1996 Buick Century Custom - P0300 and P0441 Codes: Causes, Fixes, and Safety Concerns

Model: 1996 Buick Century Custom Fault Code: P0300 Posted: 2016-02-28 14:51

I recently purchased a 1996 Buick Century Custom from a friend. He mentioned that the car occasionally fails to start on initial attempts, but it always starts eventually. Last Tuesday, I was stuck at work for two hours trying to get it started — it simply wouldn't turn over. After returning home on Saturday, I finally managed to start it. The 'Check Engine' light was on, so I took it to Autozone, which diagnosed codes P0300 and P0440. I immediately replaced the gas cap, after which the codes cleared. However, I'm now concerned: is it safe to drive this vehicle? I commute 30 minutes from home, and having my wife or daughter come to pick me up every time is extremely inconvenient. Are there any specific fixes for these codes? Any advice on how to resolve P0300 (random misfire) and P0441 (evaporative emission system malfunction)? I want to ensure the car is safe and reliable before continuing to use it regularly.