Error Code P0306: What It Means & What To Do?

<<See All OBD Codes

The P0306 is a fault code which starts appearing when the car engine has a misfire which is not related to just one cylinder. This code would set the check engine light and it should be as soon as possible.

The P0306 trouble code can be defined as Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected.

Searching for some more information about P0306 trouble code? There are 4-6 cylinders in most of the vehicles. Each and every cylinder would fire a spark plug in a smooth as well as steady manner. Fire is set to the fuel by the spark plug by using a flammable fuel/air mixture.

The crankshaft would be then powered by the energy which has been released by the fuel. The revolutions per minute of the crankshaft are controlled by the cylinders. All the cylinders would work together so that the crankshaft is able to rotate continuously. Now if the cylinder would misfire, then the crankshaft revolutions per minute will keep on increasing as well as decreasing.

What causes this problem with the Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected?

• Distributor might start failing
• Issues due to poor quality fuel
• The spark plug might not be firing for cylinder number 6 due to fouling or cracks in the insulation
• Flaws in the fuel injector
• Issue of vacuum leak
• The ignition coil for cylinder number 6 has stopped firing due to cracked insulation or open circuit
• Some quirks in the camshaft sensor
• There can be some defects in the crankshaft sensor
• The spark plug wire or plug boot is leaking ignition spark to ground for cylinder number 6 from age
• Engine timing might be off
• The head gasket might be leaking
• The valve cover is leaking oil into the spark plug holes and shorting the spark plug ignition for the number 6 cylinder
• Low fuel pressure
• Low engine compression
• The cylinder has problems with compression being low from defective rings or valves

1. Camshaft Sensor - A faulty Camshaft Sensor can be troublesome. You can always rely on us as we have best auto parts for our customers.
2. Crankshaft Sensor - If everything is alright with PCM, then there is surely some defect in Crankshaft Sensor. Get it replaced before the situation gets worse.
3. Fuel Injector - P0306 code can display due to some issues in the Fuel Injector. So, it is very important to replace the Fuel Injector with us at equitable prices.
4. Oxygen Sensor - Do you remember when was the last time you got your car Oxygen Sensor checked up? A faulty Oxygen Sensor can cause a lot of issues like displaying P0306 code.
5. Head Gasket - Poor Head Gasket can cause a lot of difficulties, so why not get it replaced at time?
6. Powertrain Control Module - There can be some issues with the Powertrain Control Module due to which you may see P0306 code appearing over and over again. Visit us to buy best quality PCM online.
7. Spark Plug - Are you facing some faults in your Spark Plug? Don’t worry and get them replaced or else P0306 code can turn up.

It is vital to know the symptoms of an issue as only then you would be able to solve the problem. So that’s why we have listed out some major symptoms of OBD Code P0306 here:

Common Symptoms

• The engine performance might start diminishing
• There can be rough or unstable feeling from engine
• Odd odor from engine exhaust
• Flashing or constant malfunction indicator lamp appearance
• The check engine light can start flashing during a misfire event
• The engine might have a misfire and may buck or jerk on acceleration
• There can be lack power in the car engine during acceleration

Looking out for some ways with the help of which you can correct this fault code? Then you have arrived at the correct place. We are here to help you out, so you must check out the steps mentioned below as follows:

• First of all, you must replace the faulty spark plug or replace all spark plugs as a set if the reason of failure is a worn-out plug
• The leaking valve cover gasket should be replaced then replace the failed coil, plug wires, and plugs
• Make sure that you replace the ECM for a bad circuit that powers the fuel injector or coil for number 6

Parts Avatar Canada endeavors to fulfil all the needs of its consumer, that’s why we have a huge collection of top-quality Coolant Temperature Sensor, Air Fuel Ratio Sensor, Oxygen Sensor and many more at equitable prices. We won’t let you down in any way.

Here are some steps which you should follow in order to diagnose this fault code:

• You must have a scanner and a digital volt/ohmmeter to successfully diagnose this code-storing condition.
• Start your diagnosis with a visual inspection of all wiring as well as connectors
• Then repair or replace damaged, disconnected, shorted, or corroded wiring, connectors, and components as per the need
• It is very important to repair the system after repairs are completed to ensure success. If all system wiring, connectors, and components including the fuses appear to be in normal working condition, then connect the scanner to the diagnostic connector and record all stored codes and freeze frame data
• This information can be extremely helpful in diagnosing intermittent conditions that may have contributed to this code being stored
• Now once all the codes are cleared, operate the vehicle to see if the code returns
• If the code fails to immediately return, you may have an intermittent condition
• Intermittent conditions can prove to be quite a challenge to diagnose and in extreme cases may have to be allowed to worsen before a correct diagnosis can be made. A cylinder misfire code is easiest to diagnose when obvious symptoms are presented
• If a code is stored and no symptoms are manifest, then reset the PCM and see if the code returns
• Is the engine stumbling or hesitation upon acceleration? If so, then make sure that all ignition maintenance tune-up items have been replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule
• This would include the spark plugs, spark plug boots, ignition coils, distributor cap and rotor button and the fuel filter
• It is best to replace the spark plugs using OEM replacement parts
• Resistor spark plugs are cheaper than platinum spark plugs but they are not a viable substitute
• Since the code has pointed to a specific cylinder, diagnosis has been made somewhat easier
• You may move coils, spark plugs, and spark plug wires and boots from one cylinder to another
• By doing this you can see if the system malfunction trades cylinders with the ignition system components and replace parts as necessary
• If no shortcomings are found with the ignition system, then check for a lean exhaust condition by observing the oxygen sensor data
• Should the data suggest a lean exhaust condition, you would be looking for a major vacuum leak caused by a cracked, broken, or disconnected vacuum hose, an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve malfunction, inoperable fuel injectors, compression problems, or clogged catalytic converter/s
• Unmetered air that enters the engine without entering the MAF may also cause this code to be stored
• A scanner and access to a factory service manual is critical to a successful diagnosis

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P0306 Code

• One most common mistake can be not switching the coil to a different cylinder to see if the misfire moves to another cylinder. This would indicate a bad coil
• Other mistake which can be made is to not switch one part at a time with a different cylinder to isolate the failed part
• Most of the times loose fitting electrical connectors and broken or disconnected vacuum hoses are often overlooked.