code p0300

Does anyone have any idea what to look for with this code? (p0300)My code reader says random misfire detected, it came on when driving home yesterday. Van was running fine didn't feel like anything was missfiring. Checked the distributer could be replaced but no excessive carbon build up. My next option is to replace all the spark plugs and wires, but anyone who has worked on these know it is no easy task to get at the plugs in the back. I started it up again this morning and it was making a loud knocking sound shut it off and let it sit for 15 minutes. Restarted it and NO SOUND running fine. Does this sound like a timing issue? Dont think you can adjust timing can you? Is there a sensor somewhere that controls timing? Any help is appreciated.

Does anyone have any idea what to look for with this code? (p0300)My code reader says random misfire detected, it came on when driving home yesterday. Van was running fine didn't feel like anything was missfiring. Checked the distributer could be replaced but no excessive carbon build up. My next option is to replace all the spark plugs and wires, but anyone who has worked on these know it is no easy task to get at the plugs in the back. I started it up again this morning and it was making a loud knocking sound shut it off and let it sit for 15 minutes. Restarted it and NO SOUND running fine. Does this sound like a timing issue? Dont think you can adjust timing can you? Is there a sensor somewhere that controls timing? Any help is appreciated.

A lot more info needed?
Code P0300 only tells you it has a engine miss.
Clear code and see if it returns.
Is today the only time it has made a knocking sound?
Wat is tune up history?

Tips on getting a good answer to your questions.
People trying to answer your question do not have a crystal ball.
So give them all of the info you have like year make and model and engine and transmission and mileage.
Also cars engine and transmission service history or any recent repairs or problems.
Also a description of your problem and what it is doing or not doing.
If you have codes give up the code no.
And remember a code does not say replace the part but only points to the problem that you have to check out.
So to better help you give up all of the info you have on it.
MT

MT is correct. More info would help. I'm thinking when you said " Checked the distributor and could be replaced" you meant to say "distributor cap". That would mean you have the 3.0 ltr engine since it still uses a typical distributer with a cap.

As MT said, clear the code and see if it comes back. Before you do that check all the connections at the plugs, cap, and coil and confirm they are tight and not corroded.

If it comes back, you can try changing all three plus the rotor but, I've got a hunch your coil may be on it's way out. Primary resistance should be less than one ohm. Secondary should be 10 to 15 ohms.

Have you tried the watch for arcing on the plug wires at night trick?

I know you can't check timing on the 2.4,3.3,and 3.8 ltr engines. Not sure about the 3.0 ltr.

Hi guys, sorry about lack of info; I drive a 99 caravan 160 000kms, 3 liter, I've owned it for 2 years always regular oil changes, trans fluid is good not burnt I've never changed it. I did have to replace oil pump and seals 1.5 years ago. The only problem I've had recently is my gauge cluster going out and having to resolder the connections in the back of it. As for plugs I haven't replaced since last service (1.5 years). I did clear code and it returned on start up. This is also the first time engine started to "rattle" (when I started van day after code appeared). As I said, I shut off van let sit for 15 minutes and restarted no "rattling" afterward. I drove van yesterday with no problems and no hesitation but engine light still on. I took off distributer cap and checked for carbon build up, cap and rotor look in good condition. Checked plug wires to be sure all seated properly, but I have not checked at night for arcing. As for the coil I'm not very good at electrical any help locating and how to test is appreciated. Hope this info helps, I'm going to go out and try to locate the coil and check the connections. When I say "last service" I meant when I had to have oil pump replaced, I do all my own service (if I can); air filters and so on. Thanks again

Hi guys, sorry about lack of info; I drive a 99 caravan 160 000kms, 3 liter, I've owned it for 2 years always regular oil changes, trans fluid is good not burnt I've never changed it. I did have to replace oil pump and seals 1.5 years ago. The only problem I've had recently is my gauge cluster going out and having to resolder the connections in the back of it. As for plugs I haven't replaced since last service (1.5 years). I did clear code and it returned on start up. This is also the first time engine started to "rattle" (when I started van day after code appeared). As I said, I shut off van let sit for 15 minutes and restarted no "rattling" afterward. I drove van yesterday with no problems and no hesitation but engine light still on. I took off distributer cap and checked for carbon build up, cap and rotor look in good condition. Checked plug wires to be sure all seated properly, but I have not checked at night for arcing. As for the coil I'm not very good at electrical any help locating and how to test is appreciated. Hope this info helps, I'm going to go out and try to locate the coil and check the connections. When I say "last service" I meant when I had to have oil pump replaced, I do all my own service (if I can); air filters and so on. Thanks again


For the code I would go a engine tune up.
Clear codes and see what it does.
Good old champion plugs and check wires and cap and look for good hot blue spark to alll plugs.
Engine knock I am not sure what happened.
Could have been a lifter stuck or something else.
Keep a eye on it and see if it returns.
You might be wise to change oil and oil filter.
The 3.0 liter has a timing belt that needs changed ever 60K
The timing can be set on it by moving dist and checking with a timing light but it has to be put in base time mode to check or set timing.
Not sure but I think you can disconnect PCM tempt unit and put it in base time mode.

A little more info: http://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/generic/p0300-random-multiple-cylinder-misfire-detected.php

Thanks for info guys, I'm going to start replacing a few things to try to rule out other things, firstly plugs and wires and cap and rotor. I don't know if it is any of these things or not because van is not really hesitating but gas mileage has been getting worse over the last little while. I'll keep posting to let ya know what I find, might be awhile. Thanks again for the help.