P0363 Misfire Detected - Fueling Disabled
OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description
Misfire Detected - Fueling Disabled
What does that mean?
This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic powertrain code, which means that it applies to OBD-II equipped vehicles (BMW, Mini, Mazda, Ford, Hyundai, Chevrolet, etc.). Although generic, the specific repair steps may vary depending on make/model.
When I discover a stored code P0363, I immediately know that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an ignition misfire and disabled the fuel injector for the affected cylinder. I can also figure - with relative certainty - that the vehicle in question is of European descent.
The PCM monitors variations in the input signals from the crankshaft position sensor (CPS) and camshaft position sensor/s (CMPS) to determine if an ignition misfire is present, as well as which cylinder is misfiring. Initially, when an ignition misfire is detected, the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) may flash rapidly for a period of time and stop (instead of remaining illuminated). The purpose of the flashing MIL is to make the driver aware that current driving conditions, combined with a cylinder misfire, might lead to catalytic converter damage. Regardless of the flashing MIL, a misfire code should be stored; though it may be stored as a pending code.
In some vehicles (usually of the European variety), when the PCM detects several ignition cycles with a misfire code, it will disable fuel delivery to the affected cylinder. This is typically accomplished by disabling the ground pulse to the fuel injector for that particular cylinder. It is a good idea to discontinue fuel delivery to the particular cylinder because the excessive fuel can cause catalytic converter failure. However, for the novice technician it can also lead to confusion when testing. Learn more about the reason for that in the troubleshooting section.
When an ignition misfire has been detected, a cylinder misfire code has been stored, and fuel delivery to the affected cylinder has been disabled, a code P0363 will be stored and a MIL may be illuminated. One or more cylinder misfire code/s usually accompany this code.
Other misfire codes includ P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, etc.
Code Severity & Symptoms
A stored code P0363 is in reaction to one or more cylinder misfire code/s which should be treated as severe in nature.
Symptoms of this code may include:
Rough or choppy engine operation, especially under acceleration Diminished engine performance Other misfire related codes will likely be stored Flashing MIL is a possibilityCauses
Potential causes for this code to set are:
Defective spark plug(s) Faulty ignition coil/s or coil pack(s) Moisture or oil in spark plug galley/s Cracked or torn spark plug wire(s) or spark plug boot(s) Bad fuel injector(s)Diagnostic and Repair Procedures
A good starting point is always to check for technical service bulletins (TSB) for your particular vehicle. Your issue may be a known issue with a known fix put out by the manufacturer and can save you time and money during diagnosis.
A diagnostic scanner and an accurate vehicle information source (like All Data DIY) will be required to diagnose a code P0363.
Since a code P0363 is essentially a reaction to a stored cylinder misfire code, you will need to diagnose any stored cylinder misfire codes (P0301 through P0312) before attempting to diagnose this code. Although there are numerous tools designed to test ignition coil, spark plug, and fuel injector function, the simple method of swapping components between cylinders has proven effective for me for more years than I care to declare. This may not always be feasible with the fuel injectors but it works well with ignition coils and spark plugs, which fail far more regularly than fuel
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