Captiva

DTC P0300-P0304 - LE5, LE9

The engine control module (ECM) uses information from the crankshaft position sensor in order to determine when an engine misfire is occurring and uses information from the camshaft position sensor in order to determine which cylinder is misfiring. By monitoring variations in the crankshaft rotation speed for each cylinder, the ECM is able to detect individual misfire events. If the ECM detects a misfire rate sufficient to cause emission levels to exceed mandated standards, DTC P0300 sets. Under certain driving conditions, a misfire rate can be high enough to cause the 3-way catalytic converter to overheat, possibly damaging the converter. The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will flash ON and OFF when converter overheating, damaging conditions are present and DTC P0300 is set. DTCs P0301-P0304 correspond to cylinders 1-4. If the ECM is able to determine that a specific cylinder is misfiring, the DTC for that cylinder will set.

The ECM is detecting a crankshaft rotation speed variation indicating a misfire sufficient to cause emission or catalytic converter damaging levels to exceed mandated standards.

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Special Tools

1. Verify that no other DTCs are set.

⇒	If a DTC is set, refer to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle .

2. Engine idling, verify there is no abnormal engine noise.

⇒	If there is abnormal engine noise, refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical : LE5 or LE9 .

3. Observe the Misfire Current Counters with a scan tool. The Misfire Current Counters should not be incrementing. Random misfires that are not steadily incrementing may be normal.
4. If the vehicle passes the Circuit/System Verification test, operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that are captured in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records List.

1. Verify that the following conditions do not exist:

•	Engine vacuum leaks

•	Fuel pressure that is too low or too high--Refer to Fuel System Diagnosis .

•	Contaminated fuel--Refer to Alcohol/Contaminants-in-Fuel Diagnosis .

•	Restricted exhaust system--Refer to Restricted Exhaust .

⇒	If you find any of the above conditions, repair as necessary.

2. Ignition OFF, remove the T8 ignition coil from the misfiring cylinder, leaving the electrical connector connected.
3. Install the J 26792 Spark Tester to the boot of the T8 ignition coil and ground.

Note: An erratic or weak spark is considered a no spark condition.

4. Attempt to start the engine and observe the J 26792 Spark Tester. The spark tester should spark.

⇒	If there is no spark, refer to Electronic Ignition System Diagnosis for diagnosis of the T8 ignition coil.

5. Ignition OFF, remove the spark plug from the misfiring cylinder. Verify that the following conditions do not exist with the spark plug:

•	Gas, coolant, or oil fouled

•	Cracked, worn, incorrectly gapped

⇒	If there is a condition with the spark plug, replace the spark plug.

6. Exchange the suspected spark plug with another cylinder that is operating correctly.
7. Operate the engine under the conditions in which the misfire occurred. Observe the Misfire Current Counters with a scan tool. The misfire should not follow the spark plug exchange.

⇒	If the misfire follows the spark plug, replace the spark plug.

8. If all conditions test normal, test or inspect for the following:

•	A lean or rich Q17 fuel injector--Refer to Fuel Injector Solenoid Coil Test .

•	An engine mechanical condition--Refer to Symptoms - Engine Mechanical : LE5 or LE9 .

1. Install any components or connectors that have been removed or replaced during diagnosis.
2. Perform any adjustment, programming or setup procedures that are required when a component or module is removed or replaced.
3. Clear the DTCs.
4. Turn OFF the ignition for 60 s.
5. If the repair was related to a DTC, duplicate the Conditions for Running the DTC and use the Freeze Frame/Failure Records, if applicable, in order to verify the DTC does not reset. If the DTC resets or another DTC is present, refer to the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle and perform the appropriate diagnostic procedure.
6. To verify that the performance of the catalytic converter has not been affected by the condition that set this DTC, perform the Repair Verification for DTC P0420. Refer to DTC P0420 .