2013 dodge journey cylinder 1 misfire

"Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth." - Sherlock Holmes

P0301 – Cylinder #1 Misfire (Dodge / Chrysler)

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Table of Contents

What does code p0301 mean, where is the p0301 sensor located, what are the common causes of code p0301.

• Get Help with P0301

This generic powertrain/engine diagnostic trouble code typically applies to most manufacturers since 1996.

This code is focused on the relationship between the crankshaft position sensor (CKP), the camshaft position sensor (CMP) and the engine controller (ECM/PCM). The PCM monitors the relationship between these two sensors and compares them to the other cylinder patterns and an ideal reference stored in the PCM. If the variation between cylinders or the ideal reference exceeds a calibrated percentage, a fault code is stored. This is either an electrical fault or a mechanical issue related to cylinder #1.

Since the codes are specific to cylinder #1, the reason it sets is still the same. It is still the relationship between the CKP and the CMP. On most Dodge/Chrysler OHC engines the camshaft position sensor is mounted to the back of the cylinder head closest to the intake camshaft. On OHV or Cam-in-Block engines, the Camshaft Position Sensor is attached to the front of the engine closest to the camshaft itself.

The Crankshaft Position Sensor on overhead cam engines (SOHC / DOHC) can be found at the back of the engine where the transmission bellhousing bolts up to the engine block. Overhead valve engines (OHV) the Crankshaft Position Sensor may be at the front of the engine mounted next to the crankshaft or once again, at the back of the block in the same location as the overhead cam engines.

Typically, the causes for this code to set are:

Most Common Issues:

• Worn ignition system components, to include the ignition coil (whether it is a pack of multiple coils or individual coils attached to the top of each spark plug), plug wires, spark plugs, etc.
• Fuel system components – to include the injectors

Least common:

• Intermittent open in the power, ground or signal circuit to the crankshaft position sensor
• Intermittent open in the power, ground or signal circuit to the camshaft position sensor
• Last possibility – Failed PCM – very rarely

Specific to Chrysler products, these are the more common issues with the P0301 – Cylinder #1 Misfire fault code:

• Dodge Avengers w/2.4L/3.6L – Ignition coils, spark plugs, and injectors are the most common with Camshaft Position Sensors and Cam Phasers next.
• Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger/Challenger w/2.7L/3.6L/5.7L – Engine/Intake carbon cleaning is a major issue with these vehicles/engines to go along with the most common ignition coils, spark plugs, and injectors.
• Chrysler Minivans w/3.6L – Ignition coils, spark plugs, and injectors are the most common with cylinder heads high on the list as well.
• Dodge Durango/Dodge Journey/Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee w/3.6L – Ignition coils, spark plugs, and injectors are the most common with cylinder heads high on the list as well.
• Dodge Dart w/2.0L – Ignition coils, spark plugs, and injectors most common, with Crankshaft Position Sensors a very close second.
• Jeep Compass/Patriot w/2.0L or 2.4L – Ignition coils, spark plugs, and injectors most common, with Crankshaft Position Sensors a very close second.

Ignition coils and spark plugs are attached to the cylinder head of the engine, while the injectors are held in place by a fuel rail bolted to the intake manifold.

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Eh verificado el codigo p0301 de mazda cx7 2008, el codigo inicialmente estaba en el cilindro #2, una manera efectiva y facil de descartar o verificar que fuera la bobina fue cambiandola al cilindro #1 y efectivamente la falla paso al cilindro, confirmando asi que la bobina estaba defectuosa y descartando otros componentes.

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P0301 – Meaning, Causes, Symptoms, & Fixes

Home > OBD2 Codes P0301 – Meaning, Causes, Symptoms, & Fixes

Justin Hughes

• February 10, 2022

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What Does Code P0301 Mean?

• P0301 definition : Cylinder 1 misfire detected.
• Issue Severity: SEVERE – Stop driving immediately
• Repair Urgency: Fix this code immediately (same-day if possible) to avoid ignition failure, catalytic converter damage, and dangerous conditions
• Diagnosis: A misfire can be caused by anything from faulty spark plugs to low engine compression. Because there are so many variables that could cause a misfire, the best cost savings is to take your car into a shop to have it diagnosed as quickly and accurately as possible. Use the  FIXD Sensor and app  to  diagnose and fix P0301 yourself ,  see the most likely fix and cost  for your car , access our  Mechanic Hotline , and more.
• Common Reason: Code P0301 is often related to spark plug and plug wire issues.

Your vehicle moves when gasoline is burned and power is generated inside a chamber known as the cylinder. Most engines have a 4, 6, or 8-cylinder engine, where more cylinders typically mean more power. Power is generated by pistons that move up and down while fuel is ignited at very specific times. A misfire typically occurs when the timing of this ignition is off.  P0301 indicates that cylinder #1 is experiencing misfires.

P0301 Causes

Misfires can be caused by many reasons from a faulty ignition system, fuel system, or internal engine failure. The most common reason for this to happen is faulty or worn-out spark plug coil packs, especially if it’s been a while since you had a tune-up.

• Faulty or worn spark plugs and/or spark plug wires
• Ignition issues, including failing or damaged ignition coils 
• Distributor failure 
• Faulty fuel injector
• Vacuum leak
• Low fuel pressure
• Camshaft and/or crankshaft sensor defective
• Engine timing off
• Leaking head gasket
• Low engine compression
• Poor quality fuel that is old or contaminated

P0301 Symptoms

• Check Engine Light is on or flashing
• Engine runs rough, hesitates, or jerks when accelerating
• Drivers may not notice any adverse conditions when driving
• In some cases, drivers may experience decreased fuel economy, fuel smell from exhaust, rough idling, or lack of power from the engine
• Commonly associated with error codes: P0300 , P0302 , P0303 , P0304 , P0305 , P0306, P0307 , P0308

How Do I Fix Code P0301?

With a misfire fault, the first step is to get it diagnosed to figure out what is causing the engine to misfire.  The  FIXD Sensor and app  can help you diagnose and fix P0301 yourself by giving you access to detailed engine diagnostics that are easy to understand (even if you don’t know cars), live OBD2 data, and a Mechanic Hotline. You can even use FIXD to clear the fault codes on your vehicle and see if your fix worked, or simply turn off codes that aren’t serious.

> Click here to get FIXD for $19.99 for a limited time!

If your vehicle is misfiring and you’re not comfortable diagnosing this issue at home, we recommend finding a RepairPal certified shop nearby to pinpoint the problem and give an accurate estimate for repairs. 

These shops can not only help you figure out what’s going wrong before you waste time and money on the wrong parts, but they also offer a minimum 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty and stand behind all their estimates with guaranteed fair pricing.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix Code P0301?

