Code P0306 Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected

2005 DCLB 134,500miles
The other day I went to start my truck with the remote start, about 25* in the morning here in Jersey and have to bring my 3 yr old to preschool. So I warm my truck up a bit so it is warm for her. The truck didn't start the first time so I tried again no luck.
So I went out and got it to start with probably the last bit of battery life so I thought. Went to preschool then to work about an 1hr driving, then 45 minute back home that night and went straight to advance auto to have the battery and alternator checked. Both checked out fine. Then this morning the check engine light came on. Back to advance after work to have the code checked it came back with P0306 Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected. I change my plugs every 30k miles and cleaned the throttle body about 10k miles ago, oil changes every 5k with mobil1 and factory filter. So is this a fluke? Anyone else have this problem? Guy at advance said to do a tune up, not that he is any kind of mechanic. Any thoughts?

 

Check this out: http://www.obd-codes.com/p0306

 

My 03 did that and it was a fouled plug.

 

Havent had that happen on my tacoma, but it happened on my 05 ranger and it ended up being the plug wires, it was shorting out to the block. Then after i changed the plugs, the coil started acting up. Replaced that and it was fine.

 

thanks the kinda spells it out real well. I did reset the light so hopefully I won't see it again and just change the plugs in 5k and all is well. Will repost if it comes back.

 

Remember that a lot of things can cause a misfire. Plugs, wire, coil, injector, fuel pressure, etc. It is possibly a fluke with the cold weather, but rare.

 

Did it seem like the engine "hydro-locked" when you tried to crank it? I've read of a few somewhat isolated cases of the earlier 1GR V6 head gaskets failing at #6, and the susequent coolant entering the cylinder will cause a missfire, and could also explain the difficulty starting if it was hydro-locking. Obviously, this would be a worse-case senario, and I hope thats not your issue. Check for any coolant loss and pressurization of the cooling system with combustion gas.

 

landphil, strange you say that my coolant is a little low and when I start the truck you can hear coolant moving around in the cab area assuming heating system. I had this in the back of my head about the head gasket. Now I have to investigate. What other way would you be able to tell? Changed my oil and saw a light brownish substance on the top of the oil fill cap. It made me think it was from regular evaporation but I guess could also be coolant in the oil boiling out.

I also now have p0441 and P0455 both are evaporative system leak and incorrect purge. Any chance they could cause other problems.

 

Head gasket! took dealer two tries to get it diagnosed. I am pissed that a Toyota can't last 8yrs and 135K without a head gasket going. Never had low coolant or overheated.
Evap codes where the gas cap again. Filler neck is pushed down and the holding ring is pushed in. Thanks NJ for having a guy who makes $7.75p/h pump my gas and casue me more problems.

 

That sucks. Head gasket at that mileage is weak.

 

X2, I agree this is a premature failure, from what I've read from others experinces, the part number for the head gaskets change up to a new part number, somewhere around 2006 IIRC. I've still only heard of a handfull of cases, but still, I too expect better. At least there is hope of the new gaskets being better than the originals. You could try asking for some goodwill coverage too, the worst they could say is NO.

Lots to read here on the subject if your interested, and pics too:
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/61-2nd-generation-2005/410891-05-4-0-liter-head-gasket-issues.html

 

Most shops can't believe the toyota has a bad head asket. But still in the process of getting repair quotes they range from $1,800, $3,000 and $3,500(stealer ship) all doing the same work. Remove and change both head gaskets, pressure test abd machine heads if necessary check valves, add Oma would be the water pump and timing chain/ gears if worn.

In the process I added a bottle of kseal after the Napa counter mans suggestion, didn't by it from him. (He had repaired a dodge v8 and it last 20k miles) well it seems to be working. Two days no codes and I have Ultra-gauge to watch engine trouble, temps never above 195* and no more white smoke or bubbling in overflow tank.
I am sure it is not a permenant fix but buys me some time to find a shop I want to use. I will keep you all posted to results of kseal and gasket change.

 

That's a bit of money to spend. Why not just repair what is broken? It should be a fraction of that cost.

I'd replace both head gaskets and be done with it unless other known problems will arise later.

Maybe BAMA will add a bunch mote or can give you the flat rate hours charged for the work. Possibly an idea on what other parts besides two head gaskets.

I realize too that the cam chains / cam sprockets need to be positioned so the head can be removed, is it typical for the chain to fall off the lower crank sprocket? If not then this should reduce the labor hours.

Not saying this is all fact or best, rather just an idea.

PK

 

Don't ever believe in a miracle in a bottle cure, they cause more harm than good. Just think about it if this stuff is going to clog a leaky headgasket what is it going to do to your radiator and heater core. That little bottle could cost you thousands more, and still only be a temp fix for the headgasket.

 

Timing cover has to removed to remove one head, or both heads. There are hollow dowels between the heads and timing cover, so you can't lift a head off if the timing cover is installed. I know I'd do both sides if I went that far, even if I was paying someone to do it, and even though only #6 seems to be the weak spot. I hate doing things twice though.

 

Okay this is crap my 06 bought in late 05 started pushing coolant out of the overflow and not overheating. I thought the radiator cap was bad and replaced it. The following morning I here what sounds like water or air rushing around in the cab. The next day the truck starts running hot intermittently, I then changed the thermostat and the overheating issue goes away but when I started the truck it has a rough idle and clears up, otherwise all is good. I run the truck into the dealer to take care of some recall issue and told them about the rough idle, no codes no issue found. When I Picked the truck up while still in the service bay the engine is running rough and then the engine light comes on, they pull a code p0306 Cylinder #6 is having issues. I now need a head gasket!

This truck had a transmission at 36,000 and the spiral cable at just under a 100,000 and the timing cover oil leak last year at 120,000 and now he heads need to come off at 142,000. This truck has cost thousands to maintain

 

That sucks. Mine is in the process of having the head gasket repaired. Got a great price of $1,968 with changing out the water pump. They are going to use the 2007 gasket which is a different part # then the 05-06. Should be worth the investment.

 

can anyone comment on the Toyota Manuel saying to remove the entire transfer case and oil pan? It would be even better if there is some written documentation

 

I saw my truck unassembled, didn't look like they took out the transfer case or front or oil pan, can check tomorrow with them. I have a picture of it but not able to post from my phone.

Also found out that the valve guides and seals are shot on the head so the head is getting rebuilt for another $450. I am so pissed at Toyota I will never buy another one! But I'll be stuck with this one forever now.

 

really? cuz most engine failures for toyota's are head gasket issues. just about every model at one point had head gasket issues.