I'm getting error code P0300 no other codes?

Tiny
TREVOR BUTZ
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 NISSAN MAXIMA
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 195,386 MILES
I hooked up my vehicle to live data and it doesn't show any of my cylinders misfiring. I replaced the front engine mount thinking that was the issue but it didn't. Once I get up to 35 to 40 mph it stops. I can wake up drive as long as I don't turn off the car no issues. Once I turn it off and it hasn't sat for at least a hour it starts misfiring until I get to around 35-40 mph.
Wednesday, August 6th, 2025 AT 7:58 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,446 POSTS
P0300 - Random multiple misfires. You say it doesn't show once the engine has been running but does misfire when it has sat. The description is textbook for a vacuum leak. At low speed or idle the engine generates more internal vacuum because the throttle plate is closed more. That will try to pull in more air from wherever it can because the pressures want to equalize. Now take a modern engine with vacuum lines and various pieces that are all in the system. A leak will do more at low speeds, which yours does, but you also say that it doesn't miss all the time. That indicates that the issue is also temperature dependent. That says it's something like an intake manifold or plenum leak that "seals up" as the engine warms up. There are a few methods to find them, one of the easier ones is to use carb cleaner or ether and on a cold engine start it and spray around the intake manifold. You are looking for a spot that suddenly changes the engine rpm. Then you hunt in that area. You can also do that on vacuum lines as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge
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Wednesday, August 6th, 2025 AT 12:02 PM
Tiny
TREVOR BUTZ
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  • 2 POSTS
As long as the car sits for at least an hour in between drives the misfire stops. So could a valve cover gasket be causing the issue I know that's leaking but it's slow I only notice the smell of oil burning once in a while.
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Wednesday, August 6th, 2025 AT 7:29 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 15,446 POSTS
Valve cover won't usually do that unless it's a major leak and because it goes away it would mean the cover would be sealed. Instead, I would look at the other items first.
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Wednesday, August 6th, 2025 AT 9:26 PM

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