P0301 code with a 1st cylinder misfire come up?

Tiny
DRAGRACINGCHICK
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • 3.8L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 106,000 MILES
I had a P0301 code with a 1st cylinder misfire come up on my 01 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP. It was sputtering, had a loss of power, motor shake and it almost died on me when I was trying to make it back home. I usually store it in the winter but thanks to the drive shaft falling off and some other issues and damage it caused on my Chrysler 300C that I can't afford to fix and causing yhe death of my 300C, I need to get the GTP running right so I can get to work. I had a similar code come up on my 300C and shortly after the fuel pump went out so I decided to beat the GTP to the punch and changed out the fuel pump. The previous owner put headers, a smaller supercharger pulley and some other upgrades on my GTP, which makes it a ton of fun to drive when it works right lol. I'm changing out the spark plugs, wires and ignition coils to see if that helps fix the problem but I have never changed any of these on any of my cars before. I know there is a certain firing order to putting in the spark plugs and I'm going to look that up online. I'm wondering if the wires need to be put on in this same order? I also would like to know how to take the wires off the motor, how to put the metal tube on the wires that go into the motor and if I have to do anything specific to the end of the wires that go on the spark plugs? Also if the ignition coils need to go on in any certain order and if I need any type of special grease on any of the parts? If new plugs, wires and ignition coils don't fix fix the problem, what else should I be looking for? I also had a P0452 EVAP system pressure sensor/Switch A circuit low code come up since changing out the fuel filter and I'm hoping you can tell me what that means, what needs to be fixed and if I can drive it with this code? Before storing it I had an O2 sensor code come up and the O2 sensor after the cat has been unplugged and bypassed, and I can't find the sensor that's supposed to be on the back side of the motor. I might be looking in the wrong spot or is it possible to override that sensor as well. It hasn't coded on the O2 sensor since changing out the fuel pump but that's not to say it won't code in the future. I'd really appreciate any help you can give me, thanks!
Wednesday, February 11th, 2026 AT 2:45 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
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Yes, the spark plug wires must be installed in the right order, this is called the firing order, to remove the spark plug wires twist the spark plug boots to help break the seal. This guide will show you how step by step included setting the gap.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-spark-plugs

Firing Order .................... 1-2-3-4-5-6

AC Spark Plug .................... Type 41-979

Please start a new question for the P0452 EVAP problem as we only handle one issue per thread. Check out the images (below). Please upload an image or a short video in your response if you have any issues so I can help. Ken
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Thursday, February 12th, 2026 AT 8:39 AM
Tiny
DRAGRACINGCHICK
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Thank you for your help Ken! I bought some plugs but I am going to buy the AC Delco 41-979 plugs, even though they say they don't work with my car. I'm assuming you gave me the 41-979's due to the headers on my motor, is that correct? I also bought some grease and wondering if a grease gun would be the best way to apply it to all of the parts that need it? Thank you so much for your help! I will respond to the answer to my other question when I have a chance since I'm at work. I am hoping to fix my car tonight!
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Thursday, February 12th, 2026 AT 10:43 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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You have the 3.8 SC engine correct? Use this spark plug instead.

Spark Plug. AC 41-921

Please let us know what happens.
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Friday, February 13th, 2026 AT 8:34 AM
Tiny
DRAGRACINGCHICK
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My 01 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP has a supercharged 3.8L V6 with headers on it. I'm confused now! So the first spark plugs you told me to get(AC 41-979) won't work and I should buy AC 41-921 spark plugs instead now? The first set I had bought, before I posted my question here, were NGK 3951 Spark Plugs TR55, which say they work with my car, will they? Is the spark plug wire order different than the spark plug firing order and if so, can you please tell me the firing order and wire order, please and thanks! I have removed 3 spark plugs so far and the first one is the reason my car isn't working right, obviously when you see that there is zero gap!
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Saturday, February 14th, 2026 AT 3:29 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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O ya, that spark plug was not working, Sorry about the wrong spark plug recommendation. My bad. You can try the spark plugs you have, they are not that much different. The firing order and spark plug wiring order are the same thing.
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+1
Sunday, February 15th, 2026 AT 9:13 AM
Tiny
DRAGRACINGCHICK
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I had issues getting back to this thread to ask my next question so I posted a new one but I'm going to add it here also. After replacing the spark plugs, wires, ignition coils and ignition control module, I still have a P0301, 1st cylinder misfire code. What should I check next? Thank you!
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Monday, March 9th, 2026 AT 6:24 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Okay, if the spark plug is still uncolored on #1 cylinder, I would check the compression and if it is good replace the fuel injector. Here is a video to help you can rent the gauge at the auto parts store for free

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOxIm1F8AW0

This guide may help as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-misfires-or-runs-rough

Please go over these guides and get back to us. Ken
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Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 AT 8:08 AM
Tiny
DRAGRACINGCHICK
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
  • 2001 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • TURBO
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 106,631 MILES
I changed out the spark plugs, wires, ignition coils and the ignition control module and I still have a 1st cylinder misfire. What do I check next?
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Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 AT 9:46 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
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I would check the compression to make sure the engine is in good shape. this video can help and you can rent the gauge set for free at the auto parts store.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOxIm1F8AW0&pp=0gcJCcUKAYcqIYzv

Please let me know what the reading is. Ken
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Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 AT 9:47 AM
Tiny
DRAGRACINGCHICK
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Ok, I will see if I can figure out how to do it myself and if I can't, I will see if I can find someone to help me this weekend hopefully. What should the compression be normally? Thank you!
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Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 AT 3:57 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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You are welcome, Ken
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Wednesday, March 11th, 2026 AT 8:19 AM

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