Fault code P0304 on cars Nissan - one of the most common problems faced by owners of models from Qashqai to X-Trail. This code points to misfire in the fourth cylinder, but behind the apparent simplicity of the diagnosis there is a whole range of possible causes - from banal wear of spark plugs to serious problems with the fuel system or ECU. Unlike common errors like P0300 (random omissions), P0304 is always tied to a specific cylinder, which narrows the search range, but requires a systematic approach to diagnostics.

If your Nissan began to “trouble”, lost power, or the dashboard light came on Check Engine With this code, do not rush to change spark plugs or coils at random. In 30% of cases, the problem lies not in the ignition system at all, but in the fuel supply or mechanical damage. This article will help you figure out how to accurately determine the source of the malfunction, avoid unnecessary expenses on replacing working parts, and eliminate P0304 with minimal costs.

What does error P0304 mean on Nissan: code decoding

Code P0304 belongs to the category misfires (misfire) and is deciphered as follows:

  • 🔢 P030X - a series of codes where X indicates the cylinder number (in this case 4).
  • 🚗 Specifics for Nissan: on most models (Qashqai J10/J11, X-Trail T31/T32, Juke F15) the fourth cylinder is located on the side oil dipstick (if you look at the engine from the front).
  • ⚡ Nature of the error: The ECU detects unstable cylinder operation when the air-fuel mixture does not ignite or burns incorrectly.

It is important to understand that P0304 - this is not an independent malfunction, but symptom. The electronic control unit (ECU) simply states a fact: misfires occur in the fourth cylinder. The reasons can vary from trivial (wear of a spark plug) to critical (burnout of a valve or piston). For example, on engines HR16DE (installed on Qashqai, Juke) more often the ignition coils are to blame, and on MR20DD (X-Trail, Pathfinder) - problems with injectors.

📊 What engine is installed in your Nissan?
  • HR16DE
  • MR20DD
  • QR25DE
  • K9K (diesel)
  • Other
  • I don't know

The main symptoms of error P0304

Misfires in the fourth cylinder are manifested not only by burning Check Engine. Here are the key signs that will help confirm the diagnosis:

  • 🔥 Engine tripping: vibrations at idle, especially noticeable at Nissan with 4-cylinder engines (for example, Almera N18 or Note E12).
  • 🚘 Power Loss: the car accelerates poorly, is “stupid” when overtaking (typical for X-Trail with QR25DE).
  • 💨 Unstable speed: the tachometer needle “jumps” at idle (often found on Juke with HR16DE).
  • 🔊 Popping sounds in the exhaust system: unburned fuel burns out in the catalyst (dangerous for Nissan with sensitive lambda probes).

On diesel Nissan (For example, Navara with YD25DDTi) P0304 may be accompanied black smoke from the exhaust pipe - this indicates an over-enriched mixture due to a faulty injector. On gasoline engines, this symptom is less common, but is possible with serious air leaks.

⚠️ Attention: If misfires are accompanied by knocking in the engine or increased oil consumption, stop using the vehicle immediately! This may indicate detonation or piston burnout, which leads to a major overhaul.

Top 7 causes of error P0304 on Nissan

According to service center statistics, 85% of cases errors P0304 on Nissan associated with one of seven reasons. Let's consider them in descending order of probability:

Reason Probability, % Models with typical problems
Faulty ignition coil 35% Qashqai J11, X-Trail T32, Juke F15 (engine HR16DE)
Worn or damaged spark plug 25% Almera N18, Note E12, Tiida C13
Problems with the nozzle (clogged, leaking) 15% X-Trail T31 (MR20DE), Pathfinder R52
Air leaks (cracks in the manifold, gaskets) 10% Teana J32, Maxima A35 (engine VQ35DE)
Low cylinder compression 8% Patrol Y62, Navara D40 (problems with YD25DDTi)
Malfunction of high-voltage wires 5% Sunny N17, Primera P12 (old models)
ECU or wiring problems 2% Any models after 2015 (complex electronic systems)

On engines HR16DE And MR20DD (installed on most modern Nissan) are most often to blame ignition coils. Their service life rarely exceeds 100,000 km, and original spare parts (22448-4M015 for Qashqai) are expensive. At the same time on QR25DE (for example, in X-Trail T31) problems with injectorswhich become clogged due to low-quality fuel.

💡

On Nissan with engines HR16DE/MR20DD Ignition coils are interchangeable by cylinder. If you suspect a faulty coil on the 4th cylinder, swap it with the coil on the 1st cylinder. If the error code changes to P0301, the culprit has been found!

