P0308 on Lincoln: How to Diagnose & Fix
Cylinder 8 Misfire Detected
1 Lincoln model · 1 documented issue · $100-$750 repair
P0308 on Lincoln by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The 1998-up 4.6L 2V V8 uses eight individual coil-on-plug ignition coils whose boots and towers crack with age and heat, allowing spark to track to ground and causing single- or multi-cylinder misfires, rough idle, and stumbling under load. Failures are accelerated when the plastic intake manifold used on 1996-2001 4.6L engines leaks coolant into the spark plug wells and shorts the coils. It is one of the most common drivability complaints on the platform, well documented across owner forums and diagnostic guides.
Common Symptoms
- Check engine light, sometimes flashing, with misfire codes
- Rough or shaking idle
- Stumble or jerking under acceleration or load
- Reduced power and fuel economy
- Misfire worse in damp weather
How to Fix
Diagnose by swapping the suspect coil to another cylinder and confirming the misfire code follows; replace failed coils and boots, and replace high-mileage spark plugs at the same time. If coolant is found in a plug well, fix the intake manifold leak first or the new coil will fail too.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Motorcraft DG-508 ignition coil, singleOEMMotorcraft DG-508
Replace one coil confirmed failed on the 1998-2011 4.6L Town Car branch Fitment/availability: Live direct page identifies Motorcraft DG508, Town Car fitment and Add to Cart. Quantity is one per confirmed failed cylinder; confirm the vehi…
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Sources for this issue (4)
- Lincoln Town Car P0301: Cylinder 1 Misfire (Causes + How to Fix) — Drivetrain Resourcearticle
- How To Test The Coil-On-Plug Ignition Coils (1998-2011 4.6L Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis) — identical Panther 4.6L powertrain as Town Cararticle
- Ford DG508 Ignition Coil Failure: Misfires in 4.6L & 5.4L V8s (names Crown Victoria, Town Car, Grand Marquis) — Go-Partsarticle
- Cracking Intake Settlement (96M91/97M91 + class action, 1996-2001 4.6L incl. Town Car) — TCCoA Forumsforum
P0308 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0308 mean on a Lincoln?
P0308 stands for "Cylinder 8 Misfire Detected." P0308 means the engine computer detected a misfire on cylinder number 8 — that cylinder is failing to combust properly or at the correct time. The PCM identifies it by monitoring crankshaft speed variations as cylinder 8 fires. Misfires waste fuel, increase emissions, and can overheat and damage the catalytic converter, so a hard misfire may cause a flashing check engine light. Typical symptoms include rough idle, vibration, hesitation, and reduced power. On Lincoln it is documented across 1 model: Town Car.
What are the most common causes of P0308?
The most common causes of P0308 are: Worn, fouled, or incorrectly gapped spark plug on cylinder 8, Failed ignition coil or coil-on-plug for cylinder 8, Faulty, clogged, or leaking fuel injector, Vacuum or intake air leak affecting that cylinder, Low compression (worn rings, burnt/leaking valve, head gasket), Damaged spark plug wire or boot (on applicable engines), Carbon buildup or sticking valve. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0308 on a Lincoln?
Published repair estimates on Lincoln range from $100 to $750 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.