P303 code and very nervous, need some advice.

[Mark Dupoise]

Hey everyone,

I need some help. I have a 2013 SHO, stock except for MSD Coils which are less than 2 years old. The engine threw a code for the cam position sensor (bank A) a few weeks ago. I did a little research and I replaced both sensors and cleared the code. I don't remember what the code was, just the message. The sensors are Motorcraft sensors, not after market and that code has not come back. The car ran fine for one day after I replaced the sensors and then threw the P 0303 code and began running really rough. I limped it home (how embarrassing) and parked it. I did a little more research, switched the coils from from cylinder 3 and 2 to see if the problem moved with the coil, it did not. The code came right back. I replaced all of the spark plugs which were 4 years old, cleared the code again and it came right back, made no difference at all. Now, I am thinking I have a bad fuel injector. Praying it's not a bad valve. If anyone has experienced this before please chime in and let me know what the outcome was for you. I work for a school district and we don't get paid very well and I am worried that I wont be able to afford to get it fixed.

Thanks,

Mark

 

[yaycandy]

Check compression in that cylinder. Valve could be hanging up from carbon or worse. With it running, take the oil cap off. If there is pressure coming out then thats not good. It wouldnt throw oil out at idle. Would indicate a piston ring or sidewall issue

 

[Mark Dupoise]

Check compression in that cylinder. Valve could be hanging up from carbon or worse.

That's what I am afraid of....a bad valve. It's odd I can hear a click after I shut the car down. Ive never heard it before.

Mark

 

[RandR10]

I've heard of these injectors going bad and it's apparently not that hard to change them. I wouldn't jump to conclusions. A compression test will tell you if there's any mechanical damage. Any follow up on this?

 

[Mark Dupoise]

That's what I am afraid of....a bad valve. It's odd I can hear a click after I shut the car down. Ive never heard it before.

Mark

She is headed to the mechanic tomorrow morning. Fingers crossed...

Mark

 

[Mark Dupoise]

Okay, so I feel a bit foolish. It WAS a bad coil after all. Cylinder 3 misfire P303 code. So, When I was thinking about the cylinders and swapping coils to see if the code moved with the coil I was thinking firing order, not cylinder order. Stupid mistake on my part. I ended up swapping coil 2 and 6 which is why the code didn't move. So, I am out $100 bucks for diagnostic and another $95.00 for a new MSD Coil but back on the road and a lesson learned.