Q: Sputtering issue with car

asked by on May 12, 2016

My mechanic has changed several parts like the spark plugs, fuel filter, airflow sensor, and it still sputters. When the Check Engine light flashed on, it said P301. What does that mean and what is causing this problem?

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

Code P0301 stands for cylinder #1 misfire. There are numerous potential causes for this code and your symptoms. If that is the only code stored, you’ll want to focus on items specific to the #1 cylinder, such as the fuel injector, coil pack and spark plug.

The fuel filter and mass airflow sensor would be more likely to affect all cylinders. I suggest you take your vehicle to a different mechanic for proper diagnosis of the Check Engine Light. The team at YourMechanic is an excellent option since we make house calls.

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

How do I set the cruise control?
When you’re cruising down the highway, you may want to give your foot a rest while driving. Cruise control keeps your vehicle at a constant speed as you travel. This setting is adjusted by a small lever on the right...
How do I adjust the clock between 12-hour time and 24-hour time?
You can choose whether the clock is in 12-hour time, or 24-hour time, with just a few steps: 1. Turn the ignition to On, while making sure the vehicle is completely stopped. 2. Press the Menu button. 3. Use the...
Transmission not shifting into overdrive
Hello. If the transmission is shifting fine but will not go into overdrive, then it may have a solenoid failure or a pressure problem. A bad brake light switch can also cause this. I would typically start by checking to...
Bucking and sputtering upon startup on 1999 GMC K1500 Suburban
Hello. Thanks for writing in about your 1999 GMC K1500 Suburban. It is likely a faulty/dirty idle air control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement), a faulty mass airflow sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/mass-airflow-sensor-replacement) or bad coil pack (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-coil-replacement) causing your issue. If you would like to...
Thrumming and vibration under feet when driving
Hi, thanks for writing in. The noise and vibration you sense could be engine vibration passing direction directly into the body of the car. This normally should not occur, but it can happen when engine mounts or a transmission mount...
C0281code for brake switch circuit came up and I replaced the brake switch but ABS Light is still on
Hello. The C0281 code is a software-driven code if the ABS module doesn't detect "brake switch release", but sees speeds above 15 mph during the first minutes of operation. Check that the brake light switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-light-switch-replacement) is in fact going...
if my transmission fluid was filled a quart over could this cause my reduced engine power light to come on?
Hi there. Usually the reduced power light is caused by an engine component failure, like the throttle body, TPS or bad O2 sensors. It is very possible that the additional transmission fluid has created a trouble code that might have...
Hello. I just had my battery replaced but today all lights go on but car won't start
It sounds like you may have a weak battery, a failing voltage regulator or failing alternator. As you may know, the alternator charges the battery while the engine runs by generating amperage and recharging the battery while the engine turns...
Car stalled and all lights turned on
Depending on how bad the catalytic converter is, a bad catalytic converter can cause the engine to run bad and even stall out at times. The reason that all the lights came on on your dash is because the engine...

Related articles

Top 10 Bad Driving Habits That Damage Your Car
Even the best drivers are guilty of bad driving habits. Riding the brakes, not warming up the engine, and ignoring warning signs will damage your car.
How to Replace a Head Gasket
The cylinder head gasket is a seal located between the engine block...
What is a Compression Test?
A compression test will reveal the state of your engine’s parts, and can potentially save you money on buying a replacement engine.