trouble code PO304 venture 1998

[venturenot]

While driving, my 1998 venture suddenly started to shake and the check engine light began flashing. The check engine light remained on although the shaking stopped. I got a PO304 code which I believe means a misfire in cylinder 4. Any ideas as to the cause or how to determine the cause. Also, can I continue to drive the car with an occasional misfire in cylinder 4. I need the car for the weekend and I cannot find a mechanic to look at it so late in the week. Is it possible that the cause could be as simple as a bad tank of gas?

Thanks much,

[Nitro23]

#4 is the front middle plug.

Could be a bad wire, bad plug, bad injector.

Pull the plug and check it for color characteristics. It will tell you a lot about what's going on.

Since you have it out, replace it with a new plug.

If you have never changed plug wires, it most likely is time to change them. They do wear out over time, and they are 10 years old.

You should be able to continue to drive the car.

[bigcoconut]

Had the same thing happen to my 99, the plug wires were the problem. Replaced them and all was fine. The original GM wires can get worn to where they start shorting out to something else close by. A quick repair would be to replace the #4 plug wire and keep going, but, when one head's South the others aren't far behind. Since the #4 is at the front, you should be able to get it without much trouble. The back three will be very time consuming.

[venturenot]

I am travelling so I took it to a Chevy Dealer right down the road. They looked and could find no problems. If it happens again I guess maybe try replacing the wires and plug as suggested.

Thanks much

[venturenot]

I went to another chevy dealer and asked how much to replace all plugs and wires. They quoted me a price of $350.00. Isn't this a bit high or is that realistic for a dealer.

[Nitro23]

Take it to an Indy.

The rear plugs are not a FUN job.