P0300: After Ran Out Of Gas

[siny240sx]

Heya guys,

Few days ago I ran out of gas on highway going home. AAA tow truck guy came and put 3 gal of gas...
After that it gave me P0300. I cleared the code, but it reappeared again in few miles.

Where to look first?

Thank you in advance,
siny240sx

[Rogue One]

You ran out of gas, which most likely triggered a low fuel pressure warning. Adding only three gallons of gas wasn't sufficient to keep it from tripping the warning again. Top off your tank then clear the code. With any luck that should take care of it.

[siny240sx]

You ran out of gas, which most likely triggered a low fuel pressure warning. Adding only three gallons of gas wasn't sufficient to keep it from tripping the warning again. Top off your tank then clear the code. With any luck that should take care of it.

Thanks Rogue One,

Thats the problem.
I topped off my tank few times already and I cleared the code.
But it came back.

TIA
siny240sx

[far raf]

What year Quest?
Do you feel a misfire or your engine runs great?

[siny240sx]

2007 Quest
Yes. I feel misfire

[far raf]

To start on the cheap side, run a can of seafoam through the 1/4 tank of gas. It may be a coincidence, or he served you gas with lots of moisture in it.

You plugs may be up for replacement too.

[siny240sx]

To start on the cheap side, run a can of seafoam through the 1/4 tank of gas. It may be a coincidence, or he served you gas with lots of moisture in it.

You plugs may be up for replacement too.

Thanks far raf!

That's great idea. But I just filled it up. Can I buy a can of Sea Foam and add it in the morning?
They said one can is good for up to 16 gallons. Or you don't think it will be THAT effective?

Thanks again,
siny240sx

[far raf]

I really don't know how effective it will be. Never tried using it on more than 1/4 tank.

[siny240sx]

I really don't know how effective it will be. Never tried using it on more than 1/4 tank.

Hey far raf,
I just poured 2 cans of Sea Foam in the tank.
Lets see how will it go...

Just curious how much time usually does it take to see the results?

Thanks again,
siny240sx

[far raf]

If it's water, than drive 50-100 miles and it should improve.

[siny240sx]

OK. Here's an update...
I cleared the code today and after driving like 5 miles I read them again. I got now:

P0301 - Powertrain
Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected

This time CEL only appears blinking when I am driving after like 30-40 MPH...

So I ordered 3 GENUINE NISSAN complete Ignition Coil Assemblies for rear cylinders 1,3 and 5. $70 each.
BUT now I am thinking. Maybe I should have waited and CEL could disappear completely?

TIA
siny240sx

[04pathse]

well you could have just swapped the coil from cylinder 1 with another cylinder and then see if the code follows, for example if you then get a p0302 code it means the coil you had in cylinder 1 was the culprit.

Or it could have just been a bad spark plug in cylinder 1, could have bought a new spark plug (as they are fairly inexpensive) or swap plugs from another cylinder.

How many miles on the vehicle?

Did you notice the car having lack of power or other issues?

[amc49]

Besides the possible issue of pulling any water from the bottom of the tank if they use ethanol in your local fuel, people should be advised that running the car out of gas is one of the things that kills fuel pumps faster than spit.

[far raf]

We are making progress. Instead of random misfires, you only got one cylinder.
Does the engine run better than before?

Drive some more with seafoam, and read codes after 10 more miles. Chances are you can return your coils. If the code stays, it may be a coil, or an injector. Both can be swapped, but saving $70 for a coil is the secondary concern versus getting that pesky intake manifold off the engine to reach the rear bank. Replace the plugs and EGR valve and clean the EGR tube while at it.

[NL320what]

So, you have now sucked in a bunch of crap that has clogged anywhere from the fuel filter inlet up to the injectors.

Litterally anywhere in between but most likely I would suggest Fuel Filter change.

[amc49]

X2, that might well help.

Again, if they run ethanol in your local fuel, the filter will almost always have a sizeable amount of water in it anyway. Drain one and prepare for a surprise. Provided the car has one to drain.

[siny240sx]

Thanks guys for all of your inputs!

First of all, I am back to P0300 code ONLY.
I've got the reading with my Bluetooth adapter, but I also went to my local Autozone to make sure.
Same P0300.

Now, I've been thinking...

Since this all happened After I Ran Out Of Gas (and SeaFoam did not work either) most likely I have clogged Fuel Injectors. But changing Injectors is not gonna do any good if I have junk somewhere in the line. So probably I need to change the Fuel Filter first.

The problem is that in my 2007 Nissan Quest there is no such thing as standalone Fuel Filter down the fuel line.
Based on what I've read Fuel Filter is implemented in Fuel Pump. Please CORRECT ME on this one!

