2004 Chrysler Sebring P0301 code

Hi Lydia,

Check cylinder compression and fuel pressure. And check all your vacuum lines, along with the Idle Air Control Valve (IAC). And the Air Intake Boot, the big tube running from your air filter to the throttle body.

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How to Test Engine Compression
An engine depends on an equal compression in each cylinder to run smoothly. If poor compression exits in one or more cylinders it can cause a rough idle condition and low power. A compression test can be performed to check wear or internal damage. A compression gauge is needed to test the engine cylinders. There are two types of gauge styles, one threads into the spark plug hole which is more accurate. The other style of gauge is constructed with a rubber plug that is meant to be pressed against the spark plug hole, this style of gauge is difficult to use. To perform a engine cylinder compression test follow the steps below.

Remove ignition coil connector or ignition system or fuel pump fuse to disable power to the ignition or fuel system

Test ignition system to ensure that the power to the system has been disabled

Remove #1 cylinder spark plug and insert compression gauge, most gauges have a hose attachment that is installed into the spark plug hole with the gauge connecting to the gauge hose.

Engine Cylinder Compression Gauge

After the compression gauge has been inserted, use the starter to crank the engine over for about five seconds. Use about the same five seconds to test the remaining cylinders.

Record the compression reading as each cylinder is tested

Remove the compression gauge and reinsert the spark plug

Follow this procedure until all cylinders have been tested

Compare cylinders compression reading, typical compression readings are between 125 p.s.i. and 160 p.s.i. all cylinder readings should be within about 5% of each other.
If low compression exists a cylinder malfunction exits and further inspection is required. Possible causes for a low compression condition are: burned intake or exhaust valve, broken piston or piston ring, broken valve spring or a blown head gasket.

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Check out the Video at the link below...

https://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_video/test_fuel_injection_pressure.htm

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You should check your local tool rental shop. Also ask if they have a Fuel Pressure Tester.

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Hi Lydiaa,

I read through the posts again, you say you replaced the Coil did you also replace the Spark Plug Boot? You also said the vehicle was running normally with symptoms. Is that still the case?

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You said you replaced the Coil pack for the #1 cylinder, so I took it that you have what is called coil overs whick look llike this....

| The part between the............|
|/ arrows is the boot ............. |/

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I take it you have had the code cleared, since you said you keep getting that code. If you haven't the the car is going through a relearn proccess and it can take up to 1000 miles or so many starts of the vehicle.

Have you had the codes read after each thing you have done? If not get codes read again. And it get same code have them clear it.

If still getting codes after the above let me know a I will request input from the other techs.

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A misfire for one specific cylinder should prompt you to check that cylinder compression/sparkplug and injector

Misfires can be caused by worn or fouled spark plugs, a weak spark (weak coil, bad spark plug wire), loss of compression, vacuum leaks, anything that causes an unusually lean fuel mixture (lean misfire), an EGR valve that is stuck open, dirty fuel injectors, low fuel pressure, or even bad fuel.

What engine? 2.7 or 3.5?

Ok I don't see any Tecnical Service Bullitens on your engine, the 4 clyinders have a reflash for the Powertrain Control Module for this exact problem, Call a Chrysler dealer and ask if they have seen the same problem in 2.7 as the 2.0 and 2.4 have.
Here is part of the bulliten, if this isnt the answer, a new crank sensor may help.
FLASH: IDLE FLUCTUATION AND OR MIL ILLUMINATION DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303 OR P0304 TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN Reference Number(s): 18-024-04, Â Date of Issue: Â June 1, 2004 Related Ref Number(s): 18-024-04 ARTICLE BEGINNING SUBJECT Flash: Idle fluctuation and or MIL Illumination Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303 or P0304 OVERVIEW This bulletin involves replacing the affected spark plug, ignition wire and/or reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module with new software. MODELS 2004 (JR) Sebring Convertible/Sebring Sedan/Stratus Sedan 2004 (KJ) Liberty/Cherokee 2004 (PL) Neon 2004-2005 (PT) PT Cruiser 2004-2005 (RG) Chrysler Voyager 2004-2005 (RS) Town & Country/Caravan/Voyager
GROUP: Vehicle Performance NOTE: THE SOFTWARE FOR THE DRBIII(R) WILL BE AVAILABLE ON DEALERCONNECT JUNE 1, 2004. NOTE: FOR MARKETS OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA, THE SOFTWARE AND REPROGRAMMING INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON ITIL/ISIS DVD JULY, 2004. NOTE: This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with a 2.0L and 2.4L engine (sales code ECB, ECC, ECH, ED1, ED2, EDV, EDZ or EDT ) Refer to table below for build dates.