P0301 can be caused by anything from old spark plugs to vacuum leaks to poor engine compression. It’s impossible to give an accurate estimate without properly diagnosing the issue first. 

If you take your car to a shop for diagnosis, most shops will start with an hour of “diag time” (the time spent in labor diagnosing your specific issue). Depending on the shop’s labor rate, this typically costs somewhere between $75-$150. Many, if not most, shops will apply this diagnosis fee to any required repairs if you have them perform the repairs for you. From there, a shop will be able to give you an accurate estimate for repairs to fix your P0300 code.

Possible Repair Costs for P0301

Once properly diagnosed, P0301 may require one or more of the following repairs to resolve the underlying issue. These prices are based on national averages and include parts and labor. Your cost may differ depending on your location and type of vehicle.

• Spark plugs: $66-$250
• Ignition Coils: $230-$640 (some cars require Intake manifold removal)
• Spark plug wires: $180-$240
• Fuel injectors: $1500-$1900
• Vacuum leak: $100-$200
• Fuel pump: $1300-$1700
• Fuel pressure regulator: $200-$400

DIY Steps to Diagnose Code P0301

Engine code P0301 could be caused by a number of things, including faulty spark plugs, faulty ignition system, distributor failure, and more. If you’d like to try to fix code P0301 at home without throwing money at parts, you’ll want to follow the steps below for proper diagnosis. Keep in mind this is an intermediate-level diagnosis and repair and not recommended for beginners. Diagnosis requires more specialized equipment beyond what the FIXD Sensor can provide and it can be a time and labor-intensive process for inexperienced DIYers.

DIY difficulty level: Intermediate

This repair requires mechanical knowledge and is not recommended for beginners.

Tools/parts needed (our top picks from Amazon):

• Screwdrivers
• Digital multimeter
• 5/8in. Spark Plug Socket
• Ratchet, sockets, and extensions
• Fuel pressure gauge
• Compression tester
• Leakdown tester
• Spark plugs
• Spark plug wires

STEP 1: USE FIXD TO ENSURE NO OTHER ENGINE CODES ARE PRESENT.

Use  FIXD  to scan your vehicle to verify P0301 is the only code present. If other codes are present, they must be addressed first.

STEP 2: CHECK FOR LOOSE CONNECTORS OR DAMAGED WIRING AT THE IGNITION COILS. 

Look for loose engine ground wires as well. These can cause random misfire conditions. Tighten or connect where necessary.

STEP 3: CHECK THE CONDITION OF YOUR SPARK PLUGS AND SPARK PLUG WIRES.

Worn and old spark plug wires are common causes of random misfires. Replace spark plugs and wires if needed and recheck for misfires. 

> How to replace spark plugs in 4 easy steps

> How to identify a fouled spark plug

> How to test spark plug wires

> How to gap spark plugs

STEP 4: CHECK TO ENSURE YOUR ENGINE IS GETTING THE PROPER AMOUNT OF FUEL.

If you have determined that your ignition system is operating correctly, there may be a problem within your fuel system that is causing the random misfires. The following should be checked to ensure the engine is getting the proper amount of fuel.

• Check fuel pressure: Low fuel pressure can cause intermittent misfires on multiple cylinders. When the pressure is below the specification, the engine does not receive the proper amount of fuel and will start to lean misfire. The fuel pump or fuel pressure regulator could be the source of the low fuel pressure.

> How to check fuel pressure

• Check fuel injectors: Make sure the fuel injectors are functioning properly and activating. Random misfires can be a sign of faulty or clogged fuel injectors that need to be replaced. Also, check that the fuel injector wiring is not damaged and is connected properly.

> How to check fuel injectors by ear

> How to check fuel injectors with a digital multimeter

STEP 5: PERFORM ENGINE COMPRESSION AND LEAKDOWN TEST

If the ignition system and fuel system checks out, you may want to perform an engine compression test and leakdown test to see if there are any mechanical problems causing your misfire. 

Common mechanical problems that can cause misfires:

• Leaking Head Gasket
• Broken valve spring
• Broken piston ring
• Worn valve guides
• Burned valve
• Timing chain or belt skipped tooth and engine is off time.

Common P0301 Diagnosis Mistakes

Loose fitting electrical connectors and broken or disconnected vacuum hoses are often overlooked. Oxygen sensor(s) are another common misdiagnosis for P0301.

Still Need Help Fixing Code P0301?

If you’ve followed the steps above and are still experiencing misfires or check engine code P0301, please contact the FIXD Mechanic Hotline if you’re a FIXD Premium subscriber or find a RepairPal certified shop near you to get the right repairs at a fair price.  Don’t have a FIXD Sensor yet?  Click here to get yours for just $19.99 , including a free 14-day trial of FIXD Premium!

Popular Engine Codes p0420 code p0172 code p00171 code p0128 code p0300 code p0456 code p0430 code p0442 code p0455 code p0113 code

Fixed It But The Check Engine Light Is Still On?

Check engine light sometimes need to be reset manually, check out our article:

How to Reset Your Check Engine Light | 4 Ways To Clear It (With or Without a Scanner)

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P0300-P0308 Cylinder Misfire Detected. Causes, common problems, diagnostic

What can cause the code P0300 - Random cylinder misfire:

How misfiring is diagnosed, common problems causing misfire codes p0300-p0308:, examples of related service bulletins, how the code p0301 is set, can a tune-up fix a misfire.

Related Articles:

Crankshaft position sensor: how it works, problems, testing.

Mass Air flow Sensor (MAF): symptoms, problems, testing

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P0301 Code: How To Fix Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected 

An illuminated check engine light can ruin a driver’s day. If it is followed by stalling, increased fuel consumption, and other engine problems, that is not good. Thankfully, in those situations, every driver has the possibility to use an OBD-II scanner to check the car for errors. A P0301 code is one of the errors that come with these symptoms.

If a scanner detects a P0301 fault code, the system detects a cylinder 1 misfire. The usual reason for the misfire is a faulty fuel injector or a problem with the spark plug. Those problems will cause a lack of a spark and fuel. They are essential for the proper combustion of the engine.

A spark plug and fuel injector are the usual suspects. But there are other culprits. Those include vacuum leaks, low fuel pressure, and low engine compression. Stay with us, and you will learn about all the underlying issues with this error code. We will also review the diagnosis process and what you can do to resolve this issue.

Understanding the P0301 Code: What Does This Really Mean?

The ECM controls the whole combustion process, resulting in the engine moving the vehicle. For the combustion to be good, it needs air, fuel, and a spark. The air-to-fuel ratio needs to be 14.7:1, and it needs to be ignited with a spark.

