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Trouble code
P0300-P0308: misfire codes: P0300 random, P0301-P0308 one per cylinder
The same code points to different failures on different engines. Below, engine by engine, are the documented failures whose records name P0300-P0308, with the record's own words, how to tell them apart and the usual fix. The meaning above is taken from the record Ignition coil (COP) failure / misfire.
6.7 Power Stroke (2011-present)Triton (gas)7.3 Godzilla (gas)3.5 EcoBoost (gas)
6.7 Power Stroke (2011-present)
1 documented failure names this code. All about this engine
verified
How widespread: Common
49 NHTSA owner complaints match it, out of 1,754 checked
Where its record names the code
- injector circuit codes P0201-P0208 (one per cylinder), or cylinder-specific misfire codes P0301-P0308
Its other signs
- hard starting, especially cold, with extended crank times as internal leakage bleeds off rail pressure
- white smoke at idle (unatomized fuel from a leaking injector) or black smoke under load (an injector stuck rich)
- fuel dilution of the oil: a rising oil level or oil on the dipstick that smells strongly of diesel
How to tell it apart
- review cylinder balance and fuel trim data at idle and under load; run PCM power-balance/relative-compression tests to separate fuel problems from mechanical ones
- check rail pressure command vs actual during cranking - pressure that will not build implicates the pump/pressure-control valves or gross injector return leakage (a leak-back test isolates which)
- always rule out the low-pressure supply side (Low-pressure fuel supply weakness (lift pump, filters, water-in-fuel)) before condemning high-pressure components
Usual fix
replace failed injectors in matched sets, not individually - pairing one new injector with seven worn ones causes balance complaints and repeat labor
Root cause, parts and sources →
Triton (gas)
1 documented failure names this code. All about this engine
verified
How widespread: Very common
55 NHTSA owner complaints match it, out of 7,111 checked
Where its record names the code
- random cylinder misfire (P0300-P0308), worst in moisture/cold
Its other signs
- rough idle that follows a specific cylinder; flashing MIL under load
- cracked coil boot with carbon tracking down the plug well
How to tell it apart
- swap the suspect coil to another cylinder: does the misfire follow? (classic COP bulletins' method)
- inspect the boot for carbon tracking; check the plug while the coil is out
- scan which cylinder; moisture-correlated misfires point to boots/tracking
Usual fix
replace the failed coil(s) with the correct generation (DG-508 2V / DG-511 3V) and any tracking boot
Recalls and bulletins
SSM 46542TSB 04-16-01TSB 03-14-04TSB 03-14-4
Root cause, parts and sources →
7.3 Godzilla (gas)
1 documented failure names this code. All about this engine
verified
How widespread: Common
13 NHTSA owner complaints match it, out of 58 checked
Where its record names the code
- check engine light / misfire codes (P0300-P0308), sometimes a flashing light under load
Its other signs
- tapping noise that progresses to a misfire on one cylinder and a rough run
- metal in the oil filter; owners report engine replacement once metal has circulated
How to tell it apart
- locate the noise: lower front at the timing cover/oil pan seam on 2020-2022 = check the oil pump drive gear first (SSM 50830/51330); top end and following one cylinder = lifter/cam
- read misfire counters; a misfire that follows the cylinder (not the coil or plug) points to the valvetrain
- cut the oil filter: metal means the cam/lifter damage has circulated
Usual fix
replace collapsed lifter(s); inspect the corresponding cam lobe - a flaked lobe means cam replacement, not just the lifter
Recalls and bulletins
Ford 24B27 (and supplements S1-S3)
Root cause, parts and sources →
3.5 EcoBoost (gas)
2 documented failures name this code. All about this engine
aggregated
How widespread: Very common
169 NHTSA owner complaints match it, out of 667 checked
Where its record names the code
- check for stored multi-cylinder misfire DTCs (P0300-P0306) without an ignition or fuel cause
Its other signs
- brief shudder / bucking under moderate acceleration in humid or rainy weather
- hesitation or stumble on tip-in after extended light-throttle cruising
- smoke puff or moisture from the exhaust on hard acceleration
- intermittent misfire / limp behavior that clears after the intake dries out
How to tell it apart
- reproduce on a humid day after light-throttle cruising: sustained moderate load, watch for the characteristic single shudder event
- check for stored multi-cylinder misfire DTCs (P0300-P0306) without an ignition or fuel cause
- inspect CAC for pooling; verify the deflector position / updated CAC hardware
Usual fix
Ford service direction: relocate the CAC air deflector (or updated CAC assembly) so airflow evaporates pooled condensate; owner practice: periodically run sustained boost to purge the cooler
Root cause, parts and sources →
aggregated
How widespread: Very common
84 NHTSA owner complaints match it, out of 667 checked
Where its record names the code
- MIL with misfire DTCs P0300-P0306
Its other signs
- rough idle and flashing MIL under load
- hard start after misfire events
- lack of power on the high-output tune (2019 Limited TSB case)
How to tell it apart
- read misfire DTCs and freeze frames; identify the cylinder pattern
- swap-test the coil on the misfiring cylinder; inspect the plug for gap/erosion
- check for CAC-condensation events (multi-cylinder, humid-weather single event) before condemning ignition parts
Usual fix
full set of plugs (turbo service interval, not the NA interval) plus the failed coil(s); boot/inspect on every cylinder
Recalls and bulletins
SSM 50412TSB 19-2286TSB-14-0160
Root cause, parts and sources →
A code tells you which system flagged a fault, not which part failed. Read it with the signs your truck shows: symptoms by engine. For your exact truck: check your VIN.