AutoCodes – Nissan – P0304 2009 Nissan Pathfinder

P0304 2009 Nissan Pathfinder Code - Number 4 Cylinder Misfire Detected

Quick Answer

When a misfire occurs, engine speed will fluctuate. Common causes include Faulty Spark Plug #4, Clogged or faulty Fuel Injector #4, Faulty Ignition Coil #4. 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: P0304 2009 Nissan Pathfinder indicates Number 4 Cylinder Misfire Detected.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Spark Plug #4, Clogged or faulty Fuel Injector #4, Faulty Ignition Coil #4.
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 2,631

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 Mar 29, 2024

Description
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0304 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 #4 is misfiring.

OBDII Code P0304 2009 Nissan Pathfinder - Number 4 Cylinder Misfire Detected - AutoCodes.com — P0304 2009 Nissan Pathfinder Code - Number 4 Cylinder Misfire Detected

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0304 2009 Nissan Pathfinder?

Faulty Spark Plug #4
Clogged or faulty Fuel Injector #4
Faulty Ignition Coil #4
Fuel Injector #4 harness is open or shorted
Fuel Injector #4 circuit poor electrical connection
Ignition Coil #4 harness is open or shorted
Ignition Coil #4 circuit poor electrical connection
Insufficient cylinder 4 compression
Incorrect fuel pressure
Intake air leak

How to Fix the DTC P0304 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.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

The P0304 code means that cylinder #4 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 #4. 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 P0304 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.

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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 P0304 2009 Nissan Pathfinder Code

1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code P0304 on a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder?

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

2. What are the possible causes of a number 4 cylinder misfire detected in a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder?

- Possible causes include faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel injectors, vacuum leaks, low compression, or issues with the engine control module (ECM).

3. How can I diagnose the cause of the number 4 cylinder misfire in my 2009 Nissan Pathfinder?

- Diagnostic steps may include checking spark plugs, inspecting ignition coils, testing fuel injectors, performing a compression test, and scanning the ECM for fault codes.

4. Can driving with a P0304 code on a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder cause further damage?

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

5. How can I repair a number 4 cylinder misfire in my 2009 Nissan Pathfinder?

- Depending on the cause, repairs may involve replacing spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel injectors, addressing vacuum leaks, performing a compression test, or reprogramming the ECM.

6. Is it safe to drive my 2009 Nissan Pathfinder with a flashing check engine light and code P0304?

- A flashing check engine light indicates a severe misfire that can cause damage to the catalytic converter. It is not recommended to drive the vehicle in this condition.

7. What should I do if the number 4 cylinder misfire persists after repairs on my 2009 Nissan Pathfinder?

- If the misfire persists, further diagnosis may be needed to identify the root cause, such as checking for wiring issues, verifying proper fuel delivery, or consulting a professional mechanic.

8. Can bad gasoline or fuel quality trigger a P0304 code in a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder?

- Poor quality gasoline or fuel contaminated with water or debris can potentially lead to misfires, including a number 4 cylinder misfire.

9. How often should spark plugs be replaced in a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder to prevent misfire codes like P0304?

- It is generally recommended to replace spark plugs every 30,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on the type of plugs used in the vehicle.

10. Are there any preventative maintenance tips to help avoid a number 4 cylinder misfire in a 2009 Nissan Pathfinder?

- Regularly servicing the ignition system, fuel system, and engine components, as well as using high-quality fuel, can help prevent misfires and related codes like P0304.