My '01 Dakota 3.9 has been throwing 300, 301, and 303 codes. I know 300 is multiple cylinder misfire and 301 and 303 show specifically 1st and 3rd cylinders. I've had the truck to my mechanic and he replaced ignition parts and rotor several miles ago, but the codes have returned. There never were any detectible misfires that I could find even in damp weather and I've driven the truck distances with the code showing and no apparent issues showed up. The other day we reset the codes but in 40 miles they were back. My mechanic is off for a week or so for medical reasons so I won't be able to get anything looked at for at least that long. While I want the problem resolved I'm wondering if I have any real concerns about drivability. I'd like to take the truck on a 500 mile round trip but don't want to be stranded because of a "Gotcha" problem.

Does anyone have any helpful insights or thoughts? I intend to continue to use the truck locally until it can get looked at again and I do have alternate transportation for the trip but I'm sure we al know people driving thousands of miles with their CEL illuminated and experiencing zero issues that were apparent

 

Update. Mechanic managed to look at the truck again prior to his medical leave and decided to replace two ignition wires that we thought were already replaced. Reset the CEL and we try again.

In the meantime I'd still like to get some input if anyone has anything to add.

 

replace the O2 sensor that is upstream in that bank. The O2 sensors are what set the misfire codes, if one gets lazy it will start throwing false codes.

 

Thanks, I'll try that as soon as I can.