P0301

    Get Serviced SoonFix: Urgent — address soon

    Cylinder Misfire Detected — A specific cylinder (1–4 or 1–6 depending on code) is not firing correctly. P0301=cyl 1, P0302=cyl 2, P0303=cyl 3, P0304=cyl 4.

    Dashboard light triggered

    Check Engine Light

    What to do

    Swap the ignition coil with another cylinder — if the code follows the coil, replace the coil. Otherwise check spark plug and injector for that cylinder.

    Common causes

    • Bad ignition coil for that cylinder
    • Worn or fouled spark plug
    • Clogged or faulty fuel injector
    • Low compression in that cylinder

    Estimated repair cost

    $50–$500

    Exact cost depends on the cause, your vehicle, and labor rates in your area.

    What to tell your mechanic

    Use this script so you sound informed and get a clear diagnosis before agreeing to repairs:

    I have a P030X code for cylinder X. Can you check the coil, plug, and injector for that cylinder? I've heard swapping the coil can help isolate the cause.

    About the Check Engine Light

    Code P0301 triggers the Check Engine Light. Indicates an issue with the engine or emissions system. Could range from a loose gas cap to a serious engine misfire.

    Read full Check Engine Light guide

    Frequently asked questions

    What does OBD code P0301 mean?
    Cylinder Misfire Detected — A specific cylinder (1–4 or 1–6 depending on code) is not firing correctly. P0301=cyl 1, P0302=cyl 2, P0303=cyl 3, P0304=cyl 4.
    What dashboard light does P0301 trigger?
    P0301 triggers the Check Engine Light.
    How serious is P0301?
    Severity: yellow. Fix priority: Urgent — address soon.
    How much does it cost to fix P0301?
    Repair costs typically range from $50–$500. The exact cost depends on the root cause and your vehicle.

    These codes also trigger the Check Engine Light: