AutoCodes – Nissan – P0303 2009 Nissan Pathfinder

P0303 2009 Nissan Pathfinder Code - Number 3 Cylinder Misfire Detected

Quick Answer

When a misfire occurs, engine speed will fluctuate. Common causes include Faulty Spark Plug #3, Clogged or faulty Fuel Injector #3, Faulty Ignition Coil #3. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means
P0303 2009 Nissan Pathfinder indicates Number 3 Cylinder Misfire Detected.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Spark Plug #3, Clogged or faulty Fuel Injector #3, Faulty Ignition Coil #3.
Severity
High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?
Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
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Code Popularity 2,935
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 29, 2024
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Code P0303 2009 Nissan Pathfinder Description

When a misfire occurs, engine speed will fluctuate. If the engine speed fluctuates enough to cause the Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor signal to vary, the Engine Control Module (ECM) can determine that a misfire is occurring. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the Engine Control Module monitors the crankshaft speed and has detected that engine cylinder #3 is misfiring.
OBDII Code P0303 2009 Nissan Pathfinder - Number 3 Cylinder Misfire Detected - AutoCodes.com
P0303 2009 Nissan Pathfinder Code - Number 3 Cylinder Misfire Detected

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0303 2009 Nissan Pathfinder?

  • Faulty Spark Plug #3
  • Clogged or faulty Fuel Injector #3
  • Faulty Ignition Coil #3
  • Fuel Injector #3 harness is open or shorted
  • Fuel Injector #3 circuit poor electrical connection
  • Ignition Coil #3 harness is open or shorted
  • Ignition Coil #3 circuit poor electrical connection
  • Insufficient cylinder 3 compression
  • Incorrect fuel pressure
  • Intake air leak

How to Fix the DTC P0303 2009 Nissan Pathfinder?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0303 2009 Nissan Pathfinder code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P0303 2009 Nissan Pathfinder code?

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0303 2009 Nissan Pathfinder Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0303 (Number 3 Cylinder Misfire Detected) in a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder?

- Common symptoms include rough idling, loss of power, engine vibration, and potential fuel odor.

2. What are the possible causes of a P0303 code in a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder?

- The code may be triggered by issues such as a faulty spark plug, ignition coil, fuel injector, vacuum leak, or low compression in the number 3 cylinder.

3. How can I diagnose the cause of a P0303 code in my 2009 Nissan Pathfinder?

- Diagnosing the issue may involve checking the spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel injectors, vacuum hoses, and performing a compression test on the number 3 cylinder.

4. Can driving with a P0303 code in a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder cause further damage?

- Continuing to drive with a misfire can potentially damage the catalytic converter, so it's recommended to address the issue promptly.

5. What are some repair tips for addressing a P0303 code in a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder?

- Repair tips may include replacing the spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors in the number 3 cylinder, as well as checking for vacuum leaks and performing a compression test.

6. How much does it typically cost to repair a P0303 code in a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder?

- The cost of repairs can vary depending on the exact cause of the misfire, but it may range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, including parts and labor.

7. Can a P0303 code be intermittent in a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder?

- Yes, a misfire detected by the OBDII system can sometimes be intermittent, depending on the underlying cause, which may make diagnosis more challenging.

8. Is it safe to drive my 2009 Nissan Pathfinder with a flashing check engine light due to a P0303 code?

- A flashing check engine light indicates a severe misfire that can cause damage to the catalytic converter. It's best to avoid driving the vehicle and have it towed for repairs.

9. How long does it typically take to repair a P0303 code in a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder?

- The repair time can vary based on the specific cause of the misfire, but it may take anywhere from a few hours to a full day to diagnose and fix the issue.

10. Can I reset the OBDII code P0303 in my 2009 Nissan Pathfinder with a simple scan tool?

- While you can clear the code with a scan tool, it's important to address the underlying issue causing the misfire to prevent the code from reoccurring.

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