AutoCodes – Nissan – P0303 2012 Nissan Sentra

P0303 2012 Nissan Sentra 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 2012 Nissan Sentra 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.

Save to My Repairs Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 10,570

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 08, 2022

Description
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P0303 2012 Nissan Sentra 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 2012 Nissan Sentra - Number 3 Cylinder Misfire Detected - AutoCodes.com — P0303 2012 Nissan Sentra Code - Number 3 Cylinder Misfire Detected

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0303 2012 Nissan Sentra?

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 2012 Nissan Sentra?

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.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

The P0303 code means that cylinder #3 is misfiring or is randomly misfiring. Start by checking for intake leaks and if no leaks are found the next step is to replace the spark plugs on cylinder #3. If the problem persists more tests need to be done to diagnose the problem. See "Possible Causes" for the most common problems.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0303 2012 Nissan Sentra 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 2012 Nissan Sentra code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0303 2012 Nissan Sentra code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0303 2012 Nissan Sentra 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 2012 Nissan Sentra Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0303 on a 2012 Nissan Sentra?

- Common symptoms include engine misfires, rough idling, loss of power, and potentially increased fuel consumption.

2. What are the possible causes of a number 3 cylinder misfire in a 2012 Nissan Sentra?

- Causes can include faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel injectors, vacuum leaks, low compression, or issues with the engine control module.

3. How can I diagnose the source of a cylinder 3 misfire in my 2012 Nissan Sentra?

- Diagnose by checking spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel injectors, compression levels, vacuum leaks, and utilizing a scan tool to monitor live data.

4. Is it safe to continue driving my 2012 Nissan Sentra with OBDII code P0303?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with a cylinder misfire as it can lead to further damage to the engine or emissions system.

5. Can a dirty fuel injector cause a cylinder 3 misfire in a 2012 Nissan Sentra?

- Yes, a dirty or clogged fuel injector can disrupt the fuel delivery to the cylinder, leading to a misfire.

6. How much does it typically cost to repair a cylinder 3 misfire in a 2012 Nissan Sentra?

- Repair costs can vary depending on the exact cause, but expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $500 for parts and labor.

7. Will resetting the OBDII code P0303 on my 2012 Nissan Sentra make the issue go away?

- Simply clearing the code will not fix the underlying problem causing the misfire. It is essential to diagnose and address the root cause.

8. Can a bad ignition coil be the reason behind OBDII code P0303 in a 2012 Nissan Sentra?

- Yes, a faulty ignition coil for the number 3 cylinder can lead to a misfire and trigger code P0303.

9. How important is it to address OBDII code P0303 promptly in a 2012 Nissan Sentra?

- It is crucial to address the issue promptly as driving with a misfire can cause damage to the catalytic converter and other engine components.

10. Are there any maintenance tips to prevent OBDII code P0303 from occurring in a 2012 Nissan Sentra?

- Regular maintenance such as changing spark plugs, inspecting ignition components, and using quality fuel can help prevent cylinder misfires in the future.