P0304 on Jeep
Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected
P0304 on Jeep vehicles indicates cylinder 4 misfire detected. Au7o has documented this code across 3 Jeep models — most commonly on Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Wrangler. This code means the engine computer detected a misfire in cylinder number 4 — that cylinder isn't igniting its air-fuel mixture fully or at all. The system detects this by monitoring small changes in crankshaft rotation speed as each cylinder fires. You may feel a rough idle, shaking, hesitation or reduced power, and a persistent misfire can dump unburned fuel into the exhaust and overheat or damage the catalytic converter. Since it's pinpointed to one cylinder, the problem typically lies in that cylinder's spark, fuel, or compression. Typical repair costs on Jeep range from $100 to $4,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0304
- •Worn or fouled spark plug in cylinder 4
- •Failed or weak ignition coil on cylinder 4
- •Faulty spark plug wire or boot (where applicable)
- •Clogged, stuck or leaking fuel injector for cylinder 4
- •Vacuum or intake air leak near that cylinder
- •Low compression (worn rings, burnt/leaking valve, head gasket)
- •Damaged wiring or connector at the coil or injector
P0304 on Jeep by Model
Jeep Grand Cherokee(1 issue)
- HEMI Engine Tick/Lifter Noise2011-2021
HEMI-equipped Grand Cherokees can develop the characteristic MDS lifter tick. This ticking noise is most noticeable at idle and during light throttle. While often not immediately harmful, it indicates lifter wear from the MDS cylinder deactivation system.
Jeep Liberty(1 issue)
- 3.7L V6 Exhaust Manifold Crack / Valve Cover Oil Leaks2002-2012
The 3.7L PowerTech V6 engine suffers from two common issues: cracked exhaust manifolds (causing ticking noise and exhaust leak) and valve cover gasket oil leaks. The cast iron exhaust manifolds develop stress cracks due to thermal cycling, with the passenger side being more common. TSB 09-001-10 addressed valve cover oil leaks. Head gasket failures have also been reported on higher-mileage engines.
Jeep Wrangler(2 issues)
- 3.6L Pentastar V6 left cylinder head failure / engine tick (early build)2012-2017
Early 3.6L Pentastar V6 Wranglers (especially 2012 and early-2013 builds) suffered a left (driver-side) cylinder head defect where the head would overheat and damage a valve seat/guide, causing low compression, a persistent ticking/tapping noise (often described as a 'left bank tick'), misfires, rough idle and reduced power. FCA acknowledged the defect and issued extended-warranty coverage (campaign X56) extending the head/related coverage to 10 years / 150,000 miles. A separate, related Pentastar tick on later builds is caused by failed rocker-arm needle bearings or collapsed valve lifters rather than the head casting. A class action was filed over the 3.6L tick. Left unaddressed, valvetrain wear can progress to major top-end engine damage.
- Ignition Coil Rail Failure Causing Misfire on 4.0L2000-2006
The 4.0L coil-rail ignition system used on TJ Wranglers is known to develop internal failures that cause intermittent or persistent misfires. Owners report rough idle, hesitation, flashing check-engine lights, and cylinder-specific misfire codes, often after moisture intrusion, age, or heat exposure. Because the rail serves all cylinders, diagnosis can be less straightforward than on engines with individual plug wires.
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View P0304 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0304 mean on Jeep?▼
P0304 stands for "Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected." This code means the engine computer detected a misfire in cylinder number 4 — that cylinder isn't igniting its air-fuel mixture fully or at all. The system detects this by monitoring small changes in crankshaft rotation speed as each cylinder fires. You may feel a rough idle, shaking, hesitation or reduced power, and a persistent misfire can dump unburned fuel into the exhaust and overheat or damage the catalytic converter. Since it's pinpointed to one cylinder, the problem typically lies in that cylinder's spark, fuel, or compression. On Jeep specifically, this code is documented across 3 models.
What causes P0304 on Jeep vehicles?▼
Common causes on Jeep: Worn or fouled spark plug in cylinder 4, Failed or weak ignition coil on cylinder 4, Faulty spark plug wire or boot (where applicable), Clogged, stuck or leaking fuel injector for cylinder 4, Vacuum or intake air leak near that cylinder. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0304 on a Jeep?▼
Repair costs on Jeep range from $100 to $4,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Jeep models have P0304 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0304 on 3 Jeep models: Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Wrangler.