Home / Check engine codes / P0305
P0305: Cylinder 5 misfire detected
Stop and checkSystem: Ignition and misfires
What P0305 means
Cylinder 5 is not burning fuel properly. A flashing check engine light means stop driving soon, because a misfire can damage the catalytic converter.
Common symptoms
- Shaking or jerking
- Flashing check engine light
- Rough or unstable idle
- Loss of power
Common causes
- Worn spark plugs
- Failing ignition coil or plug wire
- Dirty or leaking fuel injector
- Low engine compression (internal engine wear)
- Vacuum or intake air leak
Can I keep driving?
Stop and check. Avoid driving until it is checked. Driving with this problem can cause serious and expensive damage.
What to do next
- Write down the code and any symptoms you notice.
- Check the simple things first: the fuel cap, loose connectors and fluid levels where they apply.
- Do not just clear the code. If the light comes back, the cause is still there and needs a proper diagnosis.
- Read live data and freeze frame data with an OBD-II scanner app to see what the car was doing when the code was set.
Read P0305 from your own car
DriveHub connects to a $15 to $30 OBD-II adapter, reads the code from your car and explains it in plain English. iPhone and Android.
General information, not a diagnosis. Causes vary by make, model and engine. If you are unsure, have the car inspected.