If the ratio is not good and there is no spark, the engine misfires . The ECU will detect the problem and trigger an error code. If the problem is in the first cylinder, then it is the P0301 trouble code. Depending on the severity of the issue, the ECU will also turn on the check engine light. It can be illuminated, or it will flash if the problem is serious.

Sneaky Common Causes of the P0301 Code

When dealing with engine misfiring, the common reasons for it are:

• Faulty spark plugs. If the spark plug is not creating a spark, the engine will misfire.
• Bad fuel injector . If the fuel injector is clogged or worn, it will not provide the proper amount of fuel. The problem can also be in the fuel injector wiring.
• Faulty ignition coils. The ignition coil creates voltage with which the spark plug makes the spark. If the coil is not working properly, there cannot be a spark that will ignite the air and fuel mixture. Other ignition components, like wiring, can also cause this problem.

There are also less common symptoms that can cause a misfire. Those are listed below.

• Problems with fuel delivery that are not connected with the fuel injectors. A bad fuel pump will cause a low fuel pressure and insufficient fuel for the engine.
• Head gasket leak. This problem is the result of an overheated engine. Always monitor the engine temperature, and act if you notice changes.
• Clogged or faulty EGR . The EGR allows a certain amount of exhaust gases to reenter the intake system. If the EGR is stuck in the open or closed position, it can cause a misfire.
• Old and worn catalytic converter. If the catalytic converter is not regularly cleaned and maintained, it can become clogged. That can shorten its work life and cause a problem in the air-to-fuel ratio.
• Vacuum leaks. A problem with vacuum leaks will impact the air-to-fuel ratio and can cause a misfire.
• Misaligned valves. Intake valves allow and restrict the air and fuel mixture from entering the cylinders. The engine will have performance issues if the valves are not properly aligned. In certain cases, that can also cause misfiring.
• Insufficient engine compression. Every engine works on the principle of compression. The mixture of air and fuel is compressed into the engine cylinder to work. If the engine has poor compression, that can cause serious engine problems. 

P0301 Code Impact on Engine Performance

Symptoms with p0301 code.

Symptoms depend on the case. Sometimes, the driver will only notice a check engine light. If the problem is serious, it will be followed by different performance issues. But, usually, you should look out for these problems:

• Check engine light is illuminated or blinking
• Difficulty in starting the car
• The engine works roughly on idle
• Lack of power when accelerating
• Poor fuel economy
• Noticeable fuel smell from the exhaust
• The car is knocking while moving or accelerating
• The engine slowly dies while driving.

Potential Damages if Not Immediately Fixed

If the problem is not fixed, it can cause issues with the cylinders and pistons. That often demands the rebuild of the whole engine, which can cost several thousand dollars. Also, misfiring can cause cat converter damage. Catalytic converters can be very expensive to replace.

Effectively Diagnose P0301 Code: Step-by-Step Guide

Diagnosing the P0301 error code should start with the components that are easy to access and which are usually the problem.

• Connect the OBD scanner to the car. Check for any other error codes .
• Delete the codes and monitor when they will reappear. Do a freeze frame to identify the moment when the error shows itself. That can help in identifying the problem.
• Inspect the wires for damage. Identifying wiring damage is easy, and that is often the cause of this problem.
• Do a visual check of the coil packs and coil pack wiring. Bad ignition coils will impact the work of the spark plugs, so replace them if needed.
• If the error codes return after replacing the broken spark plugs, faulty coils, and their wiring, check the fuel injectors. They can be damaged or clogged.
• Check the distributor cap and rotor button for damage or rust. If the distributor cap is damaged, the driver will experience rough idle, lack of power, and engine misfiring.
• Do a test drive, and if the error remains, do a compression test.
• If nothing helps, the problem can be in a faulty PCM. This is a rare case, but it can still happen.

Check Out Engine Misfire? Trouble Code P0303 Meaning, Diagnose Spark Plugs & Ignition Coils

P0301 vs. Other Misfire Codes: What’s the Difference?

P0301 vs p0302.

P0301 diagnostic trouble code signals a misfiring problem with the first cylinder. The P0302 also points to a misfiring problem, but the case is in the second cylinder.

P0301 vs P0303

Just like with the P0302 error code, the P0303 points to a misfiring issue, but in this case, the third cylinder misfires.

Depending on the number of cylinders in the engine, codes that are connected with the misfiring are between P0301 and P0316. There is also a P0300 engine error code , which shows random misfire or several engine cylinder misfire at the same time.

Tips and Tricks to Preventing Future P0301 Code Triggers

A lack of regular maintenance often causes problems with misfiring. The prolonged misuse of the engine can also cause misfiring. The key is in the maintenance. Regularly change spark plugs, oil, and fuel filters. Also, avoid using poor-quality fuel.

Cost Implications: Is It Safe To Repair a P0301 Code

Breakdown of potential cylinder 1 misfire repair cost .

After a detailed engine diagnostics, you may need to repair one or more of the problems that we will mention:

• Spark plugs: $60-$250. We recommend changing the whole set of spark plugs
• Ignition coils: $230-$640. The price may rise if the mechanic needs to remove the intake manifold
• Vacuum leak: $100-$200. The price will vary depending on the size and location of the leak
• Spark plug wiring: $180-$240
• Fuel injectors: $1,600-$1,900. In certain cases, it is enough to clean the fuel injectors. That can cost between $50 and $100
• Fuel pressure regulator: $200-$400
• Fuel pump: $1,300-$1,700

These prices include mechanic costs. The labor rate can differ, but in this case, we used national averages.

When Should You Consider For A Professional Diagnostics and Repair

Diagnosing and fixing the engine code P0301 is not easy. We don’t recommend it to beginners. It requires some advanced tools, like a compression tester, leak-down tester, and fuel pressure gauge. If the problem is beyond replacing bad spark plugs, it is better to contact a mechanic.

Real-Life Experiences: Stories of P0301 Code Troubleshooting

Problems with misfires are common, and our mechanics have a lot of experience with it. In most situations, the diagnostics and fixing of the P0301 goes in this manner.

• We connect the OBD-II scanner to the car’s computer. Once it shows the error code, we know the issue is in the first cylinder. We also check for any additional error codes to address those issues first.
• We first remove the coil packs and inspect them. After that, we can access the spark plugs and remove it with a ratchet.
• We check the spark plugs for any crud. That problem can also point to a problem with the cylinder. If the spark plugs are bad, we replace them. Before doing so, we consulted the owner about replacing all the spark plugs.
• For detailed inspection, we replaced the number one spark plug and coil and placed it in a different position. That way we determine if the error code will change. If it does, then the spark plugs and coils are defective.
• We do an engine compression test if the problem is not in the spark plugs and the coil. The values for each cylinder should be between 125 and 175 PSI in gas engines and 275 and 400 PSI in diesels. If one or more cylinders show way off values, the engine is in trouble.

In 90% of the cases, these are the diagnostic steps that will identify the underlying issues of the P0301. Depending on the problem, the owner needs to decide what he will do. There are cases where the internal engine component damage is too big to resolve. Fixing those issues can cost more than a new engine. 

What Is the Most Frequent Reason for the Code P0301?

The most frequent reason for the code P0301 is problems with the defective spark plug and its wiring. 

Is Code P0301 Serious?

Yes, a code P0301 is considered to be serious. Driving with this error code is not recommended. Not only does the driver experience performance issues, but it can cause other engine problems.

Sometimes, the P0301 error code is accompanied by other codes that point to several misfiring cylinders. This can be a big problem, and it is necessary to fix it as soon as possible.

Will a Cylinder 1 Misfire Fix Itself?

No, a cylinder 1 misfire will not fix itself. Resolving a misfiring issue it demands proper diagnosis and resolving all the underlying issues.

Where Is the Cylinder 1 Located?

The location of the cylinder 1 depends on the engine design. In the inline engine, the number one cylinder is located at the front of the engine, closest to the timing cover. In a V-shaped engine, the cylinder heads are slightly forward in front of each other. A number one cylinder is the first in that engine bank.

Can I Still Drive with a Cylinder 1 Misfire?

No, you should not drive with a cylinder 1 misfire. Driving a car with that type of problem will only cause additional internal engine damage. What can start as a problem with the spark plug may end up with the rebuild of the whole engine.

Need More Help With A P0301 Code?

Fixing a P0301 can be difficult. Many different faulty components can cause a random misfire. If you neglect this error code, that will result in internal engine failure. Do not let this problem develop into something big and expensive to repair. You do not need additional problems, like catalytic converter damage.

Contact a professional who will do proper diagnostics, and then you will know what you are dealing with. The prices for repairing the P0301 differ, and that is why you need a good mechanic with a lot of experience. Do this fast and avoid further engine damage.

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Cylinder 1 Misfire – P0301 Code (Meaning, Causes, And Fixes)

Are you getting a cylinder 1 misfire and the code P0301 and you want to learn more about how to tackle this problem? Well, if this is the case, then you are at the right place because, in this article, there will be quite a lot to cover on this topic.

Car Diagnostics

Engine misfire.

• The Problem

Doing your own research before you go out there and try to solve the problem is always a good idea. You just don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on expensive mechanics when in some cases, the problem is mainly caused by a simple spark plug.

But what if I told you that there are certain conditions inside of the combustion that can aggravate spark plug failure and make the spark plug fail much sooner? Sometimes the root of these problems is much deeper than we previously thought.

It is not black and white as many people think. And this is why we are here to help you to determine the causes of this problem. First, we are going to learn what is car diagnostics , and then we will cover what is an engine misfire.

We will also elaborate more on the code P0301 cylinder 1 misfire. Once we clear that out of our way, we will cover the causes, symptoms, and diagnostics processes that can be done to tackle this problem. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the topic.

Now before we dive into the cylinder 1 misfire, let’s take a look at car diagnostics and learn more about this process and how it is done the right way . There are people facing similar issues and when it comes to problems like these, you just need to have a basic grasp of knowledge when it comes to tackling problems of your car.

As you probably know, modern cars are very complex. They pack a lot of different components that communicate with the PCM. The PCM is simply known as the Powertrain Control Module . This module is the brain of the whole car, in other words, the car computer.

And this device is constantly communicating with different sensors and other electronic components and then based on the data that this device collects will trigger a code. Like in our case when you have a cylinder 1 misfire.

And in order to read what the check engine light means, you need to have a tool known as an OBD2 scanner. The OBD2 scanner will let you scan the car for codes. This tool is essential if you want to be your own mechanic. You cannot do anything without a code reader. And you can find these tools on the cheap on Amazon or similar sites.

The second tool you will need will be the multimeter. Since cheap OBD2 scanners don’t give you the ability to read live data, you will need to get a multimeter to bench-test sensors and different components of your car.

With a multimeter, you can measure different properties like voltage, resistance, and continuity . So, this tool is highly recommended to have. But what about the cylinder 1 misfire? More about that, we will cover next.

Now before we dive into the P0301 code and the cylinder 1 misfire problem, let’s first take a look at what is a cylinder misfire in general. Since this is a topic that confuses a lot of people out there and people are just not able to tell if their car is misfiring or not. So, let’s cover this in detail.

An engine misfire in general is a missed combustion . The gas inside of the cylinder simply does not ignite on time.

In the internal combustion engine , everything has to be perfectly timed out. These are 4-stroke engines and for each stroke, there is a certain procedure. And if the ignition is not timed well, the engine will misfire.

For example, the gas can be ignited prematurely while the piston is not at the end of the stroke . And this premature ignition can lead to misfires and a situation known as an engine knock. Because in this case, there could be two parallel bangs, and when they collide, it will cause the engine to start knocking .

And there could be also delayed combustion and the engine does not ignite with the help of the spark plug but because of the compression. Which is also a bad thing. This problem is often caused by worn-out spark plugs or other ignition issues.

But how these misfires are represented? Well, most often, these misfires are represented as engine ticking or ticks or coming from the top of the engine ( not to be confused with a lifter tick ). Especially if it happens on a certain cylinder, you will be able to pick it up.

Also, there will be some pops and bangs on the exhaust pipe, and the gas flow will not be very smooth. But what about the cylinder 1 misfire? More about that we will cover next.

P0301 Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected

Now let’s elaborate more on the cylinder 1 misfire and see what is this problem all about. We will specifically focus on the code P0301 code. So, what is the meaning of the P0301 code?

The P0301 is a generic DTC code that can be triggered on any OBD2 vehicle produced after 1996. The basic definition is “P0301 Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected”. So, what does this mean in the first place?

Well, this code indicates a misfire on cylinder number 1. Misfire codes start with P0300, which indicates a random engine misfire . But the P0301 or P0302 indicate a misfire on a specific cylinder.

This in our opinion is a great lead when it comes to solving the problem since it does not happen randomly in your engine . But only cylinder 1 is the one that is affected by this type of work.

And as we noted previously, a misfire is a situation where your spark does not work well. There can be premature combustion, delayed combustion, or no combustion at all since the spark plug does not produce any spark.

