OBD-II DTC P0305 – Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected
DTC P0305 meaning
DTC P0305 indicates that the Engine Control Module (ECM) has detected a misfire in cylinder number 4. A misfire occurs when the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder fails to ignite properly, leading to a loss of power and increased emissions. This code is part of the On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II) system, which monitors the performance of the engine and its components.
DTC P0305 symptoms
Common symptoms associated with DTC P0305 may include:
- Rough idling or engine shaking
- Decreased engine performance
- Increased fuel consumption
- Illuminated Check Engine Light (CEL)
- Engine stalling or hesitation during acceleration
DTC P0305 causes
Several factors can lead to the triggering of DTC P0305, including:
- Faulty spark plug or spark plug wire in cylinder 4
- Defective fuel injector for cylinder 4
- Vacuum leaks affecting cylinder 4
- Low compression in cylinder 4 due to worn piston rings or valves
- Faulty ignition coil for cylinder 4
- Engine control module (ECM) issues
DTC P0305 seriousness
DTC P0305 is considered a serious issue as it can lead to further engine damage if not addressed. Continuous misfiring can cause:
- Increased emissions, leading to potential failure in emissions testing
- Damage to the catalytic converter
- Reduced fuel efficiency
- Overall engine performance degradation
How to diagnose DTC P0305
To diagnose DTC P0305, follow these steps:
- Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm the presence of the P0305 code.
- Inspect the spark plug and ignition coil for cylinder 4 for any visible damage.
- Check the fuel injector operation for cylinder 4.
- Perform a compression test on cylinder 4 to assess its health.
- Look for vacuum leaks around the intake manifold and hoses.
- Review the vehicle’s maintenance history for any recent repairs or changes.
How to fix DTC P0305 step-by-step instructions
To fix DTC P0305, follow these steps:
- Replace the spark plug and ignition coil for cylinder 4 if they are faulty.
- Clean or replace the fuel injector for cylinder 4 if it is clogged or malfunctioning.
- Repair any vacuum leaks found during the diagnosis.
- Perform a cylinder compression test and address any issues if compression is low.
- Clear the DTC using an OBD-II scanner and take the vehicle for a test drive to ensure the issue is resolved.
How to erase DTC P0305
To erase DTC P0305, follow these steps:
- Connect an OBD-II scanner to the vehicle’s diagnostic port.
- Turn on the ignition without starting the engine.
- Navigate to the “Erase Codes” or “Clear DTCs” option on the scanner.
- Confirm the action to clear the codes.
- Disconnect the scanner and start the engine to verify that the code does not return.