P0300- Random Cylinder Misfire. Tried pack and plugs already.
 

So I took the car, 2003 1.8TQ, to Autozone to have the CEL checked. It came up with P0300 w/P0302 & P0303. This problem has been going on for a little while now. I didn't start throwing codes all the time until I bought new packs and plugs and installed them. Then it started throwing CEL's. It started off only in Cyl# 2 and then Cyl# 3 started too. I looked at the plugs that have maybe 4,000 miles on them and they were a little black. Cyl# 2 looked a tad bit wet, and I mean a tad bit. I tried swapping out the plugs and packs and the problem was still there.

I'm trying to figure out where to go from here. I'm thinking ICM or possibly injectors. Lately the CEL has started to blink on me when the car is misfiring bad. I shut it off and start it back up of course before proceeding on my drive. I'm going to take it in to my shop this week to have them scan for any soft codes that the ECU might be hiding on me.

Any other ideas on the misfire?

RE: P0300- Random Cylinder Misfire. Tried pack and plugs already.
 

Looks like my previous problem. First of what kind of spark plugs are you using and what the gap you set ?

Black spark plug means, car is running rich. It means you probably have leak on the system. Check everything carefully from turbo to your throttle body. make sure there is no leak on your intercooler.

Do you have a boost gauge? if not, it's the time for it. Check what is your vacuum, and boost numbers (peak and continious)

RE: P0300- Random Cylinder Misfire. Tried pack and plugs already.
 

P0302 is caused by a bad ignition control module. See if you can find
one for your car for under $150.

RE: P0300- Random Cylinder Misfire. Tried pack and plugs already.
 

2nd ^^^ that.

Repace the ICM, it sounds like it's freaking out since your missfires are all over the place.

RE: P0300- Random Cylinder Misfire. Tried pack and plugs already.
 

3rd ^^^ that.

RE: P0300- Random Cylinder Misfire. Tried pack and plugs already.
 

Damn that's what I didn't want to hear. I had a feeling that my ICM was the next step. Anyone know where I can find one?

And also, the CEL has been blinking on me from the misfires. I know not to drive it on the blinking CEL. However, when I give it a touch of gas in neutral, it stops blinking. Ok to still drive it if it stops blinking right away?

RE: P0300- Random Cylinder Misfire. Tried pack and plugs already.
 

i dont think b6's have ICM's - i had this same problem last week on my 2003 1.8t and it turned out being one of my coil wires and not the pack- same symptoms- random misfire codes- replaced coil packs and plugs, still had the problem until i tested everything with a multimeter and found major resistance in the cylinder 4 coil wire- replaced that and all is well.

RE: P0300- Random Cylinder Misfire. Tried pack and plugs already.
 

I don't think the B6 model has an ICM. I have 2001 B5 and don't have an ICM.

RE: P0300- Random Cylinder Misfire. Tried pack and plugs already.
 

Sorry, I always forget this is the next gen car.

If no ICM, then what does it have to control the spark to the plug wires?

Its not the plugs, he is getting misfires all over, in fact the p0300 code is "random misfires".

What controls the firing order/sparking if there is no ICM? I would like to learn even though i have a B5.

RE: P0300- Random Cylinder Misfire. Tried pack and plugs already.
 

I'm curious to find out too. I need to know actually. I'll be taking it in to my shop tomorrow any way to have brake work done. I hope to find out then.

Does B6 have a ICM?