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2011 GMC Tahoe Hybrid P0307 Misfire: After Replacing Coils, Wires, Plugs & Injectors Still Persistent

Model: 2011 Tahoe Hybrid Fault Code: P0307 Posted: 2016-01-16 14:24

I own a 2011 GMC Tahoe Hybrid with approximately 67,000 miles. About a month ago, the vehicle displayed the message 'ENGINE POWER REDUCED, SERVICE STABILTRAK, ETC.' The engine appeared to run normally at first, so I turned it off immediately and attempted to retrieve diagnostic codes using a code reader. When I restarted the vehicle, no codes were detected. I took it for a drive—everything was fine with no warning messages or check engine light. A week later, my wife encountered the same message while driving, and the engine began running roughly. She pulled over and shut off the vehicle. I advised her to wait a few minutes in hopes that the issue would resolve itself, similar to what happened previously. However, this time it did not. The truck was eventually driven just one mile to get home, during which it ran poorly. After pulling codes, I received P0307—indicating a misfire in cylinder 7. I initially swapped the spark plug and wire from cylinder 5 to cylinder 7, which triggered a P0300 (random/multiple cylinder misfire), leading me to suspect a faulty coil on cylinder 7. I then replaced all spark plugs, ignition coils (excluding #6 and #8 due to access limitations), and distributor wires. Despite these replacements, the P0307 code persisted. I later researched online and concluded that fuel injectors could be the root cause. After installing new injectors—tested with a NOID light prior to installation—the issue remained unresolved. I also replaced both knock sensors and upgraded from an original 12V battery to a brand-new one. One month after all these repairs, the P0307 code still appears. The check engine light comes on and begins flashing, indicating potential catalytic converter damage. I have not driven it far—only enough to reach operating temperature and trigger the light after resetting. There are no unusual exhaust odors (no rotten eggs or coolant smells), and the vehicle runs roughly, especially when backing up in reverse. The idle is also rougher than while driving, though I’ve only pushed it to about 40 mph. The only remaining component not replaced is the throttle body and throttle position sensor—some forums suggest these can resolve 'REDACTED ENGINE POWER' issues—but I haven’t seen this message in nearly a month. I am now at an impasse and seeking advice from others who have encountered similar problems or any potential solutions. Any insights, experiences, or troubleshooting steps would be greatly appreciated!

Related fault codes
P0307
Comments (12)
Anonymous 2016-01-16 15:01

Does your code reader support both generic (P0xxx) and manufacturer-specific codes (e.g., P1xxx)? Some basic scanners only read up to P0999. Is this vehicle equipped with Active Fuel Management (AFM), which is common in 2007–2011 GM V8 engines? Currently, the only code reported is P0307—any other codes or pending ones? What does cylinder #7 spark plug look like visually—wet, black, dry, tan? Are you using AC Delco parts (aftermarket components can sometimes cause issues)? For misfires, we typically investigate spark, fuel injection, vacuum leaks, and then perform a compression test. Can you confirm if the engine has AFM or V8 configuration?

Anonymous 2016-01-16 21:58

Thanks for the clarification—my scanner is a basic $40 CEN-TECH model from Harbor Freight. It only shows generic codes, though the Harbor Freight website states it can read both P0xxx and manufacturer-specific codes. When I first removed plugs, I checked #7 and #5: cylinder #7 had a whiteish tip, while #5 appeared normal with a blackish/tan color and dry appearance. I have photos but they're too large to attach—will reduce size for posting. The vehicle does have AFM. In the menu, it displays 'V8' (sometimes shows as V4), which may matter. All parts used are AC Delco—OEM only on oil filters. I haven’t done a compression test yet but plan to do so soon. How can I check for vacuum leaks?

Anonymous 2016-01-16 22:33

https://www.dropbox.com/s/gvdrenctt0rv7...56.12.jpg Photo of spark plugs #5 and #7 respectively. According to Harbor Freight, this scanner supports both generic and manufacturer-specific codes.

Anonymous 2016-01-17 06:31

TSB #12-06-01-001B: Service Engine Soon Light On, Rough Running Engine, Cracked or Oil-Fouled #1 and/or #7 Spark Plugs (June 1, 2012) Applies to 2007–2011 GMC Savana, Sierra 1500, Denali, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Yukon Denali models with Gen IV V8 engines built before February 1, 2011. Some customers report a 'Service Engine Soon' light and rough engine performance. Technicians may find P0300. Further inspection reveals oil-fouled or cracked spark plugs in cylinders #1 and #7—typically on the driver’s side (left) due to PCV pullover adding excess oil into combustion chambers. Note: If Corporate Bulletin 10-06-01-008C has been completed, a new valve cover may not be required. Look for the second design baffle with a square hole at the end of the baffle. Install a revised left-side valve cover to prevent oil overfeed from PCV pullover.

Anonymous 2016-01-17 10:07

Thank you, autojoe—I will take this TSB recommendation to my dealer for evaluation.

Anonymous 2016-01-17 11:23

This is a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB), not a recall. The repair would need to be performed at your own cost.

Anonymous 2016-01-17 14:59

Could this issue still be covered under the powertrain warranty? I purchased this vehicle in May 2012 as a certified pre-owned model.

Anonymous 2016-01-17 15:45

No—powertrain warranties typically do not cover issues arising from PCV system faults or spark plug oil fouling after the initial warranty period ends.

Anonymous 2016-01-17 19:11

Does cylinder #7 spark plug appear oil-fouled? Part number 12642655 is for the valve cover—available online at lower cost. Labor time: approximately 1.2 hours, flat rate.

Anonymous 2016-01-18 20:36

autojoe—can you see the photo I posted? It doesn’t appear oil-fouled to me, though I’m not a mechanic. The electrode on cylinder #7 looked slightly 'white' compared to cylinder #5.

Anonymous 2016-01-19 08:37

I can't tell from the photos—the plug may foul between center and ground electrodes. I’ve heard troubling reports of vehicles being taken to dealerships or parts changers with no real resolution. There could be a stability control system issue that triggers misfire codes. A high-quality scan tool is needed to view current and historical misfire counts, as well as check for faulty wheel speed sensors causing reduced power. Unfortunately, I haven’t encountered this combination of P0307 and STABILTRAK warnings before. A professional-grade scanner capable of reading all module-specific codes would be essential here.

Anonymous 2016-06-25 15:26

Understanding that a burnt valve, lack of compression, or bad plug/wire causes an actual misfire—where exactly is the P0307 code generated? I swapped cylinder #5’s coil, wire, and plug to cylinder #7, yet the engine still shows a misfire in cylinder #7 with the P0307 code. This suggests that the sensor feeding the P0307 signal isn’t detecting proper combustion—fouled plugs don’t generate signals for such detection. Since cylinder #7 is not firing in sync with the P0307 code, it implies the issue lies within a sensor or its connector (e.g., crankshaft position, camshaft position, or ignition control module). Without deeper knowledge of the control system architecture, I’m unable to pinpoint the exact location—any help on identifying the correct sensor would be appreciated! Thanks in advance.