AutoCodes – Toyota – P0303 2009 Toyota Prius

P0303 2009 Toyota Prius Code - Cylinder 3 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 Toyota Prius indicates Cylinder 3 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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 6,954
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 14, 2020
πŸ’¬ Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers β€” it's free!

Code P0303 2009 Toyota Prius 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.
OBDII Code P0303 2009 Toyota Prius - Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected - AutoCodes.com
P0303 2009 Toyota Prius Code - Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0303 2009 Toyota Prius?

  • 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
  • Valve timing
  • Mass air flow meter
  • Engine coolant temperature sensor
  • ECM

How to Fix the DTC P0303 2009 Toyota Prius?

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 Toyota Prius 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 Toyota Prius code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0303 2009 Toyota Prius code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0303 2009 Toyota Prius code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

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 Toyota Prius Code

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

- Common symptoms include engine misfires, rough idling, loss of power, and potential increase in fuel consumption.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0303 in a 2009 Toyota Prius?

- The code P0303 can be triggered by issues such as faulty ignition coil, spark plug, fuel injector, vacuum leak, or low compression in cylinder 3.

3. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P0303 in my 2009 Toyota Prius?

- Diagnosing the code involves checking the ignition system components, fuel injectors, compression levels, and performing a visual inspection for any leaks or damages.

4. Can driving with OBDII code P0303 (Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected) damage my 2009 Toyota Prius?

- Continuing to drive with a misfiring cylinder can potentially cause damage to the catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, and other engine components over time.

5. What are some repair tips for resolving OBDII code P0303 in a 2009 Toyota Prius?

- Repair tips include replacing the faulty ignition coil, spark plug, or fuel injector for cylinder 3, performing a compression test, and ensuring proper sealing of any vacuum leaks.

6. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P0303 in a 2009 Toyota Prius?

- The cost of repairs for OBDII code P0303 can vary depending on the exact cause, but it may range from $100 to $500 or more, including parts and labor.

7. Is it safe to continue driving my 2009 Toyota Prius with OBDII code P0303 if the engine is running smoothly?

- It is not recommended to continue driving with the code present, as it can lead to increased emissions, reduced fuel efficiency, and potential damage to the catalytic converter.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix OBDII code P0303 in a 2009 Toyota Prius?

- Depending on the cause of the misfire, some DIY enthusiasts may be able to address the issue by replacing spark plugs or ignition coils, but more complex issues may require professional assistance.

9. How long does it take to repair OBDII code P0303 in a 2009 Toyota Prius?

- The repair time can vary based on the specific cause of the misfire, but it typically takes a few hours to a full day for a mechanic to diagnose and fix the issue.

10. Will resetting the OBDII code P0303 in my 2009 Toyota Prius make the issue go away permanently?

- Resetting the code may temporarily clear the check engine light, but if the underlying issue causing the misfire is not addressed, the code is likely to reappear.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0303 2009 Toyota Prius OBDII Code

Code P0303 2009 Toyota Prius comments

No comments found for this page.

AutoCodes App

Fix Your Car Smarter

Try the New AutoCodes App!

Get complete OBDII diagnostics, repair solutions, and cost estimates, plus AI chat support on demand.

AutoCodes App on Google Play