AutoCodesToyota – P0303 2017 Toyota RAV4

P0303 2017 Toyota RAV4 Code - Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected

Quick Answer

When the engine misfires, high concentrations of Hydrocarbons (HC) enter the exhaust gas. Common causes include Intake air leak, Faulty spark plug #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 2017 Toyota RAV4 indicates Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected.
Common causes
Common causes include Intake air leak, Faulty spark plug #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 492
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 25, 2022
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Code P0303 2017 Toyota RAV4 Description

When the engine misfires, high concentrations of Hydrocarbons (HC) enter the exhaust gas. Extremely high hydrocarbon concentration levels can cause an increase in exhaust emission levels. Extremely high concentrations of hydrocarbons can also cause increases in the three-way catalytic converter temperature, which may cause damage to the three-way catalytic converter. To prevent this increase in emissions and to limit the possibility of thermal damage, the Engine Control Module (ECM) monitors the misfire count. When the temperature of the three-way catalytic converter reaches the point of thermal degradation, the ECM blinks the MIL. To monitor misfires, the ECM uses both the camshaft position sensor and the crankshaft position sensor. The camshaft position sensor is used to identify any misfiring cylinders and the crankshaft position sensor is used to measure variations in the crankshaft rotation speed. Misfires are counted when the crankshaft rotation speed variations exceed predetermined thresholds. If the misfire count exceeds the threshold levels and could cause emission control system performance deterioration, the ECM illuminates the MIL and stores a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC).
OBDII Code P0303 2017 Toyota RAV4 - Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected - AutoCodes.com
P0303 2017 Toyota RAV4 Code - Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0303 2017 Toyota RAV4?

  • Intake air leak
  • Faulty spark plug #3
  • Faulty ignition coil #3
  • Clogged or faulty fuel injector #3
  • Fuel injectors #3 harness is open or shorted
  • Fuel Injectors #3 circuit poor electrical connection
  • Ignition coils #3 harness is open or shorted
  • Ignition coils #3 circuit poor electrical connection
  • Incorrect Fuel pressure
  • Faulty Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor
  • Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)
  • Faulty Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor

How to Fix the DTC P0303 2017 Toyota RAV4?

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 2017 Toyota RAV4 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 P0303 2017 Toyota RAV4 Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0303 mean for a 2017 Toyota RAV4?

P0303 indicates a misfire has been detected in cylinder 3 of your engine.

2. What are the symptoms of a P0303 code in a 2017 Toyota RAV4?

Symptoms include rough idling, reduced engine performance, poor fuel economy, and the Check Engine Light turning on.

3. What causes a cylinder 3 misfire in a 2017 Toyota RAV4?

Common causes include a faulty spark plug, a malfunctioning ignition coil, clogged fuel injector, vacuum leak, or low compression in cylinder 3.

4. Can I drive my 2017 Toyota RAV4 with a P0303 code?

Driving with a P0303 code can damage the engine over time. It’s best to address the issue promptly to avoid further complications.

5. How do I fix the P0303 code in my 2017 Toyota RAV4?

Start by inspecting and replacing the spark plug and ignition coil for cylinder 3. If the issue persists, check the fuel injector, wiring, or perform a compression test.

6. How much does it cost to repair a P0303 code on a 2017 Toyota RAV4?

Repair costs can vary between $100 to $400, depending on whether you need to replace spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors.

7. Can a dirty air filter cause a P0303 code in a 2017 Toyota RAV4?

While unlikely, a severely dirty air filter can disrupt airflow and contribute to misfires, but it’s typically not the primary cause.

8. How do I diagnose a P0303 code in my 2017 Toyota RAV4?

Use an OBDII scanner to confirm the code, then inspect the spark plug, ignition coil, and fuel injector for cylinder 3. Perform a compression test if necessary.

9. Will clearing the P0303 code fix the problem in my 2017 Toyota RAV4?

Clearing the code won’t fix the underlying issue. The misfire needs to be diagnosed and repaired to prevent the code from returning.

10. Can bad fuel cause a P0303 code in a 2017 Toyota RAV4?

Yes, contaminated or low-quality fuel can lead to misfires, but it’s essential to rule out other causes like ignition or injector problems first.

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