P0301 — Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
Short answer: P0301 is a cylinder-1 misfire. Flashing light or severe shake means stop when safe (Red). Steady light with mild roughness: short limp to a shop only (Yellow). Do not keep commuting on an active misfire.
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Can I keep driving?
| Color | When it applies |
|---|---|
| Yellow | Steady check engine light and only a mild miss. A short, gentle drive to a nearby shop can be reasonable. Avoid highways, towing, and hard throttle. |
| Red — stop when safe | Flashing check engine light; strong shake; stalling; big power loss; overheating; smoke; strong fuel smell; or brake / ABS / airbag / steering-assist warnings. Stop when safe and arrange a tow or roadside help. |
P0301 follows the same safety logic as P0300. Naming cylinder 1 does not make the car safer to drive.
What P0301 means
P0301 means the computer detected a misfire on cylinder 1. The last digit in P0301–P0308 style codes points to the cylinder number in the manufacturer’s firing layout — it does not identify whether the spark plug, coil, injector, or something mechanical failed.
Cylinder numbering differs by engine family. If you need a diagram, use service information for your exact year, make, model, and engine. This page will not invent a universal cylinder map.
P0301 may appear alone or with P0300 and other cylinder codes. Severe misfires risk catalytic-converter damage, which is why flashing-light guidance is strict.
Common causes
- Spark plug, coil, or boot problem on cylinder 1
- Fuel injector issue on cylinder 1
- Wiring or connector fault for that cylinder’s ignition or injection circuit
- Vacuum leak affecting cylinder 1 more than others
- Compression or valvetrain problems on cylinder 1 (shop diagnosis)
- Shared fuel or ignition problems that show up first as a cylinder 1 count
When to see a technician
A technician can compare misfire counts, inspect ignition and fuel delivery for cylinder 1, and avoid replacing parts on cylinders that are not counting. Coil-swap confirmation and compression testing are shop methods — this page does not walk through DIY teardown steps or promise a result.
If the light is flashing, treat it as urgent even if you “only” have P0301 on the report.
Related codes
FAQ
Can I drive with a P0301 code?
Not as normal commuting. Flashing light or severe shake: stop when safe. Steady light with mild roughness: short limp to a shop only.
What does P0301 mean?
P0301 means the computer detected a misfire on cylinder 1. It points to a cylinder, not a specific failed part.
Is P0301 the same as P0300?
Related but not identical. P0301 names cylinder 1; P0300 covers random or multiple-cylinder misfire. Both can appear together.
Page disclaimer
Not certified repair advice. This page explains a generic OBD-II code in plain English and a cautious “can I keep driving?” guide. It does not diagnose your exact vehicle and does not guarantee any repair. If the light is flashing, the engine overheats, or you have brake, steering, airbag, or severe drivability problems, stop when safe and get professional help. Details are rewritten from public DTC definitions—confirm with a scanner and a qualified technician.