Chevy Cobalt Rough Idle- Misfire Code P0300

I have a 2006 Chevy Cobalt.
The car idles very rough and the engine light is on. I have not gotten the computer scanned for codes yet. When i accelerate, my car runs great, just idle is bad and hesitates from a stop sign. Do you know what could be wrong with my car?

Answer: Well it sure sounds like you have a misfire condition. Usually this is due to a faulty ignition component such as a spark plug, or even the coil/ignition module assembly. That would normally store a code P0300 in the computer.

Since you seem to only be affected at idle, this could actually be an internal engine problem. See pictures below. The cylinder heads on the 4-cylinder engine have been known to have sticking valves due to carbon deposits. If that is the case, you would need to have some major engine work done. The head would need to be removed and either replaced, or at least have the valves that are causing the problem replaced, if not all of them.

Chevy Cobalt

VISITOR: OOO. That sounds expensive. Is that something that would still be under the warranty?

Answer;
Well, since the car is 6 years old, probably not under the factory warranty anymore. If you have an aftermarket warranty, that will surely help. If that is the problem, you can try to call GM for assistance and sometimes they will help you out if you've been a faithful customer at the dealership.

First picture is of the cylinder head removed. A test is to fill each combustion chamber with fluid, and then look for the fluid to leak past the valves- see next closeup picture.

GM 2.2L Ecotec engine misfire at idle caused by leaking cylinder head valves.
2.4L Ecotec valves leaking cause a rough idle and misfire code P0300.

VISITOR: I have been to my local dealership several times in the last few years. Some services that i got in the mail, some other things when it was under warranty. Do you think they might help? Or do i need to be a customer that has spent a lot of money with them?

Answer:
It can't hurt to ask, that's for sure. But first things first, I would take it to them and let them diagnose it properly. It could be something as simple as a bad spark plug causing the P0300 misfire and not cost much at all. But if it is more severe, then would be the time to ask for assistance.

VISITOR: OK. If it turns out that the problem is the valve and head thing, can you give me an estimate of what the P0300 repair cost would be, just so i have a rough idea.

Answer:
Worst case scenario, if the head itself needs to be replaced, you're going to be looking at least $1500-$2000 in repair costs. If the valves can be cleaned/replaced only, then you're still going to be upwards of $1000.

VISITOR: Wow. Thank you so much for your time. This is a great thing you do online here.


Question
I have a question regarding my vehicle, a 2006 Chevy Cobalt LT it has a 2.2 ecotec with automatic transmission. I am having to replace my engine and was wondering if I can use an engine from a 2007 of the same exact car and model, a 2007 chevy cobalt 2.2 ecotec automatic, it's just a year older than mine. Would the 07 work in my 06 without having to make modifications?

Answer:
Yes, that engine will fit right into that year Cobalt without any problems or modifications.


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