SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
The powertrain control module (PCM) uses information from the ignition control (IC) module and the camshaft position (CMP) sensor in order to determine when an engine misfire is occurring. By monitoring variations in the crankshaft rotation speed for each cylinder, the PCM is able to detect individual misfire events. A misfire rate that is high enough can cause the 3-way catalytic converter (TWC) to overheat under certain driving conditions. The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will flash ON and OFF when the conditions for TWC overheating are present. If the PCM detects a misfire rate sufficient to cause emission levels to exceed mandated standards, DTC P0300 will set.

CONDITIONS FOR RUNNING THE DTC

• DTCs P0101, P0102, P0103, P0107, P0108, P0116, P0117, P0118, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0125, P0128, P0336, P0341, P0502, P0503, P1106, P1107, P1114, P1115, P1121, P1122, P1336, P1351, P1352, P1361, P1362, P1374 are not set.
• The engine speed is between 525-5,900 RPM .
• The ignition voltage is between 9-18 volts .
• The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is between -7 and +125°C (21-255°F) .
• The fuel level is more than 10 percent

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• The throttle position (TP) sensor angle is steady within 1 percent.
• The antilock brake system (ABS) and the traction control system are not active.
• The transmission is not changing gears.
• The A/C clutch is not changing states.
• The PCM is not in fuel shut-off or decel fuel cut-off mode.
• The PCM is not receiving a rough road signal.

CONDITIONS FOR SETTING THE DTC
The PCM is detecting a crankshaft rotation speed variation indicating a misfire sufficient to cause emission levels to exceed mandated standards.

ACTION TAKEN WHEN THE DTC SETS

• The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
• The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

CONDITIONS FOR CLEARING THE MIL/DTC

• The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
• A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
• A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
• Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

DIAGNOSTIC AIDS

• Excessive vibration from sources other than the engine could cause DTC P0300 to set. The following are possible sources of vibration:
• Variable thickness brake rotors.
• Worn or damaged accessory drive belt.
• Spray water on the secondary ignition components using a spray bottle. Look and listen for arcing or misfiring.

TEST DESCRIPTION

Steps 1-3

Steps 4-6

Step 7

Steps 8-10

Steps 11-17

Steps 18-23

1. If the actual CKP variation values are not within the learned values, the misfire counters may increment.