P0302 on 2011-2018 Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI: Cylinder 2 Misfire Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2011-2018 Ram 1500

For the fourth-generation Ram 1500 with the 5.7L HEMI, a P0302 code carries a heavier weight than on many other vehicles. While the cause can be a simple spark plug or ignition coil, this engine has a well-documented history of valvetrain issues. A misfire code is often the first sign of a failing hydraulic lifter, where the internal needle bearings of the roller fail, causing the roller to stop spinning and grind against the camshaft lobe. This issue, often called the "HEMI tick," is frequently louder on a cold start and may quiet down as the engine warms up. It turns a simple misfire diagnosis into a potential major engine repair, a reality many owners have faced and documented in detail.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Rough or shaking idle
• Hesitation or stumbling during acceleration
• Noticeable loss of engine power
• Flashing Check Engine Light
• Reduced fuel economy
• Engine may disable the Multi-Displacement System (MDS)
• Audible 'ticking' or 'tapping' noise from the engine, especially on the passenger side

Most Likely Causes

1. Failing Ignition Coil 🔴 High Probability → Shop Ignition Coil Coil-on-plug systems are generally reliable, but the individual coils are subjected to constant heat and vibration, leading to eventual failure.
   How to confirm: Swap the ignition coil from cylinder 2 with another cylinder (cylinder 4 is easily accessible on the same bank). Clear the codes and drive. If the code changes to P0304, the coil is faulty. This is the universally recommended first diagnostic step.
   Typical fix: Replace the failed ignition coil. It's a simple repair involving removing one or two bolts.
   Est. part cost: $30-$75
2. Worn or Fouled Spark Plug 🔴 High Probability → Shop Spark Plug The 5.7L HEMI uses two spark plugs per cylinder, for a total of 16. This increases the statistical chance of a single plug failing or becoming fouled over its service life. It is a common maintenance item.
   How to confirm: After ruling out the coil, remove the two spark plugs from cylinder 2. Inspect them for wear, carbon buildup, oil fouling, or cracks. A heavily worn electrode or fouled plug is a clear cause.
   Typical fix: Replace the spark plugs. It is highly recommended to replace all 16 spark plugs at the same time to ensure even performance and prevent future misfires.
   Est. part cost: $50-$150 for a full set of 16 plugs
3. Failed Camshaft Lobe and/or Lifter 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Engine Camshaft This is a notorious weak point of the 5.7L HEMI. The roller bearings on the hydraulic lifters (especially those for MDS cylinders) can seize due to a combination of design and potential lubrication issues at low RPMs. When the needle bearings fail, the roller stops spinning and drags across the camshaft lobe, grinding it down. This prevents the valve from opening correctly, causing a persistent misfire that will not be fixed by ignition or fuel parts.
   How to confirm: A persistent ticking noise from the engine is a strong clue. A definitive diagnosis involves removing the passenger-side valve cover and, with the engine being slowly turned over, observing the valve movement of cylinder 2's rocker arms. If the intake or exhaust rocker arm for cylinder 2 moves noticeably less than the rockers for other cylinders, the camshaft lobe is destroyed. A compression test may also show lower readings on the affected cylinder.
   Typical fix: This is a major engine repair that involves replacing the camshaft, all 16 lifters, head gaskets, and other related components. Many owners and shops elect to install a non-MDS lifter kit, such as the Mopar 'Hellcat' lifters (part #5038784AD), to prevent a recurrence. This requires disabling the MDS system in the PCM with a tuner.
   Est. part cost: $800-$2500 for a complete cam and lifter kit, with aftermarket kits being cheaper and performance kits being more expensive. Shop repair costs can range from $3,500 to over $7,000.
4. Clogged or Faulty Fuel Injector ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Fuel Injector Debris in the fuel system can clog an injector over time, preventing it from delivering the correct amount of fuel.
   How to confirm: After ruling out ignition issues, swap the fuel injector from cylinder 2 with another cylinder. This is more labor-intensive. If the misfire code moves with the injector, the injector is the problem. You can also listen to the injector with a mechanic's stethoscope to ensure it's clicking.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty fuel injector.
   Est. part cost: $50-$120

