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Engine light on, rough idle, code P0304

Tiny
DODGESTRATUS2.4L
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 DODGE STRATUS
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
Misfire on cylinder four. The engine light has been on for months, but I only drive the car maybe four times a week. The symptoms now are very rough idle, the engine light always on but flashes if in idle for long periods of time (more than seven minutes). Engine stops flashing when driving, but still on. Could it be EGR valve stuck open? I have changed the spark plugs. If so, where is the EGR on this model?
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Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 6:54 PM

15 Replies

Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,292 POSTS
I have never heard of an EGR causing a misfire code. When you changed the spark plugs, did you change the coil? I would bet that the coil is failing. What you need to do is get a spark strength tester and check the sparks coming from the coil to the spark plug.

With the engine off, you will unplug cylinder four's plug wire, and connect the tester to the spark plug on one end and the wire on the other end. Start the car and observe the spark. Turn off the car, and run the test on a cylinder that is not having a misfire code, like number one. Compare the spark color and frequency. Blue sparks are stronger than yellow sparks.

This is the spark tester that I use: https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-20610-Inline-Spark-Tester/dp/B0002STSC6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1497320343&sr=8-3&keywords=spark+tester
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Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 7:21 PM
Tiny
DODGESTRATUS2.4L
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Would a failing coil cause such a rough idle?
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Monday, June 12th, 2017 AT 9:55 PM
Tiny
HARRY P
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Yes. It could be putting out weak sparks.
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Tuesday, June 13th, 2017 AT 7:13 AM
Tiny
DODGESTRATUS2.4L
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I will buy a spark strength tester and let you know what happens from there.
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Tuesday, June 13th, 2017 AT 12:15 PM
Tiny
HARRY P
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Okay good.
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Tuesday, June 13th, 2017 AT 5:33 PM
Tiny
DODGESTRATUS2.4L
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
The spark was yellow. So should I spend the money on a new coil pack?
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Tuesday, June 13th, 2017 AT 7:14 PM
Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,292 POSTS
Did you check another cylinder to get a base line?
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Tuesday, June 13th, 2017 AT 7:19 PM
Tiny
DODGESTRATUS2.4L
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
So all of the sparks on the cylinders were orange, but cylinder 4 was lighter. I am not sure what to do now.
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Wednesday, June 14th, 2017 AT 9:44 PM
Tiny
HARRY P
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If it was definitely lighter than the other cylinders then I think that you just need a new coil. Simple as that.
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Thursday, June 15th, 2017 AT 3:57 AM
Tiny
DODGESTRATUS2.4L
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Replaced it. Seemed to have calmed the rough idle. I'm guessing I need to clear the code so that my engine light goes off?
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Friday, June 16th, 2017 AT 7:18 PM
Tiny
HARRY P
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You can clear it or just keep driving it. If the problem is solved then it'll go off by itself within a few days. I'm glad we got it figured out though.
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Friday, June 16th, 2017 AT 8:17 PM
Tiny
DODGESTRATUS2.4L
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
We cleared the code, but the engine light is back on with same code: P0304. Could it be fuel injector?
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Tuesday, June 20th, 2017 AT 10:24 AM
Tiny
HARRY P
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I'd put a tank of premium gas in it, a fuel additive (Lucas makes a good one in my experience), clear the codes again, and drive it a few days. I know it's an unconventional answer, but it's worked for me in the past
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Tuesday, June 20th, 2017 AT 11:27 AM
Tiny
DODGESTRATUS2.4L
  • MEMBER
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Went to drive my car today, waited for cars at a stoplight for about 1 minute and a half, engine light began flashing. I haven't put a fuel additive in there, but can't imagine that would solve the problem.
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Wednesday, June 21st, 2017 AT 4:29 PM
Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
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Flashing CEL means it set a new code. Have you scanned it yet?

Just to review, you've already done the plugs and coil so far. What plugs did you use? On a lot of cars, using plugs that aren't stock (ex. Split fire plugs) can cause more issues than they solve. Let me know.
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Wednesday, June 21st, 2017 AT 7:29 PM

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