Unfortunately there is no "free" access to Fuel Pump (where I believe the Fuel Filter is) other than dropping the Fuel Tank, BUT I found a couple videos on youtube, where they show that you can remove seat (or seats) and either pull or cut the carpet and get to the Fuel Pump.

Also, being at 110,207 and never tuned up, I will also replace Spark Plugs. Maybe even keep the Ignition Coils (that I already got) for rear cylinders since I am already will be there...

Thank you in advance,
siny240sx

[far raf]

Before you throw away $$ on a new fuel pump, check fuel pressure at the rail. There is a high chance both pump and the filter are absolutely fine and you either have a bad plug, or an injector. Your plugs are due anyway. You never said where you live, if you are in the US, all this talk about plugging is very highly overrated. I dropped tanks on old North American cars and found no dust/grit or any traces of water whatsoever. It's a completely different story if you are in shady parts of the world (I do not mean New Jersey or Detroit).

[siny240sx]

Before you throw away $$ on a new fuel pump, check fuel pressure at the rail. There is a high chance both pump and the filter are absolutely fine and you either have a bad plug, or an injector. Your plugs are due anyway. You never said where you live, if you are in the US, all this talk about plugging is very highly overrated. I dropped tanks on old North American cars and found no dust/grit or any traces of water whatsoever. It's a completely different story if you are in shady parts of the world (I do not mean New Jersey or Detroit).

Thanks far raf,
How to check fuel pressure at the rail?

[far raf]

The FSM should have a prescribed procedure with all the gauges and figures. Nissan supposedly has the gauge.
I have been using a simple test myself: squeeze the fuel hose with pliers with the ignition off, then have someone turn ignition on and fuel pressure should inflate the hose and push your pliers away. Then have them start the engine and your hand should not feel any weakness in the hose. This is highly subjective and only a yes/no indication of the fuel pump working, so this won't tell you precisely if pressure is up to the spec. Talk to Nissan and find out how much they would charge to attach the gauge and test fuel pressure. Better if your trusted mechanic can do that with you watching of course. The FSM has the pressure values to watch for. But again, it is highly unlikely that your fuel pressure is low, but highly likely that cyl #1 injector or plug is the culprit. If you are going to service plugs and the intake will be off the heads, you will have more information even w/o doing a pressure test: by the condition of the plug etc.

[siny240sx]

The FSM should have a prescribed procedure with all the gauges and figures. Nissan supposedly has the gauge.
I have been using a simple test myself: squeeze the fuel hose with pliers with the ignition off, then have someone turn ignition on and fuel pressure should inflate the hose and push your pliers away. Then have them start the engine and your hand should not feel any weakness in the hose. This is highly subjective and only a yes/no indication of the fuel pump working, so this won't tell you precisely if pressure is up to the spec. Talk to Nissan and find out how much they would charge to attach the gauge and test fuel pressure. Better if your trusted mechanic can do that with you watching of course. The FSM has the pressure values to watch for. But again, it is highly unlikely that your fuel pressure is low, but highly likely that cyl #1 injector or plug is the culprit. If you are going to service plugs and the intake will be off the heads, you will have more information even w/o doing a pressure test: by the condition of the plug etc.

Gotcha!

Suppose my Fuel Pump is Ok.
Replace Injectors, Plugs and Coils for the Rear 1, 3 and 5 Cylinders and see how will it go?

[far raf]

Yeah. How goes it?
By your reply I take you've already replaced the front 3 plugs? What was their condition? Google for pix, see if you can find any symptoms of running too hot or too cold, burning oil, lean mix, rich mix etc.

[siny240sx]

Heya guys,
Thanks for all of your replies!

I just wanna let you know that today in the morning I finished this job (that I started yesterday).
Its real PITA, but I did it. I put new Bosch Injectors (3 in the Rear), Genuine Nissan Ignition Coils (3 in the Rear) and ALL Bosch Spark Plugs.

So Far So Good. Much powerful and smoother ride. CEL is gone.
I am up for my Inspection, so I gotta drive lil bit for Emission Readiness...

Thanks again all,
siny240sx

[far raf]

Kudos, buddy! I applaud your patience, as when I was going to replace plugs, I just gave up after about an hour in realization that it would take me more than a day. Putting this off until I really have to do this.

[siny240sx]

Kudos, buddy! I applaud your patience, as when I was going to replace plugs, I just gave up after about an hour in realization that it would take me more than a day. Putting this off until I really have to do this.

Thanks far raf!
Believe me it is doable and you definitely can do it!