DTC P0300: Engine Misfire Detected (SOHC): Description
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am, 2002 Oldsmobile Alero, and 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) uses information from the Ignition Control Module (ICM) and the Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor in order to determine when an engine misfire is occurring. By monitoring the variations in the crankshaft rotation speed for each cylinder the PCM is able to detect individual misfire events. A misfire rate that is high enough can cause the Three-Way Catalytic (TWC) converter to overheat under certain conditions. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) will flash ON and OFF when the conditions for TWC converter overheating are present.