Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
DTC P0300: Random Misfire Detected: General Description
The crankshaft vibrates slightly when each cylinder fires. If a misfire occurs, the crankshaft rotation speed changes rapidly. The powertrain control module (PCM) monitors the crankshaft rotation speed based on the output pulses from the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor. By monitoring changes in the crankshaft rotation speed, the PCM counts the number of misfires and determines which cylinder is misfiring. If more than one DTC from P0301 through P0304 has been stored while misfires in multiple cylinders are detected, a malfunction is detected and a DTC is stored.
There are two types of misfire detection:
Type 1 (1 drive cycle): When the number of misfires per 200 engine revolutions reaches the level that can damage the three way catalyst (TWC), a DTC is stored and the MIL blinks. When the misfire ceases, the MIL stays on instead of blinking.
Type 2 (2 drive cycles): When the number of misfires per 1,000 engine revolutions reaches the level that affects FTP mode exhaust emissions, a DTC is stored and the MIL comes on.
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.