And you will be able to experience some of the symptoms that are associated with this problem, which honestly are not that nice since your engine will not work as it should because of this problem. But more on the symptoms we are going to elaborate later on.

What is worth noting is that there could also be other codes, such as:

• P0300 Code (or make/model specific ones, such as P0300 Nissan or P0300 Chevy )
• P0302 Code (a cylinder 2 misfire )
• P0304 Code (a cylinder 4 misfire )

You get the idea. Each number refers to a certain cylinder. And in our case, as we noted P0301 means cylinder 1 misfire. And what are the causes of this problem? Well, more on that, we are going to elaborate in the following chapter.

Cylinder Misfire Causes

Now that we elaborated more on the cylinder 1 misfire problem and learned that the cylinder ignition is not functioning well on cylinder number 1.

We think that now it is time to dive into the causes of this problem and learn more about what could be causing the problem with your car. There could be a number of different reasons behind it, hence, why some folks wonder whether can bad gas cause a misfire , so let’s cover them in detail and see what could be the problem.

Cylinder 1 Misfire Causes #1: Bad Spark Plug

The first and most common symptom of a cylinder 1 misfire is the situation with the spark plug. This is probably one of the first components that you should check before you do something else to the car.

Spark plugs can fail, and the electrode can get damaged or covered in oil, coolant, or carbon. So, when this happens, the ignition will not be particularly good. The spark plug can even stop working completely. Therefore, you need to be on the lookout for the symptoms of a bad spark plug .

This is why you need to check the spark plug and the condition (and learn how to read spark plugs ). A spark plug can tell a lot of stories about how your engine is working. Each condition leads to a different root of the failure cause. For more references, check out our guide on how to check your spark plugs , as well as what does a bad spark plug look like .

Otherwise, you might have issues such as there being oil in the spark plug well , or if there’s generally any motor oil on the spark plug . If so, you’ll then have to consider the cost of a replacement spark plug . Now let’s move on to the next cylinder 1 misfire causes.

Cylinder 1 Misfire Causes #2: Bad Spark Plug Wire Or Distributor

Next on our list of cylinder misfire causes is the bad spark plug wire or distributor. Older cars until the late 90s used distributor and wires for ignition timing.

So, what can happen is that these components can fail and cause problems. So, if your car is an old-school model, you should check the condition of these components as well. You can check this by removing the spark plug and plugging it into the wire, then crank the car.

Then if you put the spark near metal it should create a spark. If it doesn’t create a spark, the wire or distributor is bad and causing cylinder 1 to misfire. So, remember to be wary of the symptoms of a bad distributor .

Cylinder 1 Misfire Causes #3: Bad Ignition Coil

The next common cause for the cylinder number 1 misfire is the situation with the bad ignition coil . Modern cars are using something known as coil-on-plug or simply as a coil pack .

This means that for each cylinder, you have a spark plug and on top of the spark plug an ignition coil. This coil is basically an electric transformer that transforms the low 12v current into a high voltage current and makes the spark plug work.

So, when a coil is dead, it means that there is a problem. As such, it’s crucial that you identify the symptoms of a bad ignition coil ( such as P0351 codes ), and learn how to test a coil pack with a multimeter , as well as consider the cost of a replacement ignition coil.

And this problem is often a cylinder 1 misfire or a misfire on another cylinder that is affected.

Cylinder 1 Misfire Causes #4: Bad Fuel Injector

The next probable cause for the cylinder 1 misfire is the bad fuel injector. Each cylinder has a fuel injector and this injector as you know injects fuel.

And these injectors can be somewhat problematic, thus showcasing the symptoms of a bad fuel injector. Especially on modern cars with direct injection. Even the slightest imperfections, such as dirty fuel injectors , when it comes to spraying the fuel in the cylinder can cause the engine to misfire.

So, if you own a Kia or a VW, Audi, or a similar brand, you will have a hard time with issues like these. If the issue isn’t too serious, you could simply use the best fuel injector cleaner (with some tips on how to clean fuel injectors ) to clear up any clogs. Elsewhere, you might otherwise have to consider the cost of a replacement fuel injector .

What is worth noting is that when an injector is malfunctioning, there will be another code in most cases which will help you diagnose the cylinder 1 misfire.

Cylinder 1 Misfire Causes #5: Burnt Valves

The next very common cause that we are going to discuss when it comes to the cylinder 1 misfire is the situation when you have damaged or burnt engine valves.

And this is a very common situation and a big problem for a lot of people. When engine valves do not create a perfect vacuum seal, your combustion is not that great .

And valves can get damaged and cause these problems. For this purpose, you will have to make a compression test on your car. And then determine what could be causing the cylinder 1 misfire on your car. Now let’s move on to the next common cause for this problem.

Cylinder 1 Misfire Causes #6: Carbon Buildup

The next common cause of cylinder 1 misfire is carbon buildup. Carbon buildup can be created both on the piston head, as well as on the valves.

And this carbon is really a problem because it can cause a cylinder 1 misfire on your car. As we noted previously, carbon can prevent the valves from sealing well .

As well as a lot of crust on the piston head top surface could create some abnormal explosions. So, this is one of the very common causes of this problem.

Cylinder 1 Misfire Causes #7: Low Compression

The next probability for this cylinder 1 misfire problem is the low compression. As we noted previously, when you have poor compression, you also have poor combustion.

We noted that the valves can not close and cause a problem. But there could be other causes (not to mention symptoms) for low compression .

Namely, poor sealing piston rings. So, if the pistons do not seal well and have some slack between the cylinder wall and the pistons, you will have a difficult time. But more on this, we are going to elaborate later on.

Cylinder 1 Misfire Causes #8: Defective PCM

The next common cause for this cylinder 1 misfire problem is a defective PCM. PCM as you probably know is the Powertrain Control Module . This computer is the brain of the car and this component regulates a lot of things happening inside the engine.

And if this component for some reason become faulty, it will trigger the check engine light quite often and the P0301 code and other similar codes can be present. Now let’s move on to the last causes.

Cylinder 1 Misfire Causes #9: Other Miscellaneous Causes

Now let’s cover the other less common problems that can trigger a cylinder 1 misfire. We decided to add them in a separate chapter since they are less common to occur.

Namely, other problems that can trigger this code can be a clogged EGR valve, vacuum leaks, poor fuel flow, leaking head gasket, camshaft sensors , crankshaft sensor, oxygen sensor , throttle position sensor, catalytic converter, MAF sensor, MAP sensor.

So, we covered the causes of the cylinder 1 misfire, and now let’s dive into the symptoms associated with the problem.

