You know how irritating it can be when your car has no power and moves like a snail. Thanks to the performance of my car, I was late for all my meetings lately! One fine day, the check engine light illuminated, too. That’s when I realized the issue was not just with the car’s power, and I quickly searched for the OBD2 scanner in the glove compartment. The scanner showed my car had encountered an error code – P0303!
For those who haven’t heard about this code, be aware that it can cause severe issues with your car. Our article will take you more in-depth through this code, why it shows up, the symptoms, and how to fix it!
What does code P0303 mean?
P0303 engine code means “Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected.” It indicates that the third cylinder of your car’s engine is misfiring. The powertrain control module (PCM) logs this error code when it detects multiple misfires on Cylinder 3. This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) activates your car’s check engine light.
What could cause a P0303 code?
Engine code P0303 signifies that there have been multiple misfires on Cylinder 3. These are some common causes that lead to this error code.
- Defective oxygen sensor
- Valves that are leaking
- Bad gas
- Damaged coil, ignition plug coil pack, or spark plug wires that aren’t connected correctly
- Defective fuel injector, low or empty fuel, or poor-quality gas
- Damaged piston rings, valves that aren’t closing correctly, or bad compression
- The manifold gasket has leakage
- Damaged crankshaft
What are the symptoms of the P0303 engine code?
Take your car to a mechanic for diagnosis if it shows the following symptoms.
- The check engine light illuminates or keeps flashing
- The engine lacks power
- Stalling or rough idling
- Fuel economy decreases
- The engine lacks power
- The car’s performance decreases
- Fuel smell coming from the exhaust
Is code P0303 serious?
Yes, the P0303 engine code is a serious issue that needs immediate attention. As there is a misfire in Cylinder 3, it could result in the following issues.
- Decreased fuel efficiency
- The emissions increase
- Power delivery becomes uneven
- The cay may stall anytime
Is it fine to drive with a P0303 code?
No! We advise you never to drive your car if PCM logs this code. Cylinder 3 misfire is a serious issue that needs to be addressed and repaired. So, continue driving can damage your car’s engine intensely.
When PCM logs this code, and the check engine light turns on, you must drive quickly to the mechanic if you can control and drive your car. The misfire occurs as there’s not adequate fuel burning in the cylinder. So, driving more with this code can cause serious damage to the engine as it depends on the correct functioning of the cylinders.
How do I fix code P0303?
These are the ways by which you can fix this issue.
- Inspect for damage. Remove the ignition coil from the engine and inspect it for stains or damage. If the ignition coil has engine oil or stains, clean it with WD-40. If the coil is damaged, go for a replacement.
- Then, check the coil packs for signs of wear.
- Check and replace the spark plugs in all cylinders.
- Then, inspect the wiring. Replace the rotor and distributor cap, spark plug wires, or coil pack.
- Check for damages. If needed, repair fuel issues, mechanical engine issues, and intake air leakages.
- Inspect the catalytic converter. It may be damaged if the exhaust has an odor of rotten eggs.
- Also, check the fuel injectors, which can lead to the P0303 engine code.
- Check the piston and valves if the cylinder experiences a big drop.
Diagnosis of P0303 code
A mechanic can detect a cylinder with three misfiring problems in a few different ways:
- The mechanic can use their scan tool to examine the vehicle for any current, pending, or history codes.
- They can then take that freeze-frame data when they do a test drive of the car.
- The mechanic will next clear all of the codes from the OBD2 while driving the car to confirm any faults that could indicate a P0303 trouble code.
- They should then conduct a thorough visual inspection to search for any broken components, wear and tear, leaks, and damaged wiring that could be the source of the problem or the code.
- The mechanic will then use an OBD2 scan tool to verify the Cylinder 3 misfire counter during operation.
Common mistakes to avoid
There will be an opportunity for error and blunders when diagnosing and correcting the Cylinder 3 misfiring issues if these diagnostic stages are not followed properly. The most typical blunder is neglecting fuel or air intake leaks as the primary cause of the misfire. Even though spark plugs are the most typical source of this error code, they are not the primary cause of Cylinder 3 misfires.
How much does it cost to fix the P0303 code?
For $120, hire a licensed car mechanic to come to your home or workplace and perform a check engine light diagnostic. These prices include components and labor and are based on national averages. The rate will vary based on your car type and location.
- Spark plugs: $66-$250
- Ignition Coils: $230-$640
- Spark plug wires: $180-$240
- Fuel injectors: $1500-$1900
- Vacuum leak: $100-$200
- Fuel pump: $1300-$1700
- Fuel pressure regulator: $200-$400
Can a bad catalytic converter cause a P0303 code?
Yes, a clogged catalytic converter can cause this error code to appear. If your car has a bad catalytic converter, it can cause the pressure to travel back into the cylinders. It leads to a misfire and probably coil pack and spark plug damage.
What is the most common cause of P0303?
A damaged or worn-out spark plug is the most common reason for this engine error code to show up. It can happen, especially if your car’s tune-up gets delayed for some time.
All Your Questions Answered
The code on a Nissan Altima indicates that Cylinder 3 of the engine is experiencing misfires. It signifies that the combustion cycle remains incomplete.
A Ford code P0303 indicates that the third cylinder of the engine is misfiring. It signifies that the combustion cycle is incomplete. It often indicates fuel pressure or compression issues and ignition or delivery system defects.
The code signifies that Cylinder 3 on the Honda Pilot has misfired, causing the check engine light to turn on.
This DTC on a Toyota Corolla signifies that the engine’s Cylinder 3 misfired. This PCM logs this code when the misfire monitor detects numerous misfire events in Cylinder 3. This error code illuminates the car’s check engine light.
P0303 engine code on a 2013 Hyundai Elantra indicates that the engine’s third cylinder is misfiring. It signifies the partial combustion cycle, and the fuel-air mixture is not igniting as expected.
The code on a Chevy Traverse indicates that the PCM has detected a misfire in Cylinder 3. The PCM logs this code when the misfire monitor senses a more than 2% variation in RPM between two or more cylinders in the firing order.
Sara Sam may not look like your typical car and finance expert, but don’t let that fool you. With over four years of experience in the industry, she knows all the ins and outs of cars, car insurance, and refinancing. You can trust Sara to help you navigate the often-confusing world of automobiles and financing.
