P0304 engine lights (cylinder 4 misfire)

60

Asked by cnc2 Jun 04, 2017 at 03:51 PM about the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta S

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

P0304 errors for cylinder 4 misfires. dealership replaces spark plugs. 4000 miles later same error and replaces fuel injector in less than 20 minutes. 5 miles later Jetta gets towed to dealership with P0304 and EPC engine lights on. replaces ignition coil and wire set.
dealership insists that it's just a big coincidence that the coil failed immediately following their injector replacement. according to the dealership it's impossible that they caused it. just wondering if that is true? Thanks.

16 Answers

3,550

So was #4 ignition coil replaced with spark plugs the first time. There was probably nothing wrong with the injector. The ignition coil was faulty. Rarely ever see injectors fail. If they got you to do an induction cleaning when you had the spark plugs replaced. That would have caused the injector to fail.

8 people found this helpful.
60

they replaced spark plugs only on 1st repair. didn't see anything about induction cleaning... at 2nd visit, i stated that based on error the wires/coil should be replaced, but they said that they will check on their own and replaced the injector instead. only to return 5 miles later

2 people found this helpful.
3,550

They replaced injector for no reason. Knowing a p0304 represents specific cylinder that is misfiring.

2 people found this helpful.
157,445

Since we were not present when the diagnosis and repair was done all we can do is assume. We all know what happens when we assume. Get it fixed and let it go and move on.

5 people found this helpful.
3,550

I understand that. If it was an injector. It would have set a p0300 for random and if there was a problem with the injector. A p0204 would have set for open inj driver or short to ground. Anybody knows that's a technician. If the misfire is cylinder specific. The computer is going to name that cylinder. P0304. I don't assume.

6 people found this helpful.
3,550

I know what happens when we assume. That gentleman was charged for an injector he didn't need. If I assumed like you claim. I would have to close shop.

2 people found this helpful.
157,445

Not necessarily. I have seen a P0308 normally suspected to be plug, coil or related wiring actually be a faulty injector. You certainly assumed here as I am pretty darned sure you were not present at the shop during this car's diagnostic testing.

2 people found this helpful.
3,550

Again I didn't. There would be other codes associated with that code. Random misfire, lean condition, base timing exceeded minimal threshold.

5 people found this helpful.
60

thanks for your help. clearly, the dealership got one over on me...

4 people found this helpful.
45,325

when you take your car to the dealer you really need to stay on top of them. I had a power steering pump blow off all its pump fins due to frozen fluid in my pump during the winter. took me 5 times of driving to the dealer to get it fixed. they kept telling me its normal when i knew for a fact that the car steered like a dream a month before the cold weather happened. The dealer always trys to screw you and charge you for more then you really need. If its warrenty work take it to the dealer other wise find a good VW/Audi specialist to look at the car it will be cheaper and done right the first time not a little here a little there.

4 people found this helpful.
20

I replaced the plugs, wires and the coil pack. Still getting number 4 miss fire.

1 people found this helpful.

I have the same problem with my Jetta. I have replace coils and plugs and went away for a while and came back. Car seems to run fine as I have put 50k miles on it since it first happened. I reset codes for smog and it stays off for a time. Not sure how common it is for Jettas, but I have not noticed any problems with performance and mileage. Seems like it is hard to diagnose problem after coils wiring and plugs are eliminated. Think it's worth the money and time to finally get this fixed or see if I can get smog like I did 2 years ago?

Your Answer:

Jetta

Looking for a Used Jetta in your area?

CarGurus has 16,781 nationwide Jetta listings starting at $925.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2011 Volkswagen Jetta

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Deathjam4
    Reputation
    12,380
  • #2
    Goodwrench707
    Reputation
    5,400
  • #3
    Ed92626
    Reputation
    4,630
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Volkswagen Passat
348 Great Deals out of 4,134 listings starting at $900
Used Volkswagen Jetta GLI
56 Great Deals out of 1,393 listings starting at $5,297
Used Honda Civic
1,371 Great Deals out of 29,067 listings starting at $600
Used Toyota Camry
2,091 Great Deals out of 37,807 listings starting at $575
Used Toyota Corolla
1,663 Great Deals out of 24,787 listings starting at $975
Used Honda Accord
1,513 Great Deals out of 29,433 listings starting at $600
Used Volkswagen Golf
70 Great Deals out of 866 listings starting at $2,149
Used Volkswagen Tiguan
979 Great Deals out of 25,322 listings starting at $2,750
Used Volkswagen Golf GTI
137 Great Deals out of 3,940 listings starting at $2,995
Used BMW 3 Series
1,161 Great Deals out of 13,098 listings starting at $516
Used Hyundai Elantra
956 Great Deals out of 26,939 listings starting at $650
Used Mazda MAZDA3
492 Great Deals out of 12,080 listings starting at $1,500
Used Nissan Altima
1,335 Great Deals out of 37,838 listings starting at $800
Used Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen
40 Great Deals out of 416 listings starting at $1,995
Used Nissan Sentra
861 Great Deals out of 43,002 listings starting at $600

Used Cars for Sale

2024 Volkswagen Jetta For Sale
11 Great Deals out of 8,841 listings starting at $19,849
2023 Volkswagen Jetta For Sale
71 Great Deals out of 759 listings starting at $16,697
2022 Volkswagen Jetta For Sale
26 Great Deals out of 239 listings starting at $13,298
2021 Volkswagen Jetta For Sale
121 Great Deals out of 1,353 listings starting at $11,477
2020 Volkswagen Jetta For Sale
66 Great Deals out of 1,009 listings starting at $10,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.