Engine Misfire Symptoms

Now that we know the causes of the cylinder 1 misfire. Let’s take a look at the symptoms that are closely associated with this problem and learn more about what you can expect symptom-wise from the car.

One of the first symptoms that you will notice is the check engine light. There should be a code P0301. But also, if the problem with the coil, or any other sensor there will be codes concerning these components as well.

Other conditions can include difficulty starting the engine, rough idle, vibrations on the steering wheel, hesitation, loss of power, increased gas consumption, and engine stalling.

As you can tell, this is a serious problem that could put the reliability of your car under question. This is why you need to make sure that you diagnose the problem. And how you can diagnose the cylinder 1 misfire, we are going to elaborate in the following chapter.

Diagnosing Misfire

Now let’s learn how you can diagnose a cylinder 1 misfire. For this purpose, you will need a special tool known as an OBD2 scanner or code scanner as some people call it.

This tool will give you all the necessary data that you need to troubleshoot the problem. So, in this case, you get a P0301 code that indicates a cylinder 1 misfire.

Besides this code, there will be also other codes as well. For example, a code concerning the ignition coil, injector, O2 sensor, and MAF sensor. All these codes are precious data when it comes to overcoming this problem.

So, you have to pay attention to them since this problem is likely triggered by some of these components . Then you should troubleshoot the respective component with a multimeter and see if it’s working well or not.

Once you have tested the component, you can replace it with a new one , clear the codes and the check engine light will disappear from your cluster and your car will regain proper function and there will be no more cylinder 1 misfire.

Cylinder 1 Misfire Fix

So, we learned what is the cylinder 1 misfire and how you can diagnose this problem with an OBD2 scanner. Now let’s take a look at what you can do without a scanner, how you can fix this misfire?

Well, in this case, I would advise that you first check the spark plug and the condition of the spark plug.

Remove the coil or wire and see the condition of the electrode. If the electrode is missing some pieces or is covered in oil or smells of gas, clean it well and try if this sorts out the problem. If it doesn’t, then replace the spark plug and this should hopefully fix the problem.

Or if the problem is caused by an ignition coil, what you can do is swap the ignition coils and then see if this cylinder misfire appears on the cylinder where you installed the coil from cylinder number 1. This is a very simple and effective method to test an ignition coil.

If the problem is caused by something else, you will need to do more thorough work and diagnostics. Therefore, the cost of fixing an engine misfire can vary quite a bit.

Driving With Misfiring Cylinder 1

Now let’s take a look at the cylinder 1 misfire and whether you can drive with a misfiring cylinder or not. Should you do it?

Well, you can do it, anything is possible but the chance of the car stalling is rather big. Especially if you have a small engine with four cylinders. The car will be very underpowered under these circumstances and you can be left out stranded somewhere.

So, your best bet would be to fix the problem with the misfires. That’s how you will be safe from issues that can be even more frustrating.

Cylinder 1 Misfire: In Conclusion…

In this article, we have covered quite a bit when it comes to the cylinder 1 misfire. First, we discussed car diagnostics and how this procedure is done. Then we elaborated on the cylinder 1 misfire and the code P0301.

Then we learned more about the causes, and symptoms, and also how to diagnose the problem with the misfire on cylinder number 1. Lastly, we learned if you can keep driving like this.

FAQs On Cylinder 1 Misfire

Now let’s answer some frequently asked questions.

What Is A Misfire

A misfire in simple words is abnormal combustion. Each cylinder should fire at the right time. And if the cylinder does not fire on time, there will be a situation known as a misfire. That is represented as a ticking noise coming from the engine and also there will be pops and bangs from the exhaust.

What Does Misfiring Mean

When a car is misfiring it means that some of the cylinders do not create combustion when they should. Sometimes this combustion is delayed or premature. And this is a situation known as misfiring.

What Causes A Misfire

A misfire can be caused by a lot of things. The most common causes of this problem are spark plugs and ignition coils. But this problem can be also caused by bad wires and distributor in older cars. Also, bad injectors, burnt or leaky valves, low compression, and carbon deposits. These are the most common causes

Can Spark Plugs Cause Misfire

Yes, definitely, a spark plug will make your engine misfire and you will have a problem with the combustion in your engine. So, replacing the spark plugs is recommended after 60,000 miles.

How To Diagnose A Misfire

A misfire can be diagnosed with a multimeter. There will be codes starting from P0300 which indicates a random misfire. There are other codes like P0301, P0302, P0303, and so on. These codes indicate a misfire for a specific cylinder. And in order what is causing the misfire you will have to do some troubleshooting when it comes to the spark plugs and coils. These are the most common reasons for engine misfires.

How To Fix Engine Misfire

Fixing this problem is simple, just check the spark plugs and see the condition, if they are old or dirty, replace them with new ones. If you get a code for the coils, just swap out the coils and see if the code reappears on the other cylinder. If the code moves to the other cylinder, you know that it is a coil issue. There could be other causes for this problem and the fixes are different for them. But these are the most common ones.

Conner Mckay

Conner McKay is the pulse of Car Middle East, delivering a wealth of knowledge on everything from the latest SUVs to engine troubleshooting. His deep dive into the automotive industry blends technical know-how with regional flair, providing readers with a unique perspective on car ownership and cutting-edge trends in the Middle East's vibrant car culture.

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Cylinder 1 misfire 2013 Dodge Dart

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So my car started misfiring a while ago. I drive a 2013 Dodge Dart 1.4T with 115k miles on it. The car didn't throw any codes or the check engine light until it had been misfiring for a couple of weeks. I had it on a Bluetooth OBDII reader and that told me that my timing was all over the place when it was missing but when it wasn't under any load from the turbo it smoothed out. Also I'm not sure if this is true or not but apparently it's putting out almost 20 psi of boost according to that OBDII reader. Spark plugs were changed less than 200 miles ago and when I tested coils on the DMM each one had the same resistance. After it threw the check engine light I took it to O'Reillys and had the put their scanner on it and it showed a cylinder 1 misfire. Because it was a cylinder 1 misfire I swapped the coil with cylinder 2 just to see if anything changed and it didn't. Is there something I'm overlooking that would cause this?  

Maybe the gap on the spark plugs are off? I don't know what they should be in the 1.4. Check the manual but maybe take them back out and double check.  

Do a compression test.  

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• Engine & Transmission

#p0302 misfire

By 2.4journey2013 August 9, 2020 in Engine & Transmission

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2.4journey2013.

Hey guys, 2013 AT Dodge Journey with 2.4L. It's getting a random misfire (losing spark) at random times and it seems to be the same cylinder each time it does it. It's not consistent but more of a here and there.

