sensor
- Damaged throttle position sensor
- Damaged catalyst
- Damaged PCM
What are the symptoms of the P0300 code?
- Check Engine light that is on or blinking
- It may take longer to start the car or it may not start at all
- The car freezes while stationary
- The car idles roughly
- The car may hesitate when accelerating
- No power while driving
- Increased fuel consumption
How does the mechanic diagnose the P0300 code?
- Uses an OBD-II scanner to retrieve frozen frame data and any fault codes that have been recorded by the Main Control Module (PCM)
- Test drive the vehicle to see if trouble code P0300 returns
- Looks at live data to identify which cylinders are showing misfire data
- Checks spark plug wires or coil assemblies for wiring that is damaged or worn
- Checks spark plugs for excessive wear, cracks, or breaks
- Checks the wiring of the coil pack at the harness and connector for cracks or corrosion
- Replaces spark plugs, spark plug wires, coil packs, coil pack wiring at harness and connector if necessary
- If error code P0300 is still present after the spark plugs, spark plug wires, and / or coil packs have been replaced, they will check the fuel injectors and fuel injector system for faults
- Older vehicles have a system of buttons for the cap and rotor of the distributor. On these vehicles, a mechanic will check the distributor cap and rotor button for damage, cracks, or excessive wear.
- If other related trouble codes have been recorded by the PCM, the mechanic will have to diagnose and repair these problems if necessary. Test drive the vehicle again to see if trouble code P0300 returns.
- If fault code P0300 returns, check the compression system. The malfunction in the compressor is rare but possible with this code.
- If trouble code P0300 still occurs, there may be a problem with the PCM. This may require replacement or reprogramming. It is also rare.
The most common errors when diagnosing the P0300 code
One common mistake is to rule out the possibility of a faulty cylinder, fuel injector, or PCM. It is also common that diagnosis and repair of other related trouble codes are not complete.
Other related fault codes, faulty cylinder, faulty fuel injector (s), and / or faulty PCM may be causing the ignition problem.
How serious is the P0300 code?
Trouble code P0300 is considered serious. The reason for this is the driving problems that are present when this fault code is stored in the PCM. The car may not start and / or cause unsafe conditions when operating the vehicle. For these reasons, the fault code P0300 requires immediate attention.
What repairs can fix the P0300 code?
- Replace damaged spark plugs
- Replace damaged or worn spark plug wires and / or coils
- Repair or replacement of clogged EGR valves and / or tubes
- Repair of vacuum leaks
- Repair or replacement of leaking cylinder head gaskets
- Replacing a damaged camshaft sensor
- Replacing a damaged camshaft sensor. Replacing a damaged crankshaft sensor
- Replacing a damaged mass air flow sensor
- Replacing a damaged oxygen sensor
- Replacing a damaged throttle position sensor
- Replace damaged fuel injectors
- Replacing a damaged catalytic converter
- Diagnose and repair other related fault codes
- Replacing the distributor cover and rotor as well as cables, coils and plugs (only if applicable to vehicle)
- If necessary, repair damaged internal engine components.
- Replace the engine (if there are damage to the cylinders)
- Replace damaged PCM
Additional considerations for code P0300
Do not assume that the spark plugs and wires are responsible for the occurrence of error code P0300. There are other system components that may be causing this error code that should be diagnosed and checked prior to repair.
In addition, there are other related trouble codes that may cause P0300. After repair, if trouble code P0300 returns, check and diagnose these other trouble codes, if applicable. Always do a road test to see if fault code P0300 returns after any repairs are made.
Make sure spark plugs are fractured correctly and accurately. You will need to use a feeler gauge to align the spark plugs correctly.
If the spark plug gap is not precise, it will cause a misfire. The vehicle manufacturer provides spark plug gap specifications. These specifications can be found on a sticker under the hood of the vehicle or obtained from any local parts store.