Step-by-step diagnostics of error P0304

To pinpoint the cause P0304, follow this algorithm. Let's start with the simplest and cheapest checks:

  1. Reading error codes

    Use a scanner (eg Launch CReader or ELM327) to check additional codes. Often P0304 accompanied by:

    • 🔧 P0171 — lean mixture (air leaks).
    • ⚡ P0204 — malfunction of the injector circuit of the 4th cylinder.
    • 🔥 P0300 - random omissions (may indicate fuel problems).
  2. Visual inspection

    Check:

    ☑️ What to inspect for P0304

    Done: 0 / 5
  3. Checking the spark plug

    Remove the spark plug from the 4th cylinder (on HR16DE This is the third one from the timing belt). Normal electrode color - grey-brown. Black carbon deposits indicate a rich mixture, white carbon deposits indicate a poor mixture, and oil deposits indicate problems with the rings or caps.

  4. Ignition coil test

    Swap the coils (for example, 4th and 1st cylinders). If the error code moves to P0301, the coil is faulty. You can also measure the resistance with a multimeter:

    • 🔌 Primary winding: 0.5–1.0 Ohm.
    • 🔌 Secondary winding: 8–12 kOhm.
  • Compression check

    Low compression (less 10 bar) in the 4th cylinder indicates worn rings, valves or a burnt piston. On Nissan with mileage >150,000 km this is a serious problem.

    • If after all checks the cause is not found, pay attention to valve timing. On engines HR16DE/MR20DD Timing timing marks often get lost after replacing the belt, which leads to misfires in a particular cylinder.

    How to check timing belt phases without disassembling?

    Remove the valve cover and check the position of the marks on the camshafts at TDC (top dead center) of the 4th cylinder. If the marks do not match the marks on the housing, the timing belt is not installed correctly.

    How to resolve error P0304: from simple to complex

    Depending on the cause found, the repair methods will be different. Let's consider them by degree of complexity and cost:

    1. Replacing the spark plug

    If the spark plug has visible damage (cracks, melting) or its service life has exceeded 30,000 km, replace it. For Nissan recommended:

    • 🔥 Original: 22401-JK80A (iridium, ~1,500 rub.).
    • 🔥 Analogues: NGK IFR6T11 or Denso IK20.

    After replacement, reset the error using the scanner and check the engine operation.

    2. Replacing the ignition coil

    On HR16DE/MR20DD coils often fail after 80,000–100,000 km. Original coils (22448-4M015) cost ~5,000 rubles, but you can use analogues from Bosch or Delphi. When replacing:

    • ⚡ Disconnect the battery!
    • ⚡ Lubricate the new coils dielectric grease (For example, Liqui Moly Silicon-Fett).
    • ⚡ Tighten bolts to torque 10 Nm.

    3. Cleaning or replacing the nozzle

    If the scanner shows a code P0204, the injector of the 4th cylinder requires attention. Options:

    • 💦 Ultrasonic cleaning (cost ~2,000 rubles per nozzle).
    • 🔧 Replacement (original 16600-4M000 ~8,000 rub., analogue Denso ~5,000 rub.).

    On Nissan with MR20DE injectors often become clogged due to low-quality fuel. Prevention - use of additives (Liqui Moly JetClean) every 10,000 km.

    4. Elimination of air leaks

    Check:

    • 🔍 The intake manifold gasket (often gets dull on VQ35DE).
    • 🔍 Vacuum hoses (cracks, disconnections).
    • 🔍 Canister valve (on Qashqai J11 often jams).

    To search for suction, use smoke generator or spray carbcleaner around the manifold with the engine running - a change in speed will indicate the location of the leak.

    5. Repair with low compression

    If the compression in the 4th cylinder is lower 10 bar, you will need:

    • 🔧 Replacement of piston rings (if wear is even).
    • 🔧 Grinding in valves (if compression is restored after pouring oil into the cylinder).
    • 🔧 Replacement of the piston/sleeve (in case of burnout).

    On Nissan with mileage >200,000 km it is often more profitable to install contract enginethan repairing the old one.

    💡

    If after replacing spark plugs, coils and injectors there is an error P0304 remains, be sure to check the compression and timing. Ignoring these steps may result in engine overhaul.

    Features of repairs on popular Nissan models

    Some models Nissan have unique “sores” associated with P0304. Let's look at the most common ones:

    Nissan Qashqai J11 (2014–2021, engine HR16DE)

    Typical problems:

    • 🔥 Ignition coils fail every 60,000–80,000 km.
    • 🔥 Spark plugs “stick” to the block head - when replacing, use penetrating lubricant (WD-40 Specialist).
    • 🔥 Air leaks through cracks in plastic intake manifold (typical for 2014–2016 vehicles).