-I've checked the injectors, good

-coil packs good, even bought a new one for cylinder 2 (#P0302)  

will be doing a compression test tomorrow.   

this seems like maybe a PCM issue? Can anyone else throw out any ideas? Thanks!!

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John/Horace

Welcome to forum. So plug was replaced at least once with a new one ( it’s rare but new plugs can fail right away) and coil was replaced?

Need to test compression in cyclinder two at a minimum, all four is best, more accurate with all plugs removed. Wet and dry test, table spoon of oil in the cyclinder.

How many miles on the vehicle? If compression is decent and plug changed at least once and coil.  Plastic intake manifold could be cracked or more likely the gasket or gaskets that seal against engine are faulty allowing extra air and a lean condition.

Thanks for the response.

it has 82k miles as of yesterday.

all plugs were changed 3 days ago. Number 2 cylinder kept giving random misfire here and there. Replaced the coil For that one specifically.   

the misfire isn't there always, kind of like a ghost here and there but for whatever reason when it's happening I can unplug cylinder 2 coil pack and there's no change To the motor, meaning I'm not getting spark but why? And why at random times and other times it can drive for 30 minutes or more without issues. This is why I was directed more towards the PCM causing an issue with the spark for cylinder 2 randomly.

I will definitely be doing a compression test today as well as checking for exhaust gas in the coolant as I'm getting slight overheating but could just be air bubbles in the cooling system.  

As for compression test in this exact car, do I need to pull any fuses before preforming the compression test? Or can I just unplug the injectors and remove the spark plugs and turn over the motor via push button? I'm used to older cars, mainly pre OBD2

the misfire isn't there always, kind of like a ghost here and there but for whatever reason when it's happening I can unplug cylinder 2 coil pack and there's no change To the motor, meaning I'm not getting spark but why? And why at random times and other times it can drive for 30 minutes or more without issues................... I would definally check the wires and connetors to this coil pac as  your statement points to a broken wire or  connector making a bad connection at times...good luck

Need to pull fuel pump relay and leave coils unplugged for compression test.

But first Put a engine stethoscope or a long screwdriver in #2 injector, should feel and hear clicking when car is running. Bad injector is rare but possible. Node light plugged in harness will prove signal from ECM.

Bad Intake manifold gasket possible.

On 8/9/2020 at 11:10 AM, 2late4u said: the misfire isn't there always, kind of like a ghost here and there but for whatever reason when it's happening I can unplug cylinder 2 coil pack and there's no change To the motor, meaning I'm not getting spark but why? And why at random times and other times it can drive for 30 minutes or more without issues................... I would definally check the wires and connetors to this coil pac as  your statement points to a broken wire or  connector making a bad connection at times...good luck

Checked the wires for that coil pack, everything seemed fine.   

I also checked the radiator for any exhaust fumes leaking into the cooling system via the tester and chemical color. Also was OK there.

Will be doing a final Compression test this evening and if that checks out.

-replaced Spark plugs all 4 correct ones 

-replaced coil pack for cylinder 2 (misfire)

-getting fuel and spark before it randomly misfires -checked cylinder 2 coil pack wiring for cracks/breaks - none

to me, I think it's an issue with the PCM. Why would it have spark 10 mins and then start misfiring with no spark on cylinder 2 for xx amount of time and then resume normal spark to all 4 coil packs and it's not the same every time it's intermittent. Doesn't the PCM control spark among other things?

PCM rarely fail on most vehicles. Bad cps sensor are known to sometimes cause cyclinder misfire. Also a wear item.

Could also be an issue with plastic intake manifold, either a crack or a seal issue.

2 hours ago, John/Horace said: PCM rarely fail on most vehicles. Bad cps sensor are known to sometimes cause cyclinder misfire. Also a wear item. Could also be an issue with plastic intake manifold, either a crack or a seal issue.  

After I check those and come back with OK, I'll be at a loss.   

warming it up now for compression test with the computer reset. Seeing if it will misfire while just idling.

Compression test completed:

When replacing the CPS on this car, does it have to "relearn" or is it a plug and play? Newer cars are such headaches.

Compression looks good, you can forget about that as an issue. CPS I believe is plug and play on journey 2.4.  Part is cheap, I would use oem if changing it, critical part for engine.

Picking up a new CPS today or tomorrow and throwing it in, hopefully that does the trick. 

Just a quick thought, could the EGR valve be causing an issue with idling misfire/stumble?

I noticed last night I reset the computer, warmed it up (idled fine no misfire) took off And test drove about 5-6 miles with it as normal no misfire. I came to a stop sign shortly after and noticed the car slightly misfiring but no check engine light on, eased into the throttle and it drove as normal again for about 1.5 miles and I pulled over to check, still running normal. Finally got home and let it idle for a good while and it didn't Misfire. So it's very confusing.  

I noticed the coolant temp got up to about 210-212*F and that's when it seemed like misfire/rough idle at the stop sign but once it lowered back down it seemed fine.

That temp is too high,  you probably need a new thermostat first. High temp I think can cause cyclinder misfire on its own.

If it was a EGR issue there would probably be different codes coming up. The CPS sensors are a wear item and you will need one eventually; I would do thermostat right away.

Awesome, will do! I replaced the CPS but will wait to drive until I replace the t-stat. 

My daughter in laws 2.4 CPS went at only 69k miles, but a 2012. Started to randomly die on her, kinda dangerous.

I usually do them early on most of my cars. Fairly cheap part so not worth messing around if you are keeping car long term, IMO.

I’m surprised car is not boiling over with temp up to 212. If you do drive it, carry some water with you until you change out stat.

my 2014 usually runs around 195 and on hot alabama days the temp after driving and then idling can get up to 210-215 but then cools down some after a few minutes, if it gets that temp and stays there then yes it would be running hot

I noticed the coolant wasn't flowing through the radiator just pretty much stand still the entire warm up (stuck closed?).I have purchased 2 Thermostats for the journey and will be replacing them shortly. I'll update this thread when that's completed.

I have the new CPS installed but haven't driven the car since I put it in. Will test it out after the cooling parts are replaced and hopefully the misfire is gone.

yes, it looks like there are 2 for the 2.4 2013 journey. One that sits in the plastic inlet like the above picture and one that actually sits against the cylinder head by the plastic water inlet.

good to know my daughter has a 2.4 in her jeep i need to research this as well  just in case...LOL

yeah, looks like this will take a little longer than usual. I don't really feel like going out and replacing these parts in 100* weather right now! But as soon as it's completed I'll test drive and be back to this thread.

replaced both thermostat even though it's 95*, the overheating seems to have settled down. I'm not exactly sure the low speed fuse is working for the radiator fan but when I was driving it didn't get above 200* and when I was idling it got to about 210-215* and it's still 90* weather outside.

