The powertrain control module has detected a misfire in cylinder 7. This means the engine is not completing a full combustion cycle in that cylinder.
The spark plug may be fouled, worn, or not firing at the proper voltage, causing incomplete combustion.
A failing coil can deliver insufficient spark, leading to a misfire.
A clogged or leaking injector can starve the cylinder of fuel, resulting in a misfire.
Worn or burnt valves, damaged piston rings, or a leaking head gasket can reduce cylinder pressure and cause a misfire.
If the camshaft timing is off or the lifter is faulty, cylinder 7 may not receive proper valve operation.
Corroded terminals, broken wires, or a poor ground can interrupt the signal to the coil or injector; a PCM failure is uncommon and would be considered only after other components are verified.
No, the PCM is rarely the cause; most P0307 codes are resolved by repairing or replacing a component in cylinder 7 such as the spark plug, coil, or injector.
A dirty air filter affects overall engine performance but does not typically cause a misfire in a specific cylinder.
Driving with a misfire can damage the catalytic converter and reduce engine efficiency, so it should be diagnosed and repaired promptly.