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2004 Jeep Liberty 3.7L Engine Code P2311 - Cylinder 4 Misfire After Coil and Plug Replacement

Model: 04 Jeep Liberty 3.7 EC Fault Code: P2311 Posted: 2018-11-28 20:14

Hi everyone! I'm having an issue with my 2004 Jeep Liberty 3.7L engine. The vehicle has been running fine until recently, but now it starts to misfire at around 2000 RPM, especially during idle. I've already replaced both the spark plugs and ignition coils, and I can confirm there's voltage reaching the coil. However, cylinder 4 is not firing. The fault code displayed is P2311 (Ignition Coil 'A' Primary Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 4). I'm in South Carolina and have no other diagnostic codes showing on my OBD-II scanner. The old plugs were NGK, and I replaced them with AC Delco ones—though I now suspect the AC Delco model might not be compatible. I don't currently own a noid light, but I plan to use one to test for spark at each coil connector while cranking. I've measured 13V on the center plug using a multimeter and have confirmed that there's no voltage reading when testing with a test light across the plug terminal (from plug to ground). The ignition coils I used both read 1.1 ohms of resistance—above the recommended range of 0.6–0.9 ohms. I also noticed that the connectors on the Power Control Unit (PCU) may have been loose or corroded, which could be contributing to the misfire. I've since reseated all PCM connections and the misfire has stopped—though I'm still concerned about long-term reliability. I'll be using contact cleaner like Deoxit to clean connectors moving forward. Any advice on correct spark plug types for this engine or how to properly test ignition coil function would be greatly appreciated.

Related fault codes
P2311
Comments (13)
Anonymous 2018-11-29 08:59

Are you in North America? The 'EC' prefix suggests an OBD-II system. I assume you're seeing code P2311—do you have any other diagnostic codes? What brand of spark plugs did you use? Some models are known to cause issues. Using a noid light or test light, probe each side of the coil connector while cranking: does it flash, stay steady, or show no light at all?

Anonymous 2018-11-29 09:40

Thanks for responding! I'm in South Carolina. No other codes are showing on my scanner. The old plugs were NGK; the new ones are AC Delco. I now realize that might have been a mistake—NGK is likely more compatible. I don’t currently have a noid light, but I plan to get one soon. I’ve measured 13V at the center plug with a multimeter and haven't tested the test light yet—would that be from the plug terminal to ground?

Anonymous 2018-11-29 09:43

Yes—by 'test light from plug,' you mean connecting one end of the test light to the spark plug terminal and grounding it on a metal surface, correct?

Anonymous 2018-11-29 10:08

Just use a test light to complete the circuit as shown in diagrams. Crank the engine—what happens? 'No other codes' is concerning—how are you checking for diagnostic trouble codes? Why did you replace plugs and coils? Was it because the vehicle started misfiring, or were you addressing an existing code? Also, where does the 'EC' prefix come from?

Anonymous 2018-11-29 10:16

EC stands for Engine Control. I used a Bluetooth OBD-II scanner with the Torque Pro app. I replaced both plugs and coils after noticing the engine started misfiring—running fine when going to work, but then exhibiting rough idle and surging around 2000 RPMs.

Anonymous 2018-11-29 10:22

I'll try using the test light shortly.

Anonymous 2018-11-29 10:24

AC Delco plugs are not ideal for this engine—check the radiator support area for emission label. The correct plug is likely Mopar #SPZFR6F11G. Also, verify that your new ignition coils have proper primary resistance—should be between 0.6 and 0.9 ohms.

Anonymous 2018-11-29 11:03

No light at all when testing with the test light during cranking. Both new coils measured 1.1 ohms of resistance—above the acceptable range. Neither wire shows a ground fault, and I didn’t see any visible damage behind the engine block. I was planning to check continuity on the PCU plug—do you know which specific connector that would be?

Anonymous 2018-11-29 12:46

Ignition coils from aftermarket brands often don't meet specifications—I suspect these weren’t original Jeep parts, and they may not work properly. Don’t panic yet—they might still function in the short term. Did you use a proper OBD-II scanner? With the plug connected to the coil, perform a KOEO (Key On, Engine Off) test: measure voltage on terminal 2 and terminal 1 of the harness. Report your readings. Often, ignition connectors degrade over time—check for corrosion or loose connections. Using a proper scanner should reveal more detailed codes.

Anonymous 2018-11-29 12:52

Here's a helpful manual: http://www.mediafire.com/file/xd09c9dvv...Manual.pdf

Anonymous 2018-11-29 13:19

Thanks for the help! I reseated all PCM connections and the misfire has stopped. I’ll clean up the connectors with a better contact cleaner and monitor performance going forward.

Anonymous 2018-11-29 13:36

'Deoxit' contact cleaner is my go-to—available at Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Walmart.

Anonymous 2018-11-29 14:46

Thanks for the support!