00' sunfire p0300 code

[Xnitro67]

first to start with is that this code just randomly came up xmas day noticed my acceleration was way off on the highway it even kicked into 3rd even though it really shouldnt. it does have a bit of a rough idle but not enough to where itll stall. trying to get to 30 mph is okay but trying to push the pedal all the way down itll accel but its slow and stutters about 4000rpms. put seafoam in it but it only helped a little bit. also of people are saying its the fuel injectors. i do have torque app so incase someone needs info on what i can get let me know. im just hoping its something simple....

 

[EaOutlaw]

Hi your code is show us that you have a random misfire that effects more than one cylinder. here is a little information on this code.

http://www.obd-codes.com/p0300

I would start by inspecting the basics, check your oil level, coolant level when the engine is cool to the touch.

Does either the engine oil or coolant look like a milkshake?

Does the car or has the car ever overheated?

if the fluids looks good and are at the proper levels, start off by removing the spark plugs, keep the spark plugs in order so we know what cylinder each plug came out of.

take pictures of each spark plug and close ups of each end of the plugs that live in the engine ( the electrodes ) this will help us determine if you have a fuel related issue or mechanical failure or just plain worn plugs to start with.

you problem may be simple and I hope it is, do as I ask for now and we can help you from there.

You mention adding Seafoam to the fuel,is there a reason you suspect bad fuel. do you get fuel from less than desirable filling stations or have you fueled up when a tanker truck was unloading their delivery?

water in the fuel could be your problem but it is uncommon with today's regulations yet it is possible.

other easy to do items to check are the air and fuel filters yet they would have to be very bad to cause a random misfire code. these items should be checked regardless if they are your problem or not.

Before you remove the spark plugs inspect the holes that the wires go into to see if these holes are filled with oil from a leaking valve cover gasket this will cause the wires to malfunction. if oil is present or a lot of sand and debris clean it out before removing the spark plugs. you do not want to have anything enter the engine when removing the plugs,

 

[Xnitro67]

The only reason I suspect bad fuel is cause Thursday I filled up and the next day this happened. I can check the fluids but the sparks plugs I'll look into Wednesday I have friend that has his own shop. The spark plugs were replaced like 2 years ago so Idk if it is or not.

 

[EaOutlaw]

it very well could be bad fuel or water in the fuel, You can use a siphon once your car has been sitting for a few hours and pull some of the fuel from the bottom of the tank.

use a siphon like this one http://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-10801-FloTool-Shaker-Anti-Static/dp/B000EH0ORI

but you will need to tape it to a thin metal rod so you can pull fuel from the bottom these hoses tend to curl up.

This may prove difficult since most modern cars have a small opening at the fuel filler neck. you may have to remove the neck to get this in with the metal rod.

Some cars have fuel tank access under the rear seat which would make this easier yet I do not know about yours.

The other option is get a fuel pressure test gauge with a pressure relief button and hose
and run the car occasionally purging off some of the fuel into a glass jar.

Let the fuel settle into a glass jar either way and see if there is water at the bottom.

it should be obvious if you have water in the fuel.

http://www.amazon.com/Actron-CP7838...331705&sr=1-2&keywords=fuel+pressure+test+kit

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[Xnitro67]

Wouldn't bad fuel go through like it's nothing like really bad mpg?

 

[EaOutlaw]

bad fuel normally means water in the fuel, water does not burn and does not compress,
if the quantity of water in the fuel is enough it will cause all sorts of driveablity problems.
right now were are just playing a guessing game until some under the hood diagnostics start.

we have to start some where since you have a feeling it may be fuel related, go to a auto parts store like Auto zone or Napa and use their tool loaner program and get the the fuel pressure test kit like shown in the link. they charge you for a used tool once your done with it return it and you get a full refund.

this is the least expensive option of starting the diagnostic process.

Unless you have a scan tool that provides live data and can share with us a video of each and every sensor the car has.

 

[EaOutlaw]

I think the problem may be ignition related but since you have to wait till another day for your friend to arrive the fuel system is a good place to start considering your circumstances. unless you can afford to not drive your car.

I would not drive your car until you figure out what is wrong with it. you could be causing other problems