Nissan Maxima Service and Repair Manual: P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, P0306 misfire

DTC Logic

DTC DETECTION LOGIC

When a misfire occurs, engine speed will fluctuate. If the engine speed fluctuates enough to cause the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor (POS) signal to vary, ECM can determine that a misfire is occurring.

The misfire detection logic consists of the following two conditions.

1. One Trip Detection Logic (Three Way Catalyst Damage) On the 1st trip, when a misfire condition occurs that can damage the three way catalyst (TWC) due to overheating, the MIL will blink.

   When a misfire condition occurs, the ECM monitors the CKP sensor signal every 200 engine revolutions for a change.

   When the misfire condition decreases to a level that will not damage the TWC, the MIL will turn off.

   If another misfire condition occurs that can damage the TWC on a second trip, the MIL will blink.

   When the misfire condition decreases to a level that will not damage the TWC, the MIL will remain on.

   If another misfire condition occurs that can damage the TWC, the MIL will begin to blink again.

2. Two Trip Detection Logic (Exhaust quality deterioration) For misfire conditions that will not damage the TWC (but will affect vehicle emissions), the MIL will only light when the misfire is detected on a second trip. During this condition, the ECM monitors the CKP sensor signal every 1,000 engine revolutions.

   A misfire malfunction can be detected in any one cylinder or in multiple cylinders.

DTC CONFIRMATION PROCEDURE

1.PRECONDITIONING

If DTC Confirmation Procedure has been previously conducted, always perform the following procedure before conducting the next test.

1. Turn ignition switch OFF and wait at least 10 seconds.
2. Turn ignition switch ON.
3. Turn ignition switch OFF and wait at least 10 seconds.

2.PERFORM DTC CONFIRMATION PROCEDURE-I

1. Start engine and warm it up to normal operating temperature.
2. Turn ignition switch OFF and wait at least 10 seconds.
3. Turn ignition switch ON.
4. Turn ignition switch OFF and wait at least 10 seconds.
5. Restart engine and let it idle for about 15 minutes.
6. Check 1st trip DTC.

3.PERFORM DTC CONFIRMATION PROCEDURE-II

1. Turn ignition switch OFF and wait at least 10 seconds.
2. Turn ignition switch ON.
3. Turn ignition switch OFF and wait at least 10 seconds.
4. Start engine and drive the vehicle under similar conditions to (1st trip) Freeze Frame Data for a certain time. Refer to the table below.

   Hold the accelerator pedal as steady as possible.

   Similar conditions to (1st trip) Freeze Frame Data mean that the following conditions should be satisfied at the same time.

5. Check 1st trip DTC.

CAUTION: Always drive vehicle in safe manner according to traffic conditions and obey all traffic laws when driving.

Driving time varies according to the engine speed in the freeze frame data.

Diagnosis Procedure

1.CHECK FOR INTAKE AIR LEAKAGE AND PCV HOSE

1. Start engine and run it at idle speed.
2. Listen for the sound of the intake air leakage.
3. Check PCV hose connection.

2.CHECK FOR EXHAUST SYSTEM CLOGGING

Stop engine and visually check exhaust tube, three way catalyst and muffler for dents.

3.PERFORM POWER BALANCE TEST

With CONSULT

1. Start engine.
2. Perform "POWER BALANCE" in "ACTIVE TEST" mode with CONSULT.
3. Check that each circuit produces a momentary engine speed drop.

4.CHECK FUNCTION OF FUEL INJECTOR

1. Start engine and let it idle.
2. Listen to each fuel injector operation.

Clicking sound should be heard.

5.CHECK FUNCTION OF IGNITION COIL-I

CAUTION: Perform the following procedure in a place with no combustible objects and good ventilation.

1. Turn ignition switch OFF.
2. Remove fuel pump fuse in IPDM E/R to release fuel pressure.

   NOTE: Do not use CONSULT to release fuel pressure, or fuel pressure applies again during the following procedure.

3. Start engine.
4. After engine stalls, crank it two or three times to release all fuel pressure.
5. Turn ignition switch OFF.
6. Remove all ignition coil harness connectors to avoid the electrical discharge from the ignition coils. Refer to EM-42, "Removal and Installation (LH)" or EM-42, "Removal and Installation (RH)".
7. Remove ignition coil and spark plug of the cylinder to be checked.
8. Crank engine for 5 seconds or more to remove combustion gas in the cylinder.
9. Connect spark plug and harness connector to ignition coil.
10. . Fix ignition coil using a rope etc. with gap of 13 - 17 mm (0.52 - 0.66 in) between the edge of the spark plug and grounded metal portion as shown in the figure.
11. Crank engine for about 3 seconds, and check whether spark is generated between the spark plug and the grounded metal portion.

Spark should be generated.

CAUTION:

•  Never place the spark plug and the ignition coil within 50 cm (19.7 in) each other. Be careful not to get an electrical shock while checking, because the electrical discharge voltage becomes 20 kV or more.
•  It might damage the ignition coil if the gap of more than 17 mm (0.66 in) is made.

NOTE: When the gap is less than 13 mm (0.52 in), a spark might be generated even if the coil is malfunctioning.

6.CHECK FUNCTION OF IGNITION COIL-II

1. Turn ignition switch OFF.
2. Disconnect spark plug and connect a non-malfunctioning spark plug.
3. Crank engine for about 3 seconds, and recheck whether spark is generated between the spark plug and the grounded metal portion.

7.CHECK SPARK PLUG

Check the initial spark plug for fouling, etc.

8.CHECK FUNCTION OF IGNITION COIL-III

1. Reconnect the initial spark plugs.
2. Crank engine for about 3 seconds, and recheck whether spark is generated between the spark plug and the grounded portion.

Spark should be generated

9.CHECK COMPRESSION PRESSURE

Check compression pressure.

10.CHECK FUEL PRESSURE

1. Install all removed parts.
2. Release fuel pressure to zero. Refer to EC-592, "Inspection".
3. Install fuel pressure gauge kit [SST (J-44321)] and check fuel pressure.

At idle: Approximately 350 kPa (3.57 kg/cm2, 51 psi)

11.DETECT MALFUNCTIONING PART

Check fuel hoses and fuel tubes for clogging.

12.CHECK IGNITION TIMING

Check idle speed and ignition timing.

13.CHECK A/F SENSOR 1 INPUT SIGNAL CIRCUIT

1. Turn ignition switch OFF.
2. Disconnect corresponding A/F sensor 1 harness connector.
3. Disconnect ECM harness connector.
4. Check the continuity between A/F sensor 1 harness connector and ECM harness connector.
5. Check the continuity between A/F sensor 1 harness connector and ground, or ECM harness connector and ground.
6. Also check harness for short to power

14.CHECK A/F SENSOR 1 HEATER

15.CHECK MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR

With CONSULT

1. Check "MASS AIR FLOW" in "DATA MONITOR" mode with CONSULT.
2. For specification, refer to EC-596, "Mass Air Flow Sensor".

With GST

1. Check mass air flow sensor signal in Service $01 with GST.