code p0301

[miner327]

I have a 99 sts with 90k miles. It has been running rough when idling cold but when it warms up it seems to get better. The other day when I took off I gave it some gas and the SES light flashed for ten minutes. When I read the code it was p301 misfire #1 cylinder. Any ideas where I should start other than plugs wires and checking the coil packs? Thanks for the help

[samak]

A P0301 code means that the the car's computer has detected that one of the engine's cylinders is not firing properly. In this case it's cylinder #1.

Symptoms may include:

• the engine may be harder to start
• the engine may stumble / stumble, and/or hesitate
• other symptoms may also be present

Causes

A code P0301 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:

• Faulty spark plug or wire
• Faulty coil (pack)
• Faulty oxygen sensor(s)
• Faulty fuel injector
• Burned exhaust valve
• Faulty catalytic converter(s)
• Running out of fuel
• Poor compression
• Defective computer

Possible Solutions

If there are no symptoms, the simplest thing to do is to reset the code and see if it comes back.
If there are symptoms such as the engine is stumbling or hesitating, check all wiring and connectors that lead to the cylinders (i.e. spark plugs). Depending on how long the ignition components have been in the car, it may be a good idea to replace them as part of your regular maintenance schedule. I would suggest spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor cap, and rotor (if applicable). Otherwise, check the coils (a.k.a. coil packs). In some cases, the catalytic converter has gone bad. If you smell rotten eggs in the exhaust, your cat converter needs to be replaced. I've also heard in other cases the problems were faulty fuel injectors.

[maxwedge]

Again, this is 8 months old and inactive, very good info but this thread is too old,