Rare But Worth Checking

• Intake Manifold Gasket Leak: → Shop Engine Intake Manifold A vacuum leak near the cylinder 2 intake runner can lean out the air/fuel mixture enough to cause a misfire. This can sometimes be found by spraying brake cleaner near the gasket with the engine running and listening for a change in idle speed.
• Broken Exhaust Manifold Bolts: The HEMI engines are known for breaking exhaust manifold bolts, especially those at the rear of the cylinder head. While this more commonly causes lean codes (P0171/P0174), a significant leak could disrupt cylinder operation and contribute to a misfire.
• VVT Solenoid Issue: A failing Variable Valve Timing (VVT) solenoid can cause erratic engine timing. If the solenoid gets stuck or clogged with debris (especially metal from a failing lifter), it can contribute to misfire codes.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Confirm the P0302 code is present using an OBD-II scanner. Note if the Check Engine Light is steady or flashing.
2. Locate cylinder 2, which is the front-most cylinder on the passenger side.
3. Listen carefully to the engine, especially on a cold start, for a persistent ticking sound. A 'HEMI tick' strongly suggests a mechanical valvetrain problem.
4. Swap the ignition coil from cylinder 2 with the coil from cylinder 4 (the next one back on the passenger side). Clear the codes and run the engine. If the code returns as P0304, the ignition coil is bad and needs replacement.
5. If the code remains P0302, swap the two spark plugs from cylinder 2 with the plugs from cylinder 4. If the code moves to P0304, one or both of the spark plugs were faulty.
6. If the misfire is still on cylinder 2, perform an engine compression test on cylinder 2. A significantly lower reading compared to other cylinders (e.g., 165 psi vs 200 psi) points toward a mechanical problem. However, a good compression test does not completely rule out a cam/lifter issue.
7. If ignition, plugs, and compression seem okay, check the cylinder 2 fuel injector. Listen for a steady clicking with a stethoscope. For a more definitive test, swap the injector with another cylinder and see if the misfire follows.
8. If a ticking noise is present and other tests are inconclusive, the definitive step is to remove the passenger-side valve cover. Have a helper slowly crank the engine and visually inspect the rocker arms for cylinder 2. If one has visibly less movement or 'lift' than the others, the camshaft lobe has been flattened.
9. Inspect the wiring harness for the ignition coil and fuel injector for any damage or corrosion.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Ignition Coil (OEM #56029129AF) — This is one of the most common failure points for a single-cylinder misfire and is the easiest part to diagnose via swapping.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, NGK, Delphi
  OEM price range: $50-$75
  Aftermarket price range: $30-$60
• Spark Plugs (OEM #SP143877AA (Nickel) / SPRE14MCC4 (Iridium)) — Spark plugs are a routine maintenance item. With 16 plugs in the engine, the odds of one failing are higher than in other engines. It's best practice to replace all 16 at once.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, NGK, Champion
  OEM price range: $8-$15 per plug
  Aftermarket price range: $4-$10 per plug

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0300 — If the condition causing the P0302 is intermittent or beginning to affect other cylinders (like a widespread vacuum leak or major valvetrain issue), a P0300 'Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire' code may also be stored.
• P0420 / P0430 — If the misfire is severe and goes unaddressed, unburnt fuel will be dumped into the exhaust, which can overheat and destroy the catalytic converter, leading to a Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold code for Bank 1 (P0420) or Bank 2 (P0430).

