2005 Dodge Caravan Malfunction Indicator Light

Tiny
JPRILEYJR
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 108,000 MILES
My MIL has been on for a few drives, off for a few drives, etc. I had oil, filter, air filter changed, figuring it could need a tuneup. After reading on here, I figured out how to determine the malfunction code and it is PO301, which says engine misfire detected. What does this mean? Is it important? What should I do to resolve the issue?
Monday, November 1st, 2010 AT 3:08 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
What that code indicates is the #1 cylender is misfiring. Has the vehicle ever been tuned up? Have you ever replaced ignition wires, plugs, cap?
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Monday, November 1st, 2010 AT 7:48 PM
Tiny
JPRILEYJR
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
No, I have not had a tuneup. I have not had plugs changed, etc.

What exactly should I ask for when I go to the repair shop?

What should I expect it to cost?
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Monday, November 1st, 2010 AT 9:07 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Well, since only the #1 cylender is misfiring, I would start with a basic tune up. Have them replace the spark plugs and wires. That should take care of the problem unless there is an injector issue. However, usually, that has an affect on more than one cylender.

For a 4 cylender, I can't imagine the cost would be more than 80 to 100 dollars for plugs and wires.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010 AT 7:30 AM
Tiny
JPRILEYJR
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hey Joe,
Had the spark plugs and wires changed and not only is the indicator light off, but the engine is much quieter, too.

Thanks so much!
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Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010 AT 11:30 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Great! I'm glad you got it fixed. Usually, the easiest problems cause the most trouble. I hope I was close on the cost, but based on where you live, it may have been off.

Let us know if you have questions in the future, and thanks for using 2carpros. Com.

Joe
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Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010 AT 7:36 AM
Tiny
JPRILEYJR
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
So Joe,
Caravan ran well for a few weeks, and NOW the malfunction indicator light is BACK. Same code PO301. Since the plugs and wires have been changed, what would I do next?
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Friday, November 12th, 2010 AT 5:58 PM

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