Code PO 300 random/multiple cylinder misfire?

Tiny
JHOOVER1950
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 OLDSMOBILE LSS
  • 3.6L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 105,000 MILES
Throws check engine light. In my mind I'm needing new plugs and wires, am I correct?
Monday, January 30th, 2023 AT 7:06 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
AL514
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,118 POSTS
Hello, cylinder misfires can happen for a number of reasons. If it's been a while since it had plugs and wires you can start there, clear out the codes and see if any come back. These are known for their Ignition coils packs going bad, you can also add some fuel treatment to a full tank of gas, which will help to clear up the fuel injectors. They will clog up over time. If your scan tool has a live data function, look to see what the long and short term fuel trim numbers are at. They should be as close to 0 as possible. But plus, or minus 10 percent is about average on an older vehicle. Hope this helps some. I'll post the type of spark plugs it takes if service information lists them.
Here's the spark plugs type, gap, and torque spec. These don't have a crush ring, so don't over tighten them or they can break off in the cylinder head.

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

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-spark-plugs
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Monday, January 30th, 2023 AT 9:01 AM
Tiny
JHOOVER1950
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Just thought I would delete the code and see if it would send a different code. Drove about ten miles yesterday and no code yet.
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Tuesday, January 31st, 2023 AT 6:52 AM
Tiny
AL514
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,118 POSTS
Did you replace the spark plugs and wires already? Most times it will take a certain number of key cycles or drive cycles to set a new code after they have been cleared. If you haven't changed the spark plugs yet, take a few out and see if they are worn or have an excessive gap. The center round electrode is what gets worn, when the edge of the electrode wears off or there are any carbon tracking marks where the spark has been jumping outside the cylinder, then the plugs need to be changed. You don't want cylinder misfires to ruin the Catalytic Converter. Thats when repairs get expensive. These engines are also known for the fuel injectors shorting out. The 3.6- and 3.8-liter engines are very common engines and have been around forever. They will last a long time if taken care of.
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Tuesday, January 31st, 2023 AT 11:36 AM

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