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Real Owner Story: From P0302 to DIY Camshaft Replacement: → Shop Engine Camshaft On RamForum.com, a user with a 2010 Ram 5.7L documented their journey with a persistent P0302. After swapping plugs and coils with no success, they confirmed the lifter/cam failure. The user performed the entire camshaft and lifter replacement themselves, noting the job was time-consuming but manageable for a skilled DIYer. They confirmed the cause was a seized lifter on cylinder #2 which destroyed the camshaft lobe.
• Owner Experience: Ticking Noise is the Key Symptom: Multiple owners across forums confirm that a P0302 code combined with a ticking noise is almost certainly a sign of cam and lifter failure. One owner of a 2014 Ram with 135k miles reported a P0302 and a tick that was louder on cold starts; their mechanic immediately suspected lifters and cam.
• Post-Repair Misfires: In some complex cases, a P0302 misfire can appear even after a major repair. One owner on RamForum.com experienced a P0302 at idle after replacing a failed camshaft, which had been caused by an initial P0308 (cylinder 8 misfire). This highlights the importance of ensuring all related components (like the VVT system) are clean and functional during a major engine repair.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Ignition Coil Primary Resistance — expected: 0.558 - 0.682 Ohms at 70-80°F. Failure: A reading outside this range indicates a faulty coil winding.
• Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance — expected: 6,000 to 10,000 ohms. Failure: A reading outside this range suggests the coil's secondary winding has failed.
• Fuel Injector Coil Resistance — expected: 10 - 18 Ohms. Failure: A reading significantly outside this range, or one that differs greatly from other injectors, points to a bad injector.
• Fuel Pressure (at fuel rail, engine running) — expected: 59 PSI +/- 5 PSI. Failure: Pressure below 54 PSI indicates a problem with the fuel pump or regulator.
• VVT Solenoid Internal Resistance — expected: 6.9 to 7.9 Ohms at 68°F (20°C). Failure: An open circuit (infinite resistance) or a reading outside the specified range indicates a faulty solenoid.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH (or equivalent high-level scanner): Cylinder Contribution Test / Misfire Monitor — Use this to view live misfire counts per cylinder while the engine is running. This can confirm the misfire is isolated to cylinder 2 and hasn't been resolved by simple fixes. It's a crucial data point before proceeding to more invasive mechanical checks.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Cylinder 2 Ignition Coil Connector — On the ignition coil for the front-most cylinder on the passenger side of the engine.. This 3-pin connector provides power, ground, and the control signal from the PCM. The pins can be tested for voltage and signal. Damage to this connector or its wiring will cause a P0302.
• Engine to Heat Shield Ground Strap — Under the vehicle, connecting the engine block to the heat shield/body.. A poor engine ground can cause a host of electrical issues, including weak spark or erratic sensor readings that could lead to misfire codes. Ensuring this strap (Mopar part #5064814AB) is clean and tight is a valid troubleshooting step for persistent, hard-to-diagnose electrical issues.
• MDS and VVT Jumper Wiring — This harness (Mopar part #5148163AE) connects to the Multiple Displacement Solenoids and the VVT solenoid, often routed in the engine valley under the intake manifold.. Damage to this harness, especially during a previous repair like a lifter replacement, can cause issues with the VVT or MDS systems, which can manifest as misfire codes.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• RamForum.com user 'DRobSForce' (2012 Ram 1500 5.7L) — P0302 code and engine bogging down under load/acceleration. A slightly louder tick was present but not initially alarming.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The user did not specify a list of failed attempts, but the diagnosis led past the typical ignition/fuel checks.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The cylinder #2 lifter had seized and stopped rotating, which ground down the camshaft lobe. The user performed the repair themselves, replacing the camshaft and all lifters, which resolved the misfire.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 53021720AE (and others like 53021720AB, 53021720AD, 53021720BB) → 5038784AD — Part 53021720AE is a standard MDS lifter. It has been superseded in many catalogs and recommendations by the 5038784AD 'Hellcat' lifter, which is considered a more robust design, even for non-supercharged applications, to prevent repeat failures.
  Heads up: Using the non-MDS 'Hellcat' lifters requires disabling the MDS system via a PCM tune to prevent codes and improper engine operation.
• 56029129AA, 56029129AB → 56029129AF — Internal revisions and manufacturing updates to the ignition coil.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2013-2018: Starting in the 2013 model year, the 5.7L HEMI was paired with a new 8-speed automatic transmission (replacing the 6-speed) and gained electric power steering. This resulted in a slight horsepower rating increase to 395 hp due to reduced parasitic drag from a hydraulic power steering pump. These changes affect the engine's operating load and RPM characteristics, which can influence the behavior of the MDS system.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0304 — Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected — Frequently appears during the diagnostic process when swapping the cylinder 2 ignition coil or spark plugs to cylinder 4 to verify if a component is faulty.
• P0308 — Cylinder 8 Misfire Detected — Another common HEMI misfire code; context notes cases where a P0308 led to a camshaft replacement, followed by a P0302 if the VVT system wasn't properly cleaned during the repair.
• P0202 — Cylinder 2 Injector Circuit/Open — Can appear alongside P0302 if the root cause of the misfire is a clogged, faulty, or electrically disconnected fuel injector on cylinder 2.
• P0352 — Ignition Coil 'B' Primary/Secondary Circuit — Directly related to the cylinder 2 ignition coil, which is a high-probability cause for the P0302 misfire on the 5.7L HEMI.
• P0300 — Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected — May trigger alongside P0302 if the camshaft/lifter failure has begun to affect multiple cylinders or if multiple spark plugs are fouled across the engine.

Frequently Asked Questions