GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 GMC_Truck 🢒 2004 🢒 Savana (CNG) 🢒 DTC 🢒 DTC P0300

System Description

The powertrain control module (PCM) uses information from the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor and the camshaft position (CMP) sensor in order to determine when an engine misfire is occurring. By monitoring variations in the crankshaft rotation speed for each cylinder, the PCM is able to detect misfire events.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC.

DTC P0300 Engine Misfire Detected

Conditions for Running the DTC
    • DTCs P0101, P0102, P0103, P0106, P0107, P0108, P0117, P0112, P0113, P0116, P0117, P0118, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0125, P0128, P0315, P0335, P0336, P0341, P0342, P0343, P0502, P0503, P1114, P1115, P1121, P1122, and P1258 are not set.
    • If the start-up engine coolant temperature (ECT) is less than -7°C (20°F), misfire detection is delayed until ECT is more than 21°C (70°F). If the start-up ECT is more than -7°C (20°F), misfire detection begins after a 5 second delay.
    • The fuel level is more than 10%.
    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is less than 130°C (266°F).
    • The engine speed is between 400 and 5200 RPM.
    • The system voltage is between 11 and 18 volts.
    • The throttle position is steady.
    • The A/C compressor clutch is steady.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The powertrain control module (PCM) detects a deceleration in the crankshaft speed that is characteristic of either an emission type misfire or a catalyst-damaging type misfire.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
    • The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

Important: When installing new gasoline fuel injectors on KL6 equipped vehicles, remove and discard the gasoline fuel injector lower seal (O-ring). If the gasoline fuel injector is installed with the lower seal in place, the flow of compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel through the fuel injector retainer (adapter tee) will be restricted. Restricted CNG fuel flow through the retainer (adapter tee) will result in a cylinder misfire while operating on CNG.

The misfire index counts the number of misfires. The scan tool can monitor the misfire index. There is a current misfire counter and a history misfire counter for each cylinder. Use the current misfire counter in order to determine which cylinder is misfiring. Use the history misfire counter for misfires that are not currently present.

Many different conditions can cause an intermittent misfire. Inspect the following conditions:

    • Inspect the ignition control (IC) circuit for an intermittent short to ground.
    • Ensure that the spark plug wires are securely attached to the spark plugs and the ignition coil.
    • If the misfire occurs when the weather is damp, the condition could be due to worn spark plug wires.
    • Test or inspect the fuel for the following conditions:
       - Inspect for contaminated fuel.
       - Inspect the fuel filter for a restriction. A restricted fuel filter can cause a misfire.
    • Inspect for sticking intake or exhaust valves.
    • Inspect the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) for abnormal voltage readings.
    • Inspect for a vacuum leak as a possible cause of the engine misfire.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. Observe the fuel indicator lamp (FIL) while the engine is running in order to verify alternative fuel operation on KL6 equipped vehicles. The FIL should be OFF while the engine is running. Fill the CNG fuel tank if necessary before proceeding.

    2.

  2. This step determines if the engine is misfiring only while operating on the gasoline fuel system.

    3.

  3. If the Misfire Current Counters are incrementing, but the engine is NOT misfiring, this indicates a mechanical condition. For example, an accessory drive belt could cause this condition.

    4.

  4. This step verifies that the Crankshaft Variation Learn Procedure is performed. A crankshaft variation that is not learned may cause the misfire counters to increment.

    5.

  5. The spark should be consistent when you test the spark at the spark plug wires. The presence of few sparks then nothing indicates no spark.

    6.

  6. A misfiring cylinder may cause more than one misfire counter to increment. Diagnose the fuel injector circuit of the cylinder that displays the highest level of misfire.

    7.

  7. This step verifies that the catalytic convertors are operating correctly.

DTC P0300 - Engine Misfire Detected

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check Alternative Fuels - Engine Controls?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Alternative Fuels (Engine Controls)

2
  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Observe the DTC information with a scan tool.

Are there any other DTCs set?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.

    3. Important: The engine must be operating on Alternative Fuel during this step.

  3. Idle the engine at the normal operating temperature.

    4. Important: Raise the engine idle slightly. The misfire counters may not increment with the engine at idle.

  4. Observe the Misfire Current Counters with a scan tool.

Are any of the Misfire Current Counters incrementing?

1000 RPM

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 4

4

Is the vehicle equipped with the Bi-Fuel option (KL6)?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

    Important: Verify that the gasoline fuel level is above 10% in order to prevent misdiagnosis. The misfire counters may not increment if the gasoline fuel level is below 10%.

