I have a 96 960 wagon and I'm getting a P0301 code (misfire in #1 hole). I've replaced the plugs and swapped the #1 coil with #3. Still codes P0301. I'm guessing it's the injector. Is there any easy positive way to confirm this or do I need to purchase a new injector and substitute it. Also if it's not the injector what do I look for?

Based on other's and my experience the first place to look is for a leak in the intake manifold gasket by #1.
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'96 965, 16' wheels, Michelin Pilot Sports, rear 18mm bar + Koni, 201 HP cams, 136K. Put 200K on '85 745 TD.

I have been reading these old threads about misfires, in my case #5, and find them still relevant in 2019. I didn't follow perfect deductive reasoning.

1. checked spark going to plug.

2. replaced fuel injector $45 fcp_euro


Then I followed the electrical system backwards ,

3. swap ignition modules and plugs with the #1 cyl.

4. spliced in new set of wires from Dave Barton leading to the ignition coils.$173 delivered. Worth every penny, his wires are color matched to the old wires. Then added a heat protected velcro sleeve from Cool It Thermo Inc. from Amazon. $11. At least erratic signals are removed for fututre worries.


5. And then the front power module $20 from German company Heuer. I don't have the technical wherewithal to discern quality between Heuer and Bosch at $230. Only out $20 bucks if wrong.

6. The power module replacement solved the problem. Back to sewing machine smoothness.

Suggest swapping the Power Stages (on front & rear of the intake manifold 'ball' and see if the missing cylinder is now no longer #1. Only two screws hold each one on.

DEWFPO
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1998 S90 077,400 and 1995 964 154,100

Brenson,

You could pull the fuel rail and swap injectors and see if the problem moves to were the #1 injector was re-installed. You may have a wiring/connector problem going to the #1 coil. Those 960 coil wires and connectors tend to go bad. The #1 position is often first to show signs of a leaking intake manifold gasket.
That can also cause a misfire. My daughter's 96 960's intake gasket was totally shot (the old orange POS) It was running rough and was throwing fuel mixture and misfire codes. I replaced the intake manifold gasket with a new improved version and all is well. If you haven't had the old orange gasket replaced, it could be the source of your problem. They all eventually go bad.