AutoCodesChevrolet – P0306 Chevrolet

P0306 Chevrolet Code - Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected

Quick Answer

A misfiring cylinder causes slight variations in the rotational speed of the crankshaft. Common causes include Faulty spark plug 6, Clogged or faulty fuel injector 6, Faulty ignition coil 6. 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
P0306 Chevrolet indicates Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty spark plug 6, Clogged or faulty fuel injector 6, Faulty ignition coil 6.
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 83,692
How popular is this code, among other codes? Medium
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 09, 2022
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Code P0306 Chevrolet Description

A misfiring cylinder causes slight variations in the rotational speed of the crankshaft. The Engine Control Module (ECM) can detect these variations by closely monitoring the crankshaft position sensor signal. The signals of the camshaft position sensors are used to determine which cylinder is misfiring. If the ECM detects a misfire rate sufficient to cause emission levels to exceed mandated standards, the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set. Under certain driving conditions, a misfire rate can be high enough to cause the catalytic converter to overheat, damaging the converter. The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) flashes when the converter is overheating, damaging conditions are present, and the DTC is set. The DTC will be set when the ECM detects a crankshaft rotation speed variation indicating a single-cylinder misfire rate sufficient to cause emissions levels to exceed mandated standards.
OBDII Code P0306 Chevrolet - Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected - AutoCodes.com
P0306 Chevrolet Code - Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0306 Chevrolet?

  • Faulty spark plug 6
  • Clogged or faulty fuel injector 6
  • Faulty ignition coil 6
  • Fuel injector 6 harness is open or shorted
  • Fuel injector 6 circuit poor electrical connection
  • Ignition coil 6 harness is open or shorted
  • Ignition coil 6 circuit poor electrical connection
  • Insufficient cylinder 6 compression
  • Incorrect fuel pressure
  • Intake air leak

How to Fix the DTC P0306 Chevrolet?

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 P0306 Chevrolet 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 P0306 Chevrolet code?

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Information for Specific Chevrolet Models

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 P0306 Chevrolet Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0306 in a Chevrolet, indicating a Cylinder 6 misfire?

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

2. What are some possible causes of a Cylinder 6 misfire in a Chevrolet triggering code P0306?

- Causes may include faulty spark plugs, ignition coil issues, a clogged fuel injector, vacuum leaks, or problems with the engine's compression.

3. How can I diagnose the specific cause of the Cylinder 6 misfire triggering OBDII code P0306 in my Chevrolet?

- Diagnostic steps may involve checking the spark plug, ignition coil, fuel injector, vacuum lines, and performing a compression test to pinpoint the issue.

4. Can driving with OBDII code P0306, signaling a Cylinder 6 misfire in a Chevrolet, cause damage to the vehicle?

- Continuing to drive with a misfire can potentially damage the catalytic converter over time and may lead to further issues with the engine.

5. Are there any simple repair tips I can try to fix the Cylinder 6 misfire associated with OBDII code P0306 in my Chevrolet?

- You can start by inspecting and replacing the spark plugs, ignition coil, or cleaning/replacing the fuel injector for Cylinder 6 to see if that resolves the misfire.

6. What are the recommended steps for repairing a Cylinder 6 misfire in a Chevrolet triggering OBDII code P0306?

- Proper repair may involve replacing the spark plugs, ignition coil, fuel injector, performing a compression test, and addressing any vacuum leaks to resolve the misfire issue.

7. How important is it to address OBDII code P0306 indicating a Cylinder 6 misfire in a Chevrolet promptly?

- It is crucial to address this issue promptly to prevent potential damage to the engine, ensure optimal performance, and maintain fuel efficiency.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix the Cylinder 6 misfire causing OBDII code P0306 in a Chevrolet, or should it be left to a professional mechanic?

- Depending on your skill level and access to tools, some DIY enthusiasts may be able to address the misfire issue, but if unsure, it is recommended to seek help from a professional mechanic.

9. Will resetting the OBDII code P0306 for a Cylinder 6 misfire in a Chevrolet make the issue go away permanently?

- Simply clearing the code without addressing the underlying cause will not fix the problem; it's crucial to diagnose and repair the root issue to prevent the misfire from recurring.

10. What is the typical cost to repair a Cylinder 6 misfire linked to OBDII code P0306 in a Chevrolet at a mechanic or dealership?

- The cost can vary depending on the exact cause of the misfire, but it may range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars, including parts and labor.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0306 Chevrolet OBDII Code

  • I have code p0306 and have tried swapping coil packs wires and plugs has enough spark to shock me but not enough to show with a wire tester it is an 08 chevy Silverado lc9 5.3

  • A friend of mine has a 2015 Chevy Silverado, 5.3L, with 122K miles that was bought new and serviced by the book. It runs rough at start-up and continues at running temp. The code reader showed P0306. He replaced the plugs, plug wires, coils, and injectors. Nothing helped, so he took it to a local shop. Their diagnosis was a bad lifter. I`m not convinced! They did not do a compression test and there is no noise (tapping or clicking) coming from the engine. What do you think?

  • I doubt is the filter, if the problem was the filter, then more than one cylinder will be misfiring. There is a factory service bulletin for a similar problem.

    2000-2018 Chevrolet Factory Service Bulletin OBDII Code P0306

    This Factory Service Bulletin explains how this condition may be caused by significant carbon build up on the intake and/or exhaust valves due to fuel contamination or incomplete burning of the fuel.

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