Code P0301

[zirb]

Hey all
Got a P0301 code. The book says Cyl no1 misfire. The check eng light is off now. So what does it mean and how do I fix it?
Thanks

[GTP Dad]

Change the spark plug and plug wire first. If that does not fix it you will need to look at the coil and the injector. Spark plug and wire change will usually fix the problem.

[zirb]

The plugs are only about month old. Use them and change the wires or change them both?

[GTP Dad]

Check the gap on the plugs. If you don't have the proper gap it can cause a misfire then change the wires. What type of plugs did you use? If you used Bosch go back to AC or another brand.

[zirb]

I put AC back in. I used the orignal AC plugs. I just found out that the car got stuck in the snow. I figure that some moisture got up in the engine compartment and caused the misfire. I think I'm going to clear the code and wait and see if it happens again. If they can keep it out of the snow bank I think I"ll be alright. Any ideas on this? It's been running good. The check engine light is not on anymore.

[GTP Dad]

Sounds like a plan to me as moisture can cause misfires. You may want to put some additional dielectric compound inside the spark plug boots which will keep moisture out.

[zirb]

Never thought of that. I knew someone would here would have an idea. Thanks a bunch.
Zirb

[Gridgirl]

Originally Posted by GTP Dad

Check the gap on the plugs. If you don't have the proper gap it can cause a misfire then change the wires. What type of plugs did you use? If you used Bosch go back to AC or another brand.

Do the Bosch plugs really make that much of a difference? I replaced my ancient plugs in September with Bosch platinums, and they certainly didn't give much increase in perfomance. Now, cylinder 4 is misfiring. I've already tried changing the plug wire, no luck. Maybe changing all six back to AC's would help?

Other than the coils, what else can cause a misfire?

[scannr89]

Is it a 3.1 ?

[Gridgirl]

Originally Posted by scannr89

Is it a 3.1 ?

Yes, a 97 SE V6

[scannr89]

I have found a few that the terminal on top of coil pack was just corroded,, cleaned with steel wool and penetrating sray ,, cleared up the miss fire ,,just a thought ,,hope it helps

[Gridgirl]

Originally Posted by scannr89

I have found a few that the terminal on top of coil pack was just corroded,, cleaned with steel wool and penetrating sray ,, cleared up the miss fire ,,just a thought ,,hope it helps

Yeah, some of the towers had a bit of corrosion when I changed the wires in Sept- I scrubbed it all off with Scotchbrite, and smeared them with diaelectric grease when I put the new wires on. The posts still look to be in pretty good shape. The wires came off much easier when I was checking them today then they did last time!

[scannr89]

No chance its sipping anti freeze ? Then thinking prolly not on # 4

[Gridgirl]

Originally Posted by scannr89

No chance its sipping anti freeze ?

You mean like through a blown head gasket? Don't know- how would I check?

[scannr89]

no..I was thinkin intake gasket