  1. Force a switch over to gasoline with the scan tool output controls function.

    2. Important: Raise the engine idle slightly. The misfire counters may not increment with the engine at idle.

  2. Observe the Misfire Current Counters with a scan tool.

Are any of the Misfire Current Counters incrementing?

1000 RPM

Go to DTC P0200

Go to Step 6

6
  1. Observe the Freeze Frame and the Failure records data for this DTC.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the conditions for running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame, and the Failure Records data.

Does the DTC fail this ignition cycle?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Diagnostic Aids

7

Is the engine misfiring?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

8

  1. Perform the Crankshaft Variation Learn Procedure. Refer to Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn in Engine Controls in the G/H Van Service Manual.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Observe the Misfire Current Counters with a scan tool.

Are any of the Misfire Current Counters incrementing?

--

Go to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical in the G/H Van Service Manual.

Go to Step 21

9

Observe the Misfire Current Counters with a scan tool.

Is there only one Misfire Current Counter incrementing?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 16

10

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug that indicates a misfire. Refer to Spark Plug Wire Replacement in Engine Controls in the G/H Van Service Manual.
  3. Connect the J 26792 Spark Tester to the spark plug wire and a good ground.
  4. Start and idle the engine.

Does the spark tester spark and is the spark consistent?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 11

11
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the spark plug wire from the cylinder that indicates a misfire. Refer to Spark Plug Wire Replacement in Engine Controls in the G/H Van Service Manual.
  3. Measure the resistance of the spark plug wire with a DMM.

Is the resistance less than the specified value?

625 ohms Per 30 cm (Per Foot)

Go to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis in Engine Controls in the G/H Van Service Manual

Go to Step 18

12
  1. Remove the spark plug from the cylinder that indicates a misfire. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement in Engine Controls in the G/H Van Service Manual.

    2. Important: If the spark plug is gas, coolant, or oil fouled, determine the cause of the fouling. Refer to DTC P0172 or P0175 in Engine Controls in the G/H Van Service Manual for spark plugs that are gasoline fouled. Refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical in the G/H Van Service Manual for spark plugs that are coolant or oil fouled.

  2. Inspect the spark plug. Refer to Spark Plug Inspection in Engine Controls in the G/H Van Service Manual.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 13

13
  1. Swap the suspected spark plug with another cylinder that is operating correctly.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Operate the engine within the conditions that the misfire occurred.
  4. Monitor the Misfire Current Counters with a scan tool.

Did the misfire move with the spark plug?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 14

14

Important: 

   • Make sure all the injectors operate. High resistance in an injector circuit causes the injector to be inoperative without setting a fuel injector DTC.
   • Return to this diagnostic after you complete the Fuel Injector Coil Test.

Perform the Fuel Injector Coil Test. Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 15

15

Perform the Fuel System Diagnosis. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical in the G/H Van Service Manual.

16

Inspect or test for the following conditions:

    • Inspect the vacuum hoses for splits, kinks, and the correct connections.
    • Inspect for vacuum leaks at the throttle body and at the intake manifold.
    • Inspect the PCM grounds for being clean, tight, and in the correct location.
    • Test for the correct fuel pressure. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Inspect for faulty spark plug wires. Refer to Spark Plug Wire Inspection in Engine Controls in the G/H Van Service Manual.
    • Inspect for fouled or damaged spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Inspection in Engine Controls in the G/H Van Service Manual.
    • Inspect the exhaust system for restrictions. Refer to Restricted Exhaust in Engine Exhaust in the G/H Van Service Manual.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical in the G/H Van Service Manual.

17

Replace the spark plug. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement in Engine Controls in the G/H Van Service Manual.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 19

--

18

Replace the spark plug wire. Refer to Spark Plug Wire Replacement in Engine Controls in the G/H Van Service Manual.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 19

--

19

Was the customers concern that the was MIL flashing?

--

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 21

20

  1. Operate the vehicle at the specified value for 4 minutes.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC P0420 or P0430 as specified in the supporting text. Refer to DTC P0420 or P0430 in Engine Controls in the G/H Van Service Manual.

Does the DTC run and pass?

2500 RPM

Go to Step 21

Go to DTC P0420 or P0430 in Engine Controls in the G/H Van Service Manual

21
  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Turn the ignition OFF for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC.

Does the DTC run and pass?

--

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 2

22

With a scan tool, select Capture Info in order to observe the stored information.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK