2015 Lincoln P0303: What It Means & Is It Safe to Drive?

P0303 on the 2015 Lincoln: Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected. Here's what it means, what usually causes it, what repairs typically cost, and whether it's safe to keep driving.

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What this code means

The PCM has detected a misfire specifically on cylinder 3. Diagnosis follows the same steps as P0301—swap parts to the same position on a known-good cylinder to isolate the fault.

Common causes on the 2015 Lincoln

  • Worn or fouled spark plug on cylinder 3
  • Failing ignition coil on cylinder 3
  • Leaking or clogged fuel injector
  • Low compression on cylinder 3

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light, often flashing under load
  • Rough idle or shaking
  • Loss of power, hesitation

Typical fixes

  • Replace spark plug and coil on cylinder 3
  • Test and replace fuel injector
  • Compression test if ignition parts don't resolve it

Repair cost range

For a 2015 Lincoln, repairs for P0303 typically fall between $150 and $900, depending on the root cause and labor rates in your area.

Known issues on Lincoln

Lincoln cylinder 3 misfire on 5.4L Triton mirrors Ford's ignition coil boot failure—the secondary ignition boots crack from heat, allowing the spark to arc to the valve cover instead of firing the plug. Replace the coil and boot as an assembly.

Most commonly affected models

MKZ 2.0T 2013–2020Navigator 5.4L 2007–2014Navigator 3.5TT 2015–2020

Is it safe to keep driving your 2015 Lincoln with this code?

For driving-safety guidance—how far you can go, when to tow, and what's urgent—see these checklists:

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