DTC P0300-P0308: Engine Misfire Detected: Description
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Envoy XL and 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) uses information from the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor and the camshaft position (CMP) sensor in order to determine when an engine misfire is occurring. By monitoring 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 three-way catalytic converter damage. The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will flash ON and OFF when the conditions for catalytic converter damage are present. If the PCM detects a misfire rate sufficient to cause emission levels to exceed mandated standards, DTC P0300 will set.