GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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 preset. DTCs P0301-P0306 correspond to cylinders 1-6. If the ECM is able to determine that a specific cylinder is misfiring, DTC P0300 will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0121, P0122, P0123, P0222, P0223, P0335, P0341, P0342, P0343, P0440, P0443, P0444, or P0445 are not set.
    • The engine speed is between 520-6,520 RPM.
    • The torque management is not active.
    • The antilock brake (ABS) system is not active.
    • The ECM is not receiving a rough road signal.
    • The ECM is not in fuel shut-off or decel mode.
    • The engine has been running for longer than 5 seconds.
    • The intake air temperature (IAT) is more than -30°C (-22°F).

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM is detecting a crankshaft rotation speed variation indicating a misfire rate sufficient to cause emissions levels to exceed mandated standards.

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 ECM turns OFF the MIL after 3 consecutive drive trips that the diagnostic runs and does not fail within the same conditions that the DTC last failed.
    • A History DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles if no failures report by this diagnostic or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • The DTC can be cleared with a scan tool

Diagnostic Aids

Excessive vibration from sources other than the engine could cause DTC P0300 to set. The following are possible sources of vibration:

    • Thickness variation of the brake rotors--Refer to Symptoms - Hydraulic Brakes .
    • Worn or damaged accessory drive belt--Refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical .

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

  1. Start the engine.
  2. Allow the engine to idle or operate within the conditions listed in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.
  3. Monitor all of the Misfire counters with the scan tool.

Are any of the Misfire current counters incrementing?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Diagnostic Aids

3

Are any other DTCs set?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

Go to Step 4

4

Can any abnormal engine noise be heard?

--

Go to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical

Go to Step 5

5

Inspect the following components:

    • The vacuum hoses and seals for splits, restrictions, and improper connections.
    • The throttle body and intake manifold for vacuum leaks
    • The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system components for vacuum leaks or excessive flow
    • The crankcase ventilation system for vacuum leaks--Refer to Crankcase Ventilation System Inspection/Diagnosis in Engine Mechanical.
    • The ECM grounds for corrosion and loose connections--Refer to Ground Distribution Schematics in Wiring Systems.
    • The exhaust system for restrictions--Refer to Restricted Exhaust in Engine Exhaust.
    • The fuel for contamination--Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the fuel pump relay. Refer to Relay Replacement in Wiring Systems.
  3. Important: DO NOT remove the connector from the IC module assembly.

  4. Remove the affected ignition control (IC) module assembly. Refer to Ignition Control Module Replacement - Bank 1 or Ignition Control Module Replacement - Bank 2 .
  5. Connect a jumper wire between the IC module assembly and a good ground.
  6. Install the J 36012-A (J 43883) Ignition System Diagnosis Harness (Test Wires).
  7. Install a J 26792 (SA9199Z) Spark Tester on the affected cylinder test wire.
  8. Crank the engine with the remaining test wires connected.

Does the spark tester spark?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

7

Inspect the affected cylinders spark plug boots for missing or damaged ignition coil spring.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis

8

  1. Remove the spark plugs from the cylinders that indicated a misfire.
  2. Inspect the spark plug. Refer to Spark Plug Inspection .

Does the spark plug appear to be OK?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 10

9

  1. Exchange the suspected spark plug with another cylinder that is operating properly. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement .
  2. Operate the vehicle under the same conditions that the misfire occurred.

Did the misfire move with the spark plug?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 13

10

Are the spark plugs oil or coolant fouled?

--

Go to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical

Go to Step 11

11

Are the spark plugs gas fouled?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 12

12

Do the spark plugs show any signs of being cracked, worn, or improperly gapped?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 13

13

Perform the fuel injector coil test. Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical

14

Perform the fuel system diagnosis. Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical in Engine Mechanical

15

Replace or gap the spark plug. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement .

Did you complete the action?

--

Go to Step 17

--

16

Replace the faulty spark plugs. Refer to Spark Plug Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 17

--

17

Was the customer concern the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) flashing?

--

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 19

18

  1. Operate the vehicle at the specified value for 4 minutes.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC P0421 or P0431 as specified in the supporting text. Refer to DTC P0421 or P0431 .

Does the DTC run and pass?

2,500 RPM

Go to Step 19

Go to DTC P0421 or P0431

19

  1. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
  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/Failure Records.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 20

20

Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK