Engine-CodesNissan – P0304 2012 Nissan Pathfinder

P0304 2012 Nissan Pathfinder Code - Number 4 Cylinder Misfire Detected

Quick Answer

When the diagnostic code P0304 is triggered in a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder, it indicates that there is a misfire detected in the number 4 cylinder of the engine. Common causes include Faulty ignition system components such as spark plugs, ignition coils, or wires, Clogged or dirty fuel injectors, Vacuum leaks in the intake system. 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 Pathfinder indicates Number 4 Cylinder Misfire Detected.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty ignition system components such as spark plugs, ignition coils, or wires, Clogged or dirty fuel injectors, Vacuum leaks in the intake system.
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.
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Aug 19, 2024
💬 Need more help? Ask Auto Expert for instant answers — it's free!
AutoCodes App

Fix Your Car Smarter

Try the New AutoCodes App!

Get complete OBDII diagnostics, repair solutions, and cost estimates, plus AI chat support on demand.

AutoCodes App on Google Play

Code P0304 2012 Nissan Pathfinder Description

When the diagnostic code P0304 is triggered in a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder, it indicates that there is a misfire detected in the number 4 cylinder of the engine. A misfire occurs when the fuel-air mixture in the cylinder fails to ignite at the proper time, causing a disruption in the engine's combustion process. This can lead to poor engine performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and potential damage to the catalytic converter over time.

OBDII Code P0304 2012 Nissan Pathfinder - Number 4 Cylinder Misfire Detected
P0304 2012 Nissan Pathfinder Code - Number 4 Cylinder Misfire Detected

Common Causes of P0304 2012 Nissan Pathfinder

  1. Faulty ignition system components such as spark plugs, ignition coils, or wires
  2. Clogged or dirty fuel injectors
  3. Vacuum leaks in the intake system
  4. Low compression in the number 4 cylinder
  5. Issues with the engine control module (ECM) or sensors

Symptoms of P0304 2012 Nissan Pathfinder

  1. Rough idling or vibrations when the engine is running
  2. Loss of power or acceleration
  3. Engine misfires or hesitation during acceleration
  4. Increased fuel consumption
  5. Illumination of the Check Engine Light

How to Fix P0304 2012 Nissan Pathfinder

  1. Diagnose the specific cause of the misfire by conducting a thorough inspection of the ignition system, fuel system, and engine components.
  2. Replace faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or wires in the number 4 cylinder.
  3. Clean or replace clogged fuel injectors.
  4. Check for vacuum leaks and repair as necessary.
  5. Perform a compression test on the number 4 cylinder to determine if there are any issues with the piston rings or valves.

Cost to Fix P0304 2012 Nissan Pathfinder

The cost of repairing a P0304 code in a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder can vary depending on the specific cause of the misfire and the parts that need to be replaced. On average, the repair cost can range from $100 to $500, including parts and labor. It is advisable to consult with a trusted mechanic or auto repair shop for a more accurate estimate based on the individual circumstances of the vehicle. Labor rates typically range from $80 to $150 per hour, but can be higher in certain locations or at dealerships.

Tech Notes for P0304 2012 Nissan Pathfinder

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.

Need more information about the P0304 2012 Nissan Pathfinder code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0304 2012 Nissan Pathfinder code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0304 2012 Nissan Pathfinder code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

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 Pathfinder Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0304 (Number 4 Cylinder Misfire Detected) on a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?

- Common symptoms include rough idling, loss of power, engine vibration, and potential hesitation during acceleration.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0304 on a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?

- The code P0304 can be triggered by issues such as a faulty spark plug, ignition coil, fuel injector, vacuum leak, low compression in cylinder 4, or a problem with the engine control module.

3. How can I diagnose the cause of the misfire indicated by code P0304 on my 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?

- Diagnosis typically involves checking spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel injectors, compression levels, vacuum leaks, and the engine control module with appropriate diagnostic tools.

4. Can driving with OBDII code P0304 on a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder cause further damage?

- Continuing to drive with a misfire can potentially lead to damage to the catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, or other engine components, so it's best to address the issue promptly.

5. What are some repair tips for fixing OBDII code P0304 on a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?

- Start by inspecting and replacing the spark plugs, ignition coil, and fuel injector for cylinder 4. Additionally, check for vacuum leaks and perform a compression test on cylinder 4.

6. Is it safe to continue driving my 2012 Nissan Pathfinder with a misfire indicated by code P0304?

- While it may be possible to drive short distances with a misfire, prolonged driving can cause damage to other components. It's advisable to address the issue as soon as possible.

7. Can a dirty or clogged fuel injector cause OBDII code P0304 on a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?

- Yes, a dirty or clogged fuel injector for cylinder 4 can disrupt the air-fuel mixture and lead to a misfire, triggering the P0304 trouble code.

8. Does the weather or environmental conditions affect the likelihood of code P0304 occurring in a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?

- Extreme weather conditions, such as very cold temperatures, can sometimes exacerbate existing issues that may trigger a misfire, so it's essential to maintain the vehicle properly.

9. What should I do if I clear OBDII code P0304 on my 2012 Nissan Pathfinder, but it returns?

- If the code returns after clearing it, it indicates that the underlying issue causing the misfire is still present. You should perform a thorough diagnosis to identify and address the problem.

10. Are there any recalls or technical service bulletins related to OBDII code P0304 on a 2012 Nissan Pathfinder?

- It's advisable to check with Nissan or consult technical service bulletins to see if there are any known issues or solutions related to the P0304 trouble code on your specific vehicle model.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0304 2012 Nissan Pathfinder OBDII Code

Code P0304 2012 Nissan Pathfinder comments

No comments found for this page.