GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2007 🢒 Wave HB 🢒 DTC 🢒 DTC P0300-P0304

Diagnostic Instructions
    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provide an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC P0300: Engine Misfire Detected

DTC P0301: Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected

DTC P0302: Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected

DTC P0303: Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected

DTC P0304: Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected

Circuit/System Description

The engine control module (ECM) 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 ECM is able to detect individual misfire events. A misfire rate that is high enough can cause 3-way catalytic converter damage. The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will flash ON and OFF when the conditions for catalytic converter damage are present.

Conditions for Running the DTC
    • DTCs  P0106, P0107, P0108, P0117, P0118, P0122, P0123, P0315, P0336, P0337, P0341, P0342, and P0502 are not set.
    • Engine speed is between 600-6,500 RPM and steady.
    • The ignition 1 voltage is more than 11 volts.
    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is between -7 and +120°C (+19 and +248°F).
    • The A/C compressor clutch is not changing states.
    • The torque management is not active.
    • The fuel tank level is more than 15 percent.
    • The ECM is not in fuel cut-off or decel fuel cut-off mode.
    • The ECM is not receiving a rough road signal.
    • The throttle angle is steady within 4 percent.
    • The transmission is not changing gears.
    • The antilock brake system (ABS) and the traction control system (TCS), if equipped, is not active.
    • The DTCs run continuously when the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM detects a crankshaft rotation speed variation indicating a misfire rate sufficient to cause emissions levels to exceed a predetermined value.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTCs P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, and P0304 are Type A and B DTCs.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTCs P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, and P0304 are Type A and B DTCs.

Diagnostic Aids

A misfire DTC could be caused by an excessive vibration from sources other than the engine. Inspect for the following possible sources:

    • A tire or wheel that is out of round or out of balance
    • Variable thickness brake rotors
    •  An unbalanced drive shaft
    • Certain rough road conditions
    • A damaged accessory drive component or belt

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Engine Control Module Connector End Views
    •  Engine Controls Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Data Definitions
    •  Scan Tool Output Controls

Special Tools Required

J 26792 Spark Tester

Circuit/System Verification

Important: Perform the Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn before proceeding with this diagnostic procedure.

  1. Engine idling at the normal operating temperature. Verify there is no abnormal engine noise.
    2. ⇒If there is an abnormal engine noise, refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical .
  2. Verify the following DTCs are not set: P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0336, P0337, P0351, P0352, or P1336, are not set.
    3. ⇒If a DTC is set, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle .

    Important: A misfire may only occur when the engine is under a load. An engine load may be necessary to verify the condition.

  3. Observe the Misfire Current Counters, with a scan tool. The Misfire Current Counters should not be incrementing.
  4. If the vehicle passes the Circuit/System Verification Test, then operate the vehicle within the conditions for running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that are captured in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records List.

Circuit/System Testing
  1. Verify that the following conditions do not exist:
    2. • Vacuum hose splits, kinks, and incorrect connections
    • Engine vacuum leaks
    • Crankcase ventilation system for vacuum leaks
    • Fuel pressure that is too low or too high--Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .
    • Contaminated fuel--Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .
    • Exhaust system restrictions
         ⇒If you find any of the above conditions, repair as necessary.
  2. Ignition OFF, disconnect the spark plug wire from the misfiring cylinder.
  3. Install the J 26792 to the boot of a spark plug wire and ground.

    4. Important: An erratic or weak spark is considered a no spark condition.

  4. Attempt to start the engine and observe the J 26792 . The spark tester should spark.
    5. ⇒If there is no spark, test the spark plug wire for less than 1,000 ohms per foot (31 cm per meter). Replace the spark plug wire if more than the specified value. If the spark plug wire test normal, refer to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis for diagnosis of the ignition coil.
  5. Ignition OFF, remove the spark plug from the misfiring cylinder. Verify that the following conditions do not exist with the spark plug:
    6. • Gas, coolant, or oil fouled--Refer to Spark Plug Inspection
    • Cracked, worn, incorrectly gapped
    ⇒If there is a condition with the spark plug, replace the spark plug.
  6. Exchange the suspected spark plug with another cylinder that is operating correctly.
  7. Engine idling, with a scan tool, observe the misfire counters and see if the misfire follows the spark plug that corresponds to the misfiring cylinder.
    8. ⇒If the misfire follows the spark plug, replace the spark plug.
    ⇒If the misfire does not follow the spark plug, test the fuel injector. .
  8. If all conditions test normal, test or inspect for the following:
    9. • A lean or rich fuel injector--Refer to Fuel Injector Balance Test with Special Tool
    • An engine mechanical condition--Refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical

Repair Instructions
    •  Spark Plug Replacement
    •  Spark Plug Wire Replacement

Repair Verification
  1. If the customer concern was a flashing MIL, operate the vehicle within the conditions for running DTC P0420. Refer to DTC P0420 .
  2. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
  3. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  4. Start the engine.
  5. 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/Failure Records.
  6. If the DTC fails this ignition, a misfire still exists.