Circuit/System Description
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
For an overview of the component/system, refer to:
A misfiring cylinder causes slight variations in the rotational speed of the crankshaft. The engine control module (ECM) is able to detect these variations by closely monitoring the crankshaft position sensor signal. The signals of the camshaft position sensors are used to determine which cylinder is misfiring. If the ECM detects a misfire rate sufficient to cause emission levels to exceed mandated standards, DTC P0300 sets. Under certain driving conditions, a misfire rate can be high enough to cause the catalytic converter to overheat, possibly damaging the converter. The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) flashes when catalyst damaging misfire conditions are present and DTC P0300 is set.