The interior combustion engine is actually an unbelievable technological marvel. Using quite a few packages, pc programs, and components, combustion is the tactic of burning a precise mixture of air and gasoline on the suitable time. When the combustion course of is interrupted, we title it a misfire. In case your vehicle items the P0304 Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected error code, your engine is experiencing misfires. Since most automobiles have at least 4 cylinders, it’s potential that your automotive could very effectively be experiencing this error code if you happen to occur to find an illuminated engine mild and completely different indicators of diminished effectivity.
| Code Amount | Code Description | Related Codes |
|---|---|---|
| P0304 | Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected | P0300 – Random/Quite a lot of Cylinder Misfire P0301 – Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected P0302 – Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected P0303 – Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected P0305 – Cylinder 5 Misfire Detected P0306 – Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected P0307 – Cylinder 7 Misfire Detected P0308 – Cylinder 8 Misfire Detected |
What Does The P0304 Error Code Suggest?
The P0304 error code signifies the presence of a misfire. The P0304 code significantly signifies the misfire is occurring on cylinder 4, as indicated by the ultimate digit throughout the code; P0302 would consult with a misfire on cylinder 2, for instance. On most four-cylinder engines, the fourth cylinder is located closest to the driving drive’s side of the auto. Misfires could trigger extreme inside engine hurt due to the disturbance of the crankshaft’s rotational velocity. The Powertrain Administration Module (PCM) shows the speed of the crankshaft by a Crankshaft Place Sensor (CKP). If the PCM does not select up the appropriate rotational velocity from the CKP, a misfire is detected, and the error code is prepared.
What Causes The P0304 Error Code?
Throughout the case of misfire-related error codes, there are often quite a few causes. The most common causes are worn spark plugs and faulty ignition coils.
The assorted components of the combustion course of, along with the compression and combustion of an excellent air-fuel mix, should not be disrupted. If that’s the case, it might probably end in a misfire and compromise effectivity.
Potential causes for misfires are:
- Open or temporary in engine wire harness
- Damaged vacuum hose connections*
- Worn spark plugs
- Oily spark plugs (leaking plug seals)
- Faulty spark plug wire
- Leaking head gasket
- Corroded distributor cap contact
- Faulty ignition coil (coil-on-plug design)
- Gasoline injector assembly (leaking or caught ON)
- Incorrect gasoline pressure (too low or too extreme)
- Dirty or malfunctioning mass air circulation meter*
- Faulty engine coolant temperature sensor*
- Low cylinder compression
- Incorrect valve clearance
- Incorrect valve timing*
- Malfunctioning variable valve timing (oil and/or filter scenario)
- Optimistic Crankcase Air movement (PCV) valve and hose*
- PCV hose connections*
- Leaking consumption system*
- Faulty Engine Administration Module (ECM)*
*Will most actually set additional DTCs
Indicators Of The P0304 Error Code
You probably can usually inform your engine has a misfire attributable to noticeable indicators resembling a flashing take a look at engine mild or poor acceleration.
The following are reported indicators from an full of life P0304 fault code:
- Utterly illuminated or flashing engine mild
- Failed emissions check out
- The engine runs robust
- Decreased engine power
- Shaking or stumbling beneath acceleration
- Gasoline odor scent
- Extended cranking
- Powerful or erratic idle
- Decreased gasoline mileage
Can I Drive My Vehicle With This Problem?
As a consequence of the chance of utmost engine and catalytic converter hurt, the P0304 error code have to be remedied immediately. When a misfire occurs and the take a look at engine mild flashes, it signifies raw/unburned gasoline is coming into the catalytic converter. This raw gasoline will break down the converters and set off them to clog. Catalytic converters use helpful metals resembling platinum, rhodium, and palladium, making them dear to modify. This could be a worth chances are you’ll want to steer clear of.
How To Restore A P0304 Error Code On Your Vehicle
Sooner than attempting to revive the P0304 error code, you need to affirm the code is presently full of life. To do this, chances are you’ll should have your On-Board Diagnostic (OBD-II) system scanned with a scanning gadget. As quickly because the code is confirmed, likelihood is you will begin your evaluation.
The P0304 error code can often be repaired with a straightforward coil or spark plug substitute. In our article on the P0302 error code – a misfire on cylinder 2 – we moreover checked out straightforward strategies to hold out an affect stability check out and look at objects identical to the spark plugs, coil packs, and gasoline injectors. These are all potential therapies that may apply to the P0304 error code, too.
A typical restore to therapy the P0304 error code is the substitute of the Optimistic Crankcase Air movement (PCV) valve. The PCV valve is answerable for roughly 10% of the air coming into the engine. If it turns into clogged or caught open, it might probably set off a misfire.
Inspecting And Altering The PCV Valve
Most PCV valves are mounted on the valve cowl or cylinder head cowl of the engine. Always reference the auto service information to your PCV valve’s precise location. Among the many devices required to look at or substitute a PCV valve are:
- A basic set of hand devices with a ratchet, assorted wrenches, and sockets
- Pliers set
- Screwdriver set
- Service information
Inspecting a PCV valve entails eradicating the valve for nearer inspection and inspecting the connecting hose’s scenario. The operation is likely to be affected if any of the hoses connecting to the PCV are cracked or damaged.
Take away the PCV valve and shake it. If a metallic rattling sound is heard, the valve is okay. If the sound is ineffective or no sound is heard, the valve have to be modified.
How Loads Does It Value To Restore?
Considering practically all of reported P0304 error codes have been mounted by spark plug or coil substitute, the anticipated worth to resolve the issue should can be found at spherical $100 – $300. RepairPal estimates ignition coil substitute between $200 and $300. PCV valve replacements will worth someplace between $50 and $110.
On account of your vehicle can nonetheless be pushed, it may very well be tempting to ignore the P0304 error code. Nonetheless, prolonged operation with out restore would possibly result in excessive engine hurt.
| Factor | Value Estimate |
|---|---|
| Spark plug | $2 – $100 |
| Ignition coil | $100 – $300 |
| PCV Valve | $15 – $50 |