P0303 code meaning
Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected
Powertrain system Generic code P03xx codes Check engine light
What P0303 means
The engine module detects misfire from crankshaft speed: a cylinder that does not fire gives no acceleration impulse. At a catalyst-damaging rate (CARB: at least 5 % per 200 revolutions) the warning light flashes; at an emissions-relevant rate (at least 1 % per 1,000 revolutions – GM about 2–5 %, Ford 0.9–1.5 %) it comes on after two trips. Ford and GM may shut off a misfiring cylinder's injector to protect the catalyst. P0303 means more than 90 % of the detected misfires fall on cylinder 3. Usual causes are the ignition coil or spark plug of that cylinder, its injector, or low compression; a quick test is to swap coil or plug with a neighbouring cylinder and see whether the misfire moves. Bulletins for four-cylinder engines name internal coil faults (Mazda) and plugs cracked during installation (FCA).
P0303 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0303
- Check engine light on, flashing at a catalyst-damaging rate
- Rough idle, jerking, vibration
- Loss of power, hesitation
- Smell of unburnt fuel, higher consumption
Common causes of P0303
- Most likelyIgnition coil of cylinder 3 faulty (coil, connector, ground)
- Most likelySpark plug of cylinder 3 worn, sooted, cracked or wrongly gapped
- PossibleInjector of cylinder 3 clogged or leaking, or its control
- Less likelyLow compression on cylinder 3 (valve, rings, head gasket) or local false air
- Less likelyWater or oil in the plug well
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Ignition coil cylinder 3Spark plug cylinder 3Fuel injector cylinder 3
What each part of P0303 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 3 | Area: ignition system or misfire. |
| 03 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0303 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0303
What does P0303 mean?
P0303 means "Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected". The engine module detects misfire from crankshaft speed: a cylinder that does not fire gives no acceleration impulse. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0303?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0303 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0303 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0303 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0303 to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 4 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0303 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.