'00 Golf 2.0 Cylinder Misfire

[darwinsplato]

2000 Golf 2.0 GLS 4 DR 113K Miles


The trusty Golf is getting a little rusty and I need a couple of answers. I've been having some hard starts lately...lets say for the past two weeks, but nothing during driving or anything, or anything noticeable. However, this morning, as I was driving home, my check engine light began flashing. The car began to hesitate, and was almost fluttering. I pulled over and lifted the hood; there was a noticeable ticking sound, a single click that seemed to be in time with the engine turning. I was able to drive a couple of miles to AutoZone, and pull my engine codes. There were 5:

P1255
P030
P303
P0301 x 2

I know the P03XX are cylinder misfires, I just have no idea what to do to fix them. Is this a common problem? I just changed my spark plugs, air filter, oil, oil filter, and fuel filter. I am going to get a vacuum gauge so that I can see if it is related to a vacuum leak per Chilton's, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it is something else.

Any ideas or fixes?

Thanks a ton,

Jon

Edit: I forgot to mention that prior to today it has seemed like I have been getter lower mileage than usual. Also, the check engine light only flashes when I go over like 40, and it isnt consistent. Like I can drive a few minutes over 40ish w/o it going on or as soon as I hit 40 it will flash with no real rhyme or reason.