P0306 — Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected

What it means

The engine control module has detected misfire in cylinder 6. On V engines this cylinder normally sits on bank 2, which is often the harder bank to reach, so the ignition and injection components there are frequently the oldest on the engine. Symptoms are shaking at idle, power loss, unstable fuel trim on bank 2 and a lit or flashing check engine lamp.

Likely causes (most common first)

1. Worn or fouled spark plug in cylinder 6
2. Failed ignition coil or high voltage lead on that cylinder
3. Clogged or leaking fuel injector
4. Vacuum leak on bank 2: intake gasket, cracked hose, faulty intake manifold runner seal
5. Low compression: burnt valve, worn rings, head gasket leak
6. Damaged wiring or a failed ECM output stage for the coil or injector

Can you drive with it?

Short careful trips are acceptable; with a flashing lamp driving destroys the catalytic converter.