AutoCodes – Toyota – P0303 2011 Toyota Camry

P0303 2011 Toyota Camry Code - Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected

Quick Answer

When the engine misfires, high concentrations of hydrocarbons (HC) enter the exhaust gas. 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 2011 Toyota Camry 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.

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 5,414

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 Jun 14, 2020

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 2011 Toyota Camry Description

When the engine misfires, high concentrations of hydrocarbons (HC) enter the exhaust gas. Extremely high HC concentration levels can cause increases in exhaust emission levels. High concentrations of HC can also cause increases in the Three-Way Catalytic Converter (TWC) temperature, which may cause damage to the TWC. To prevent these increases in emissions and to limit the possibility of thermal damage, the ECM monitors the misfire rate. When the temperature of the TWC reaches the point of thermal degradation, the ECM blinks the MIL. To monitor misfires, the ECM uses both the Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor and the Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor. The CMP sensor is used to identify any misfiring cylinders and the CKP sensor is used to measure variations in the crankshaft rotation speed. Misfires are counted as when the crankshaft rotation speed variations exceed predetermined thresholds. If the misfire rate exceeds the threshold level, and could cause emission deterioration, the ECM illuminates the MIL and sets a DTC.

OBDII Code P0303 2011 Toyota Camry - Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected - AutoCodes.com — P0303 2011 Toyota Camry Code - Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0303 2011 Toyota Camry?

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 2011 Toyota Camry?

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 the 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 needs to be done to diagnose problem, see "Possible Causes"

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0303 2011 Toyota Camry 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 2011 Toyota Camry code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0303 2011 Toyota Camry code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0303 2011 Toyota Camry 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 2011 Toyota Camry Code

1. What does OBDII code P0303 mean on a 2011 Toyota Camry?

P0303 indicates that the engineâ€™s computer has detected a misfire in cylinder 3.

2. What are the symptoms of a cylinder 3 misfire in a 2011 Toyota Camry?

Common symptoms include rough idling, decreased fuel efficiency, loss of power, engine hesitation, and the Check Engine Light turning on.

3. What are the common causes of a P0303 code in a 2011 Toyota Camry?

The causes can include a faulty spark plug, bad ignition coil, clogged fuel injector, vacuum leaks, low compression in cylinder 3, or a problem with the fuel or air mixture.

4. How can I diagnose a P0303 code on my 2011 Toyota Camry?

Start by inspecting the spark plug and ignition coil for cylinder 3, checking for vacuum leaks, testing the fuel injector, and performing a compression test.

5. Can I drive my 2011 Toyota Camry with a P0303 code?

It is not recommended to drive with a P0303 code, as continued misfiring can cause engine damage and may harm the catalytic converter.

6. How do I fix a P0303 code on a 2011 Toyota Camry?

Repairs may include replacing the spark plug or ignition coil for cylinder 3, cleaning or replacing the fuel injector, fixing vacuum leaks, or addressing internal engine issues if compression is low.

7. How much does it cost to repair a P0303 code on a 2011 Toyota Camry?

Costs vary depending on the issue, ranging from $50-$200 for spark plug or ignition coil replacement to more expensive repairs if internal engine components are involved.

8. Can a dirty air filter cause a P0303 code in my 2011 Toyota Camry?

While unlikely, a severely clogged air filter can affect the air-fuel mixture and contribute to misfires, though it is not a common cause for a specific cylinder misfire like P0303.

9. What tools do I need to troubleshoot a P0303 code on my 2011 Toyota Camry?

Basic tools include an OBDII scanner, spark plug socket, multimeter, and possibly a compression tester or fuel injector cleaning kit.

10. Can bad fuel cause the P0303 code in a 2011 Toyota Camry?

Yes, contaminated or low-quality fuel can lead to misfires, but it is less common. Always consider other possible causes before suspecting fuel quality.