OBD-II Trouble Code Description for P0300 GMC

Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected

What does this mean?

OBD2 Code P0300 GM definition:
Basically this means that the the car’s computer has detected that not all of the engine’s cylinders are firing properly. A P0300 GM diagnostic code indicates a random or multiple misfire. If the last digit is a number other than zero, it corresponds to the cylinder number that is misfiring. A P0302 GM code, for example, would tell you cylinder number two is misfiring. Unfortunately, a P0300 GM doesn’t tell you specifically which cylinder(s) is/are mis-firing, nor why.

Symptoms

Possible sumptoms of OBD code P0300 GM
the engine may be harder to start the engine may stumble / stumble, and/or hesitate other symptoms may also be present

Causes

Possible causes of OBD code P0300 GM
A code P0300 GM may mean that one or more of the following has happened: Faulty spark plugs or wires Faulty coil (pack) Faulty oxygen sensor(s) Faulty fuel injector(s) Burned exhaust valve Faulty catalytic converter(s) Stuck/blocked EGR valve / passages Faulty camshaft position sensor 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. Random misfires that jump around from one cylinder to another (read: P030x codes) also will set a P0300 GM code. The underlying cause is often a lean fuel condition, which may be due to a vacuum leak in the intake manifold or unmetered air getting past the airflow sensor, or an EGR valve that is stuck open.

Related Codes

P0301 GM P0302 GM P0303 GM P0304 GM P0305 GM P0306 GM P0307 GM P0308 GM P0309 GM