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P0304 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan Code - Number 4 Cylinder Misfire Detected

Quick Answer

The diagnostic trouble code P0304 for a 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan indicates that a misfire has been detected in the number 4 cylinder of the engine. Common causes include Faulty spark plug in the number 4 cylinder, Failing ignition coil, Clogged fuel injector. 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
P0304 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan indicates Number 4 Cylinder Misfire Detected.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty spark plug in the number 4 cylinder, Failing ignition coil, Clogged fuel injector.
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.
What is this?
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Sep 12, 2024
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Code P0304 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan Description

The diagnostic trouble code P0304 for a 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan indicates that a misfire has been detected in the number 4 cylinder of the engine. This means that the fuel-air mixture in the cylinder is not igniting properly, leading to a loss of power, rough idling, and potentially even engine damage if left unresolved. A misfire can be caused by a variety of factors, including issues with the ignition system, fuel system, or mechanical components of the engine.

OBDII Code P0304 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan - Number 4 Cylinder Misfire Detected
P0304 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan Code - Number 4 Cylinder Misfire Detected

Common Causes of P0304 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan

  1. Faulty spark plug in the number 4 cylinder
  2. Failing ignition coil
  3. Clogged fuel injector
  4. Vacuum leak in the intake manifold
  5. Low compression in the number 4 cylinder

Symptoms of P0304 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan

  1. Loss of power
  2. Rough idling
  3. Hesitation or stumbling during acceleration
  4. Increased fuel consumption
  5. Vibrations or shaking while driving

How to Fix P0304 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan

  1. Begin by diagnosing the specific cause of the misfire, such as testing the spark plug, ignition coil, fuel injector, and compression in the number 4 cylinder.
  2. Replace the faulty spark plug if necessary, ensuring it is properly gapped and torqued to the manufacturer's specifications.
  3. Test and potentially replace the ignition coil if it is found to be faulty.
  4. Clean or replace the clogged fuel injector in the number 4 cylinder.
  5. Check for and repair any vacuum leaks in the intake manifold that may be causing the misfire.

Cost to Fix P0304 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan

The cost of repairing a misfire in the number 4 cylinder of a 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan can vary depending on the specific cause of the issue and the cost of parts and labor in your area. On average, the repair cost for this issue can range from $100 to $500, including parts and labor. It is important to note that diagnostic time and labor rates at auto repair shops can vary, so it is recommended to obtain quotes from multiple shops to ensure a competitive price. Additionally, rates may be higher at dealerships or in metropolitan areas, while independent shops may offer lower prices.

What does this mean?

Tech Notes for P0304 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan

The P0304 code means that cylinder #4 is misfiring or is randomly misfiring. Start by checking for intake leaks and if no leaks are found the next step is to replace the spark plugs on cylinder #4. If the problem persists more tests need to be done to diagnose the problem. See "Possible Causes" for the most common problems.

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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 P0304 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan Code

1. What are the common symptoms of an OBDII code P0304 on a 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- Common symptoms include engine misfires, rough idling, loss of power, and potential engine vibration.

2. What are the possible causes of a number 4 cylinder misfire detected in a 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- Possible causes can include faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel injectors, vacuum leaks, or issues with the engine's compression.

3. How can I diagnose the source of the number 4 cylinder misfire in my 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- Diagnose by checking spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel injectors, vacuum leaks, compression levels, and performing a scan tool analysis.

4. Can driving with a P0304 OBDII code in a 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan cause further damage?

- Continuing to drive with this code may lead to further damage to the engine, catalytic converter, or other components if left unresolved.

5. What are some basic repair tips for addressing a number 4 cylinder misfire in a 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- Start with checking and replacing spark plugs, inspecting ignition coils, cleaning or replacing fuel injectors, and ensuring proper engine compression.

6. Is it safe to continue driving my 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan with a P0304 code if the car seems to be running fine?

- It is not recommended to drive with a misfire code as it can lead to potential damage and may affect the vehicle's performance over time.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair a number 4 cylinder misfire detected in a 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- The cost can vary depending on the exact cause, but it may range from $100 to $500 or more for parts and labor.

8. Can a DIY enthusiast fix a P0304 code on a 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan, or is it better to seek professional help?

- DIY enthusiasts with knowledge of automotive repair can attempt to fix the issue, but if unsure, it's recommended to seek professional help for accurate diagnosis and repair.

9. Will resetting the OBDII code P0304 in a 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan make the problem go away?

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

10. How long can I safely drive my 2012 Nissan Altima Sedan with a persistent P0304 code before getting it repaired?

- It's best to address the issue promptly to prevent potential damage; avoid driving long distances or under heavy load with a misfire to prevent further complications.

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