    Nissan X-Trail T32 (2014–2021, engine MR20DD)

    Features:

    • ⚡ Injectors are sensitive to fuel - they become clogged after 50,000 km on “bad” gasoline.
    • ⚡ Frequent problems with phase shifters (code P0011), which indirectly affects misfires in the 4th cylinder.
    • ⚡ When replacing coils, it is required ECU firmware update (valid for 2017–2019 models).

    Nissan Juke F15 (2010–2019, engine HR16DE)

    Weak points:

    • 💨 Air suction through vacuum brake booster (check the hose from the manifold to the amplifier).
    • 💨 Ignition coils “like” to overheat due to poor ventilation under the hood.
    • 💨 On cars with CVT misfires can simulate problems with the transmission (code P17F0).

    Nissan Navara D40 (2005–2015, engine YD25DDTi)

    On diesel Nissan P0304 often associated with:

    • 🛢️ Malfunction injection pump (high pressure fuel pump).
    • 🛢️ By wear and tear injector nozzles (critical resource - 150,000 km).
    • 🛢️ By clogging particulate filter (DPF), which leads to over-richness of the mixture.
    ⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Navara D40 with engine YD25DDTi error P0304 may appear after refueling biodiesel or fuel with high sulfur content. In this case, a complete flushing of the fuel system is required!

    Prevention of error P0304 on Nissan

    To avoid misfire in cylinder 4, follow these recommendations:

    • 🔧 Change spark plugs every 30,000 km (even if they are “iridium”).
    • ⚡ Check the ignition coils for 100,000 km (on HR16DE/MR20DD - every 80,000 km).
    • 💧 Use fuel with an octane rating of at least AI-95 (on Nissan with turbo engines - AI-98).
    • 🔍 Every 20,000 km check the condition air filter And intake manifold.
    • 🛢️ Add to fuel injector cleaner (Liqui Moly JetClean) every 5,000 km.

    On vehicles with direct injection (MR20DD, HR12DDT) it is especially important to monitor the condition intake valves, since carbon deposits form on them, violating the tightness of the cylinder. For prevention you can use oil separation (For example, Liqui Moly Ventil Sauber) every 10,000 km.

    💡

    On Nissan with engines HR16DE/MR20DD after 2017, ignition coils require adaptation after replacement. To do this you need a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431) and access to the service functions of the ECU.

    Frequently asked questions about error P0304 on Nissan

    Is it possible to drive with error P0304?

    Short term - yes, but not recommended. Long-term driving with misfires leads to:

    • 🔥 Overheating of the catalyst (risk of melting).
    • 🔥 Increased wear of the piston group.
    • 🔥 Increased fuel consumption by 15–20%.

    If the error appears for the first time, you can go to the service station, but no more 200–300 km.

    How much does it cost to fix P0304 in the service?

    The cost depends on the reason:

    Reason Repair cost, rub.
    Replacing spark plugs (4 pcs.) 1 500–3 000
    Replacing the ignition coil 4 000–8 000
    Cleaning injectors 2 000–5 000
    Replacing the nozzle 6 000–12 000
    Low compression repair 20 000–100 000+

    On Nissan with engines VQ35DE or YD25DDTi cost may be higher due to difficulty accessing parts.

    Is it possible to change the ignition coil on a Nissan Qashqai yourself?

    Yes, this is one of the simplest procedures. You will need:

    1. Disconnect battery.
    2. Remove the decorative engine cover.
    3. Disconnect the 4th cylinder coil connector.
    4. Unscrew the fastening bolt (10 mm).
    5. Remove the coil and install a new one.

    The main thing is not to mix up the coils and not lose the o-ring!

    Why did error P0304 remain after replacing the coil?

    Possible reasons:

    • 🔧 The reel is defective or not original.
    • 🔧 The problem is not in the coil, but in nozzle or compression.
    • 🔧 ECU adaptations are not reset (relevant for Nissan after 2015).
    • 🔧 The wiring from the coil to the ECU is damaged.

    Check oscillogram coil operation with a diagnostic scanner.

    Which ignition coils are best installed on the Nissan X-Trail T32?

    Recommended options:

    • 🔥 Original: 22448-4M015 (~5,000 rub.).
    • 🔥 Denso 550-0105 (~3,500 rub.).
    • 🔥 Bosch 0 221 504 478 (~4,000 rub.).

    Avoid cheap analogues (<2,000 rub.) - they often fail through 20,000–30,000 km.