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High SeverityDo Not Drive

What does P0304 mean?

Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected

Direct Answer

P0304 indicates a misfire in cylinder 4. On 4-cylinder engines, cylinder 4 is typically at the opposite end of the engine from cylinder 1. The coil-swap diagnostic method is the fastest way to isolate the cause.

Common Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Rough idle
  • Poor power
  • Engine vibration

Common Causes

  • 01Worn or fouled spark plug
  • 02Faulty coil on cylinder 4
  • 03Failed injector
  • 04Low cylinder compression

How to Fix P0304

1

Coil swap test

Swap cylinder 4 coil with cylinder 2. If misfire moves to P0302, replace the coil.

2

Replace spark plug

Check for wear, oil fouling, or carbon buildup.

3

Injector test

Noid light test confirms injector signal. Injector cleaner or professional cleaning for partially clogged units.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a bad catalytic converter cause P0304?

No — it's the reverse. P0304 (misfire) causes catalytic converter damage, not the other way around. A bad catalytic converter can cause back-pressure issues that affect performance but does not directly cause cylinder-specific misfires.

Estimated Repair Cost

$30–$1500

Spark plug: $10–$50. Coil: $50–$200. Injector: $150–$400.

Safe to Drive?

No — avoid driving

Stop if light is flashing. Limit driving otherwise.

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