Q: PO304 w/ check engine light on all the time & stabilitrac & traction control turns off when at idle. Back on when moving again.

asked by on January 02, 2017

I have a misfire in cylinder 4. I reset code after trying these things one at a time and it would throw same code again in about 30 seconds. I have put new plug. Swapped cylinder 4 coil pack with cylinder 2. Swapped plug wires same way and Swapped fuel injectors same way. The truck is down some on power. Fuel economy is way down and sometimes there is a shake at idle. No rhyme or reason to the shake, it just happens occasionally. Although it is pretty seldom that it shakes at all. When it shakes, I can feel it through acceleration until I get above 35 or 45 then it is smooth again. Also, I don't know if it is related or a separate issue, but when I come to a stop light or spot where truck returns to idle, the stabilitrack off and service traction control light starts flashing along with dinging sound. The sound stops after 2 sets of 3 dings, but the light stays on until I start moving again then all seems normal until I return to idle. This is every time I return to idle. Please help

My car has 68000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Check Engine Light is on Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hi there. Have you had a compression test performed? This sounds like it could be a mechanical issue plaguing your truck. This could be a stuck lifter, weak/broken valve spring, worn cam lobe, etc. I would do a compression check on the engine and, if needed, a cylinder leak down test. Best case scenario would be carbon build up on the valves in that cylinder and worst case could be a physical failure of the internal engine components. I suggest having a qualified technician perform an inspection to avoid replacing unnecessary parts. Your Mechanic has several available technicians that can assist you with a check engine light inspection.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Explorer leaking coolant.
I would return to where you had the radiator installed so they can check the radiator for leaks (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/coolant-is-leaking-inspection). It is possible that a hose clamp may have been left a little loose or something minor like that. It happens...
Exhaust is very loud
Yes the exhaust needs to be inspected. Cracked or rusted through exhaust pipes will cause a loud exhaust noise. Also, the muffler could be rusted out internally which will also increase exhaust noise. Loose heat shields are also prone to...
Brake light stays on
Hi there. Sounds to me that you have a malfunctioning brake switch. This brake switch, over time can deteriorate causing it to not function properly. You can have a mechanic sent by YourMechanic diagnose your brake lights (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-light-is-not-working-inspection) to determine...
Blower not blowing strong
Hi there. Check your cabin air filter as they get dirty very quickly. Open the hood and check the cowl area for debris which is where the air is brought in for your blower. Cycle the mode door through every...
Car stalled in high water
Hopefully, its just the starter that is faulty. If the engine did suck in water it may be hydro-locked. You may remove the spark plugs and turn the engine over by hand to remove the water. Worst case scenario is...
I have an issue with my Honda City 2004 AC
The problem sounds like you may be having an A/C clutch cycling out due to being low on refrigerant. Another possibility is that the system is overcharged and is putting a large load on the engine, and then kicks out...
My Hyundai Sonata is making ticking sounds
From what you've described, it sounds like you have an exhaust manifold leak. You may have the timing not set correctly, which cause a low power condition. You should have a certified mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, check timing and...
I am missing parts of my car, it's the part between the front tire and the engine, it looked like a cover of some sort
This is called the inner fender plastic liner and protects from water and dirt from getting into the engine area. You may have to special order a new one from a dealer or if you contact our customer service they...
my car engine turned off while driving and is now knocking
The first thing I would recommend doing if your engine is making a knocking sound is to check the engine oil level. If the engine oil is low this can cause noises. It is also possible that internal damage to...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re a Painter
If If you’re a painter, and you work for someone else, chances are you don’t care all that much about what you drive, as long as it gets you to and from work reliably. On the other hand, if you...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re a Wedding Planner
As As a wedding planner, the demands placed on your time are going to be significant, even if you’re only dealing with one or two couples. You need to be a master juggler when it comes to your time and...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a General Contractor
If If you're a general contractor, you probably aren’t in the market for a used car. More likely, you’re looking for a pickup truck, because you need to haul equipment and supplies to various job sites. Most contractors will likely...