GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

DTC P0300 Federal Emissions

Circuit Description

The ECM adjusts the fuel delivery to each cylinder in order to minimize crankshaft speed changes. If the ECM identifies a cylinder or cylinders requiring an excessive amount of fuel in order to maintain the correct crankshaft speed, DTC P0300 will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The engine is running at idle for more than 90 seconds.
    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is more than 56°C (132°F).

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The fuel rate adjustment for more than one cylinder exceeds an acceptable value.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module stores the DTC information into memory when the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will not illuminate.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The control module stores this information in the Failure Records.
    • The driver information center, if equipped, may display a message.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • A current DTC Last Test Failed clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other non-emission related diagnostic.
    • Use a scan tool in order to clear the DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

A misfire with no other DTCs will be caused by an engine mechanical or fuel injector problem.

Step

Action

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

Are any other DTCs set?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

Go to Fuel Injector Balance Test with Tech 2

DTC P0300 California Emissions, and RPO VCL

Circuit Description

The ECM adjusts the fuel delivery to each cylinder in order to minimize crankshaft speed changes. If the ECM identifies a cylinder or cylinders requiring an excessive amount of fuel in order to maintain the correct crankshaft speed, DTC P0300 will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The engine is running at idle for more than 30 seconds.
    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is more than 56°C (132°F).

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The fuel rate adjustment for more than one cylinder exceeds an acceptable value.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. the control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Use a scan tool in order to clear the MIL and the DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

A misfire with no other DTCs will be caused by an engine mechanical or fuel injector problem.

Step

Action

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

Are any other DTCs set?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

Go to Fuel Injector Balance Test with Tech 2