P0363 code meaning
Misfire Detected - Fueling Disabled
Powertrain system Generic code P03xx codes Check engine light
What P0363 means
P0363 is a reaction code: the engine module has detected misfire severe enough to damage the catalyst – through its crankshaft-based misfire monitor – and has therefore shut off injection to the affected cylinder or cylinders. CARB allows exactly this: a vehicle that cuts fuel immediately on catalyst-damaging misfire may turn the check engine light on steadily instead of flashing it, and may switch fuel back on to re-check at most every 30 s. The code names no cylinder; that comes from the accompanying P0301 ff. It is documented by code only at FCA: two reprogramming bulletins for the 2017–2018 Alfa Romeo Giulia 2.0 turbo list P0363 alongside misfire and mixture codes. Ford reacts in the same way without its own code, VW uses a manufacturer code (P130A) for the hidden cylinder, and GM does not list P0363.
P0363 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0363
- Check engine light on steadily instead of flashing
- Clearly rough running, one cylinder without power
- Loss of power
- Jerking or stalling, especially when cold
Common causes of P0363
- Most likelyIgnition coil or spark plug of the affected cylinder faulty
- PossibleInjector sticking or leaking, or fuel pressure too low
- PossibleEngine module software (misfire detection, cold-start mixture)
- Less likelyMechanical cause: loss of compression, valve or carbon deposits, vacuum leak
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Ignition coilSpark plugFuel injectorEngine control module
What each part of P0363 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. |
| 63 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0363 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 P0363
What does P0363 mean?
P0363 means "Misfire Detected - Fueling Disabled". P0363 is a reaction code: the engine module has detected misfire severe enough to damage the catalyst – through its crankshaft-based misfire monitor – and has therefore shut off injection to the affected cylinder or cylinders. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0363?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0363 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0363 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0363 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 P0363 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0363 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.