Ignition and misfires code
P0301: Cylinder 1 misfire
How much to fix P0301? Typically $70–$320.
Wide range: this job varies a lot. Itemize your quote for a better answer.
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $30 | $120 |
| Labor: 0.4 to 1.2 hours × $110 to $150 an hour | $44 | $180 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $15 |
| Total, rounded | $70 | $320 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in the US, $27.13 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
This is the range for the most common fix, ignition coil replacement (one coil). Which repair your car needs depends on a proper diagnosis.
The computer felt tiny hiccups in crankshaft speed that line up with cylinder 1 firing. That means cylinder 1 is not burning its fuel and air every time it should. The rest of the engine keeps running, so the car feels rough but does not stop.
- Safe to drive?
- Short trips only
- Most common cause
- Worn spark plug in cylinder 1
A steady light means short drives are okay; a flashing light means stop, because raw fuel can ruin the catalytic converter.
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What you may notice
- Shaking, worse at idle
- Flashing check-engine light
- Hesitation when accelerating
- Often a stronger fuel smell
Common causes, most likely first
- Worn spark plug in cylinder 1
- Failing ignition coil on cylinder 1
- Clogged or weak fuel injector for that cylinder
- Vacuum leak near that cylinder
- Low compression from a valve or ring problem
Check this first
Cylinder 1 is usually at the end of the engine nearest the belts, but check your layout. Ask the shop to swap the coil there with the one next to it and clear the code. If the miss moves to the other cylinder, the coil is the culprit.
Other repairs that sometimes fix P0301
| Repair | Typical range, US |
|---|---|
| Spark plug replacement | $85 to $510 |
| Fuel injector replacement (one injector) | $170 to $820 |
| Vacuum leak repair | $90 to $460 |
Before you pay
- Ask the shop what test showed this part is the cause, not just that the code appeared.
- Ask for parts and labor listed separately, and for the hours.
- Ask for a written OK before any extra work. Many states require written authorization before repairs.
Got a quote already? Check it against the range. Want to see if your car has a recall tied to this problem? Check recalls by VIN.
Need to read a code yourself? OBD-II scanners on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure).
P0301 questions
How do I know which cylinder is number 1?
The owner manual or a quick online diagram for your exact engine shows the numbering. On many four-cylinder engines it is the one nearest the drive belts, but transverse and V engines differ, so confirm for your car.
Should I replace the plug or the coil?
An old plug is a cheap and common cause, so many shops start there. If the code stays after new plugs, or moves when the coil is swapped with a neighbor, the coil is next. Testing keeps you from buying parts you do not need.
Can I keep driving with this code?
A short, gentle drive with a steady light is usually fine. Avoid towing and hard climbs, and pull over if the light starts flashing, since a strong misfire can quickly overheat the catalytic converter.
How much does it cost to fix P0301?
The most common fix, ignition coil replacement (one coil), has a typical range of $70 to $320 across the US. It is an estimate built from parts prices and local labor wages, not a quote. Your car and shop change it.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $80 to $350 |
| New York City area | $75 to $340 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $75 to $340 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $75 to $330 |
| Houston area, Texas | $70 to $310 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $70 to $310 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $70 to $320 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $75 to $330 |
| Miami area, Florida | $70 to $320 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $80 to $340 |
Related codes
More ignition and misfires codes
Code meaning written in our own words. Some codes mean different things on different makes, so check your scan tool or manual. Not a repair shop, estimates only.