P0300 Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected (2024)

Technical Description

Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected

What does that mean?

This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic powertrain code. It is considered generic because it applies to all makes and models of vehicles (1996-newer), although specific repair steps may be slightly different depending on the model. So this engine code article applies to Chevrolet, Ford, Nissan, Toyota, Dodge, Honda, GMC, etc.

Basically this P0300 code means that the the car's computer has detected that not allof the engine's cylinders are firing properly.

A P0300 diagnostic code indicates a random or multiple misfire. If the last digitis a number other than zero, it corresponds to the cylinder number that is misfiring.A P0302 code, for example, would tell you cylinder number two is misfiring.Unfortunately, a P0300 doesn't tell you specifically which cylinder(s) is/aremis-firing, nor why.

P0300 Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected (1)

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

  • the engine may be harder to start
  • the engine may stumble / stumble, and/or hesitate
  • other symptoms may also be present

Causes

A code P0300 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:

  • Faulty spark plugs or wires
  • Faulty coil (pack)
  • Faulty oxygen sensor(s)
  • Faulty fuel injector(s)
  • Burned exhaust valve
  • Faulty catalytic converter(s)
  • Stuck/blocked/leaking EGR valve / passages
  • Faulty camshaft position sensor
  • Defective computer

Possible Solutions

If there are no symptoms, the simplest thing to do is to reset the code andsee if it comes back.

If there are symptoms such as the engine is stumbling or hesitating, checkall wiring and connectors that lead to the cylinders (i.e. spark plugs). Dependingon how long the ignition components have been in the car, it may be a goodidea to replace them as part of your regular maintenance schedule. I wouldsuggest spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor cap, and rotor (if applicable).Otherwise, check the coils (a.k.a. coil packs). In some cases, the catalyticconverter has gone bad. If you smell rotten eggs in the exhaust, your cat converterneeds to be replaced. I've also heard in other cases the problems were faultyfuel injectors.

Random misfires that jump around from one cylinder to another (read: P030xcodes) also will set a P0300 code. The underlying cause is oftena lean fuelcondition,which may be due to a vacuum leak in the intake manifold or unmetered air gettingpast the airflow sensor, or an EGR valve that is stuck open.

It is helpful to have access to a factory service manual and an advanced scan tool to properly diagnose a random misfire DTC.

P0300 Diagnostics Video

Here is a helpful video that may assist you in learning more, diagnosing, and repairing your P0300 DTC. This video is intended for auto repair professionals but could be helpful to DIYers. It shows use of an advanced OBD-II scan tool during diagnostic steps:

Related DTC Discussions

Register now to ask a question (free)

  • 2005 F-150 5.4L cold/open loop misfire P0304, P0308, P0300
    Every time I start my truck, it misfires P0304 and/or P0308 and/or P0300 (less frequent). As soon as it warms up, it clears up. But still feels like I'm missing some power. I've replaced plugs, injectors, COPS, fuel filter. Search for vacuum leaks (sprayed carb cleaner, even rigged up a contraptio...
  • GM Vortex - P0300 now what??
    My 1996 V6 4.3 Blazer (automatic) with 102K miles recently had the fuel pump & filter replaced. The old pump just died one day, probably from running it on fumes for so long :oops: Ran great for about 3 weeks. But…. in the past week it has become generally hard to start when cold or left ove...
  • P1682 P0135 P0300 09 Silverado 1500
    :? Hello, I have an 09 Silverado 1500 5.3L. About a week ago it started missing really bad. I was driving down the road and it just started misfiring really bad. I popped the hood and the cat was red hot. It destroyed my cat. It threw a p1682, p0171 and a p0300. After clearing the codes and driving ...
  • 2002 silverado 1500 4x4 5.3 l engine codes p0101 p0300
    i have a 02 chevy silverado 5.3 liter 83000 mile replaced maf sensor o2 sensors before cat still getting p0101 and p0300 codes can anyone help me...
  • 98 Montana 3.4 P0300
    Here goes, got a 98 Montana with a 3.4 throwing a P0300 code. It idles rough and no other codes are thrown. I have:-Plugs are new AC Delco gapped @ .06-Plug wires are new-Ohm tested all injectors (all the same @ .012)-compression tested all 6 cylinders and got 150-153ish all cylinders-Used a s...
  • 98 Z71 p0300 p0151 p0174
    213k miles. 1,3,5,7 have recorded misfires of 32,9,187,28. 2,4,6,8 have 1446,5433,9046,5351. I know the codes are b2 02 sensor related and multiple misfires. I've watched misfires on an engine analyzer and seen them sometimes as they occur. The other day I watched driving on expressway and saw that ...
  • 2003 Honda Civic EX P0300, P0302, P0301, P0303, P0304
    Any help would be greatly appreciated!----------------------------------------------Year: 2003Make: HondaModel: CivicEngine: 1.7L SOHC 4 Cyl (D17A6)Mileage: 43000Stored:P0301 Cylinder 1 Misfire DetectedP0302 Cylinder 2 Misfire DetectedP0303 Cylinder 3 Misfire DetectedP0304 Cylinder 4 ...
  • 1996 gmc safari p0420 p0300 po131 p0151 p0172 decel misfire
    I've replaced the EGR valve, all 4 O2 sensors, plugs, wires, cap&rotorX3. Now that I've got your curiosity - Here's our story - i've had this wonderful 213k mile 96 awd gmc safari(chevy astro) since 70k miles. Its only failings were 3 fuel pumps, 1 alternator, 1 radiator, one water valve thing...
  • 1998 Intrepid P1297, P0300
    I have a 1998 Chrysler Intrepid with a 2.7 that has started giving me the P0300 fault code (multiple cylinder misfire) and code 1297 (MAP sensor doesn't change its reading when the engine is running). Also for some reason I am getting code 1684 (battery disconnected in last 50 starts) even though t...
  • 1998 neon P0201,P0202,P0302.P0300
    i have just bought my first dodge neon and i have a few codes that came up.i know what they are but dont know what could be causing the trouble.its a 1998 neon 2.0 SOHC 4 door auto 120,000 miles.it has a rough idle and even worse when ever its in gear.it stumbles and jerks when at a steady speed.wh...

Need more help with a p0300 code?

If you still need help regarding the P0300 trouble code, please postyour question in our FREE car repair forums.

NOTE: This information is presented for information purposes only.It is not intended as repair advice and we are not responsible for any actionsyou take on any vehicle. All information on this site is copyright protected.

P0300 Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected (2024)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rob Wisoky

Last Updated:

Views: 6292

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (68 voted)

Reviews: 91% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rob Wisoky

Birthday: 1994-09-30

Address: 5789 Michel Vista, West Domenic, OR 80464-9452

Phone: +97313824072371

Job: Education Orchestrator

Hobby: Lockpicking, Crocheting, Baton twirling, Video gaming, Jogging, Whittling, Model building

Introduction: My name is Rob Wisoky, I am a smiling, helpful, encouraging, zealous, energetic, faithful, fantastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.