P0303 Code (Symptoms, Causes, and How to Fix)

Today’s computerized vehicles rely on complex electronics. But this also aids diagnosis when problems arise as fault codes pinpoint issues, reducing downtime. One prevalent code is P0303, a cylinder misfire indicator.

Read on to learn the most common causes of a P0303 code, how it will affect your drive, and what you need to do to fix it.

P0303 code

What Does Code P0303 Mean?

OBD-II Trouble Code P0303 Description
Misfire Detected in #3 Cylinder

Diagnostic trouble code P0303 simply indicates that multiple misfire events have been logged on cylinder #3 of a vehicle’s engine. A misfire is defined as a general lack of adequate combustion on one or more cylinders. Therefore, DTC P0303 would indicate a repetitive lack of combustion on cylinder #3.

Misfires are detected by an engine’s ECM/PCM and are logged to create freeze frame data of the event in question. Such misfires are identified by an engine’s ECM/PCM, through the analysis of data presented by the crankshaft position sensor. A relative loss in crank speed during a particular cylinder’s power stroke would signify a misfire.

When an event of this type is logged on multiple occasions, a P030(X) code is logged, with (X) denoting the number of the cylinder on which the misfire has been detected. A check engine light is then displayed across the affected vehicle’s instrument cluster, thereby notifying its driver.

Related: P0300, P0301, P0302, P0304, P0305, P0306, P0307, P0308

Symptoms of Code P0303

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There are a number of symptoms that often accompany the presence of a P0303 diagnostic trouble code. Though these symptoms often vary on a case by case basis, several such symptoms tend to be far more prevalent than others. 

The following are several of the most common symptoms associated with DTC P0303.

See Also: Code P0316 (Misfire at Startup)

Causes of Code P0303

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There are several potential causes of DTC P0303, the majority of which relate to a lack of spark or fuel on the cylinder in question. The following are several of the most common of these issues.

Is Code P0303 Serious?

In general, DTC P0303 is considered to be quite severe in nature. The reason for this generalization tends to be two-fold. Not only is DTC P0303 typically accompanied by a host of driveability-related issues, but an unaddressed misfire can also cause a number of secondary issues with time.

When fuel is not combusted as intended, such as in the event of a cylinder misfire, unburnt fuel is routed downstream, through a vehicle’s exhaust. This fuel is then superheated, at which point damage to various components, including the catalytic converter, becomes likely.

In any event, a P0303 misfire code should be addressed as soon as possible, in a bid to minimize additional risk. If you do not feel confident diagnosing such an issue yourself, take your vehicle to a trusted service center at your first available convenience.

How to Fix Code P0303

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The following steps can be followed when attempting to diagnose and remedy the root cause of a P0303 diagnostic trouble code. If in doubt, always consult factory-specific service literature for your vehicle.

#1 – Check For Presence Of Additional Codes

Prior to diving headlong into your diagnostic efforts, it is important to verify that no other diagnostic trouble codes are active. In the event that additional codes are active, each should be thoroughly diagnosed in its own right.

#2 – Check Freeze-Frame Data

One can now analyze the freeze-frame data pertaining to the fault at hand. Check to see at what RPM range misfires tend to occur, as such data could prove helpful during the diagnostic process.

#3 – Carefully Inspect Ignition System Components

You will now visually inspect your engine’s ignition system components. This includes checking for worn or damaged rotor button/distributor cap contacts (where applicable).

All spark plug wires should also be checked for chafing or other signs of damage. All spark plugs should also be carefully inspected.

#4 – Verify Spark on Affected Cylinder

If no damage is found, a spark tester should be used to check for active spark delivery on the affected cylinder. If such a test is conducted in absence of any observable irregularities, then the ignition circuit in question is unlikely to be at fault.

#5 – Check For Proper Fuel System Operation

With the use of a pressure gauge, check to ensure that your engine’s fuel pressure meets or exceeds manufacturer specifications. A bi-directional scan tool can also be used to verify the functionality of all injectors.

When cycled, the selected fuel injector should fire, causing a slight momentary dip in observed fuel pressure.

#6 – Perform Mechanical Tests

If no fuel or ignition system faults are found, a thorough mechanical inspection will be in store. This will include a compression test, as well as a cylinder leak down test, in order to verify the presence of sufficient compression.

If low compression is noted on the affected cylinder, tear down and overhaul might prove necessary.

#7 – Consult Service Literature

If tear down is deemed necessary, it becomes imperative to access pertinent service literature for your specific engine. This literature will provide you with accurate torque values, and other helpful notes on disassembly/assembly.

Josh Boyd

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