P0301 is a cylinder 1 misfire. Change out your spark plugs. Forget cleaning them. They cost $2 a piece (get autolight or motorcraft plugs, anything else is just a waste of money) and some dielectric grease ($3 tube). You'll also need a long socket. I can't remember which size maybe 18mm or 19mm. Get a plug and find a socket that'll fit it at the parts shop.
Driver's side is pretty straight forward. Gap your plug properly with a gapper (feeler gauges are better, they're thin pieces of metal)
.052 inches.
Unplug your spark plug wire boot near the exhaust manifold. Do this when your engine is COLD or you'll get a nasty burn.
Stick your socket in, make sure it fits properly, then loosen it up and take it out. When you put in your new plug, use that dielectric grease on the threads of the new plug and on the inside of your spark plug wire boot. Use liberally. It helps to make contact with your boot and it acts to lubricate for future changes. Finger tighten first.
DO NOT FORCE IT IN....if you follow any of these directions, follow this one!
Do ONE plug at a time to avoid mixup.
Tell your mechanic to take is $300 estimate and shove it! :hihi:
Oh yah, passenger side, you'll need to remove the intake hose but that's pretty easy, just a few screws. Take a look at it, you'll figure it out
The P0301 code could be for several things. Is it running funny?