I noticed that the stumble happened. I went and added air to the tire and when I restarted the car it stumbled slightly for a minute or so but the check engine never came on. Once I pulled into the road it started to drive fine. The intake manifold gasket, if bad or failing would be constant. I dot think it would be ok here and then shortly leaking air.

is there anything else I should check relating to the idle stumble? Air filter looks ok. I'm just starting to get stumped.

could it be the Mass airflow sensor messing up?

No more misfire codes is good. There is no mass air flow , you have a MAP manifold absolute pressure sensor. It should set a code if bad. Idle issue is possible symptom. People sometimes clean sensor with intake manifold cleaner. It's cheap about $25.

Might try that, yeah not getting any codes. Does this car have an in-line fuel filter near the gas tank? Possibly gunked up injectors, will be running some cleaner through it.  

I'm working on this for a family member or I'd have all the service manuals at least for my car, etc lol.

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Cylinder 1 Misfire

2013 dodge challenger.

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• remove the mds system from the engine (1 reports)

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2013 Dodge Challenger Owner Comments

Mar 20 2019

Challenger SRT 8 6.4L V8

• Automatic transmission
• 77,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Started with a cylinder 1 misfire code. Went through natural progression of diagnosing the issue. Changed spark plugs, coil pack, injector, as well as a compression check of the cylinder. I had to remove the valve cover and turn the engine over without starting it, to see that the number 1 cylinder intake valve does not open as it should. The lifter has flattened out the lobe on the camshaft. There is no excuse for this other than faulty parts installed by dodge on a terrible system. The camshaft lobe should not be flattened out at only 77,000 miles. I do not miss oil changes or take short cuts maintaining the vehicle. why there is even a MDS system on a 6.4L engine is beyond my comprehension. I'm not sure who the genius over at Chrysler is that decided there needed to be an "ECO" mode on a muscle car, but something needs to be done by the manufacturer.

- Jance F. , Jacksonville, US

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Dodge Journey P0306: Misfire Detected (Cylinder 6)

P0306 is a fairly common trouble code with the Dodge Journey . It’s and OBD2 code and stands for:

P0306 is certainly a cause for concern, and should be considered a threat to the drivability your Journey. The nice thing about P0306 is that it’s a cylinder specific trouble code, which makes diagnosing the problems much more simple than P0300 , which means that the cylinders are randomly misfiring.

It will often be accompanied by codes P0301 , P0302 , P0303 , P0304 , P0305, etc…. These particular codes indicate that there is a misfire in cylinder one, two, three, four, and five respectively.

Fixing P0306 should be considered a high priority. Unlike a lot of the OBDII codes, this code has to do directly with engine combustion. It also can cost money to ignore it, since driving with a misfire can damage the Journey’s catalytic converter. The engine is also not firing all of the fuel, so raw fuel is also passing through Cylinder 6 into the exhaust. Mileage may suffer as well when your Journey has P0306 as well.

Dodge Journey P0306 Definition

P0306 is a cylinder specific misfire code, which means that Cylinder 6 is misfiring and causing it. An important thing to understand when finding the location of Cylinder 6 is that it’s going to be the sixth cylinder in the firing order . It won’t be the sixth cylinder that you might see when looking at the engine.

Journey P0306 OBDII Code Symptoms

• The P0306 trouble code will trigger the Journey’s service engine soon light.
• The vehicle itself may begin to run rough. It depends on how serious the misfire is.
• The vehicle may produce excess vibration, especially at lower RPM.
• Fuel mileage may suffer.
• You may smell raw gas coming from the tailpipe.
• The Journey may backfire.

P0306 Trouble Code Diagnosis- Dodge Journey

There are quite a few things that can cause the P0306 trouble code to trigger the Dodge Journey. Here are the most common problems that may cause it. They are presented somewhat in order from most to least likely to be causing the code:

• Bad Spark Plugs – Spark plugs are one of the most common causes of P0306. Take a look at the electrodes and see if they are in good shape. Most vehicles now come with iridium plugs that need changed very infrequently. That being said, the plugs are a great place to start. Here’s a great video on how to see if a spark plug is bad. Dodge Journey Spark Plugs .
• Spark Plug Wires – On most modern engines, the plug wires are not nearly as long as they once were, but they can still go bad. Here’s how to tell if your plug wires are bad (video).
• Coil Packs – Coil packs rarely go bad, but when they do, they can certainly cause P0306 in your Dodge Journey. Replacing a set can be very expensive. Here’s how to test them .
• Bad Fuel Injector – If you have a fuel injector that has gone bad, it won’t be able to properly atomize the fuel and you’ll get the P0306. Here’s a good video on how to diagnose an injector , it can be a little tricky. This is definitely not the place to start.
• Vacuum leak – If your Journey has a vacuum leak, it can be very difficult for it to get the right air/fuel mixture. This will cause the cylinders to misfire and it’ll throw the P0306 if the leak is around that specific cylinder on the intake manifold. It’s easy (and kind of fun) to chase one down. Popular Mechanics : How to find a vacuum leak .
• Cam or Crank Sensors – This one is very unlikely, but it does happen. If the ECU is not getting the right signal from these sensors, the vehicles timing is not going to sync up and it’ll misfire.
• Low Compression – If you have a leaking head gasket, bent valve, cracked head, etc.. that would cause compression to not be as high as it should, you’re going to get P0306. You should also feel the vehicle is down on power as well.

Most Common P0306 Fixes

If you follow the items listed above you should be able to fix the P0306. Here’s how to go about it:

Inspect and test the parts of the ignition system around the cylinder to determine whether or not you need to replace the coil packs, plugs, or wires. Most of the time one of those three things will end up being the problem.

You need to reset the trouble codes and swap the coil pack, wire, and plug from Cylinder 6 to another cylinder. If you get a different P030X code, you’ll know that one of those three components is bad, since by moving those components you have changed which cylinder the trouble code has registered in. After that, Go ahead and replace them or have them tested. It’s an easy, and cheap method of determining if your ignition components have gone bad.

After that you would want to test the fuel injection system. There are links above that’ll show you how to do that. If that doesn’t work, it may be time to do a compression test and see if you have a leak in the sixth cylinder.

Is P0306 a Serious Concern?

P0306 is cause for concern and left unfixed can leave you stranded or make the vehicle virtually un-drivable. Fixing the problem causing the code to fire can save you time and money and keep your Dodge Journey from breaking down. Quick action may also save your catalytic converter from going bad. Good luck diagnosing the issue. If there is anything that you would like to add please leave a comment below.