P0302 on 2015-2019 Ram Promaster City: Cylinder 2 Misfire Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2015-2019 Ram PROMASTER CITY

The 2015-2019 Ram Promaster City is equipped with the 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir2 engine. A very common issue with this specific engine, also found in platform mates like the Jeep Cherokee and Chrysler 200, is the valve cover gasket leaking oil directly into the spark plug tubes. This oil saturation is a frequent cause of ignition coil and spark plug failure, leading directly to misfire codes like P0302. 🎬 Watch: Diagnosing common misfire codes on the 2.4L Tigershark engine. While a bad coil or plug is the immediate problem, the leaking gasket is often the root cause that must be addressed to prevent a recurring misfire. Additionally, this engine is known for excessive oil consumption, which can cause the oil level to drop and affect the oil-pressure-driven MultiAir valve timing system, leading to misfires.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Rough or shaky idle
• Engine hesitation or stumbling during acceleration
• Noticeable loss of power
• Flashing or solid Check Engine Light
• Reduced fuel economy
• Rough running condition
• Shaking or vibration from the engine
• Burning oil smell from oil dripping on hot exhaust components

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Ignition Coil 🔴 High Probability → Shop Ignition Coil Ignition coils can be damaged by engine oil leaking from the valve cover gasket into the spark plug well, a common issue on this engine. Heat and vibration also cause them to fail over time.
   How to confirm: Swap the ignition coil from cylinder 2 with another cylinder (e.g., cylinder 1). Clear the codes and run the engine. If the code changes to P0301, the ignition coil is faulty. Visually inspect the coil boot for oil saturation, swelling, or cracks.
   Typical fix: Replace the failed ignition coil. If oil was present in the spark plug well, the valve cover gasket set must also be replaced to prevent repeat failure. TSB 08-027-20 suggests that for some rough running conditions, just replacing the ignition coil boots and applying special lubricant may be sufficient.
   Est. part cost: $81-$144
2. Worn or Fouled Spark Plug 🔴 High Probability → Shop Spark Plug
   How to confirm: After confirming the ignition coil is good, remove the spark plug from cylinder 2. Inspect it for wear, carbon buildup, or oil fouling. Oil fouling is a strong indicator of a leaking valve cover gasket or excessive oil consumption. You can also swap it with a plug from another cylinder to see if the misfire code moves.
   Typical fix: Replace the spark plug. It is recommended to replace all four spark plugs at the same time. Use Iridium-type plugs as specified for the 2.4L MultiAir engine, such as NGK Iridium (94466) or the OEM Champion plug.
   Est. part cost: $30-$40 for a set of four NGK Iridium plugs.
3. Leaking Valve Cover Gasket / Spark Plug Tube Seals 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Engine Valve Cover This is a very common failure on the 2.4L Tigershark engine across multiple vehicle platforms, leading to oil filling the spark plug tubes and causing misfires.
   How to confirm: When you remove the ignition coil for cylinder 2, visually inspect the inside of the tube and the coil boot for the presence of engine oil. This is the definitive sign of a failed gasket/tube seal.
   Typical fix: Replace the valve cover gasket set, which includes the spark plug tube seals and bolt grommets. Clean all oil from the spark plug tubes and replace any oil-fouled ignition coils and spark plugs. Using an inch-pound torque wrench is critical to avoid cracking the plastic valve cover during reinstallation.
   Est. part cost: $25-$80 for a gasket set.
4. Clogged or Faulty Fuel Injector ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Fuel Injector
   How to confirm: If ignition components are confirmed to be good, the fuel injector is the next suspect. This can be tested by checking its resistance with a multimeter or by swapping it with an injector from another cylinder, though this is a more involved job.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty fuel injector.
   Est. part cost: $50-$100

Rare But Worth Checking

• Low Engine Oil Level: The 2.4L MultiAir engine is known for oil consumption, with some owners reporting losses of 1 quart per 1,000 miles. Low oil level and pressure can disrupt the MultiAir valve actuation system, causing misfires that mimic ignition or fuel problems. Always check the oil level first when any misfire code appears.
• Internal Engine Mechanical Failure: In rare cases, a persistent P0302 after ruling out fuel and ignition parts could indicate a loss of compression from a bad valve, piston ring, or other internal issue. A compression test is needed to diagnose this. One owner of a Promaster with a P0302 found cylinder 2 had only 50 PSI of compression, necessitating an engine replacement.
• Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Software: → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) TSB 18-068-19 indicates that a PCM software update is available for some 2019 models to address false misfire codes. This should be checked by a dealer. Another TSB, 18-004-16, also addresses PCM updates for misfire codes on 2014-2015 platform mates.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the code with an OBD-II scanner. Note if P0302 is alone or present with other codes like P0300.
2. Check the engine oil level. If it is low, top it off, clear the codes, and test drive. The 2.4L Tigershark is known for oil consumption which can cause misfires.
3. Identify cylinder 2 (second from the passenger side).
4. Remove the engine cover.
5. Remove the ignition coil from cylinder 2. Inspect the spark plug well for any signs of oil. If oil is present, the valve cover gasket is leaking and must be replaced along with any oil-fouled components.
6. If no oil is found, swap the ignition coil from cylinder 2 with the coil from cylinder 1. Clear the codes and start the engine. Wait for the Check Engine Light to return.
7. If the code is now P0301, the ignition coil is bad and needs replacement.
8. If the code remains P0302, the coil is likely good. Move the spark plug from cylinder 2 to cylinder 3. Clear codes and re-test.
9. If the code changes to P0303, the spark plug is bad.
10. If the code remains P0302, the issue is likely not the coil or plug. Inspect the wiring and connector for the cylinder 2 ignition coil and fuel injector.
11. If wiring is intact, consider a faulty fuel injector or a mechanical engine problem. A compression test is the next step to check for internal engine issues like bad valves or piston rings.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Ignition Coil (OEM #68242286AB (supersedes 68242286AA, 68080580AB)) — This is one of the most common failure points for a single-cylinder misfire. It can be damaged by heat cycles or by oil contamination from a leaking valve cover gasket.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, NGK, Delphi, Bosch, Standard Motor Products (UF-751)
  OEM price range: $100-$150
  Aftermarket price range: $30-$120
• Spark Plug (OEM #SP148183AC (Champion REC10WMPB4)) — Spark plugs are a routine maintenance item and can cause misfires when worn or fouled by oil or carbon, both of which are common issues on this engine.
  Trusted brands: NGK (ILKR7B8 / 94466), Champion, Denso
  OEM price range: $15-$25 per plug
  Aftermarket price range: $8-$15 per plug
• Valve Cover Gasket Set (OEM #5047440AC) — A leaking valve cover gasket is a frequent root cause of P0302 on this engine, as it allows oil to foul the spark plug and ignition coil. The set should include the main gasket, spark plug tube seals, and bolt grommets.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Fel-Pro (VS 50906 R), Mahle (VS50914)
  OEM price range: $25-$40
  Aftermarket price range: $20-$30

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0300 — This code for 'Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire' often appears with P0302 if the misfire is intermittent or beginning to affect other cylinders. It can also be set by systemic issues like low oil level or a large vacuum leak.
• P0301, P0303, P0304 — These codes indicate misfires in other cylinders. Seeing them together can point to a systemic issue like a large vacuum leak, low fuel pressure, a bad batch of fuel, or a failing valve cover gasket leaking into multiple plug wells.
• P1068, P106x — Codes like P1068 ('Cylinder 2 Oil Supply Solenoid Valve Switch Off Time Out Of Range') point directly to a fault in the MultiAir 'brick' actuator. Seeing this with a P0302 strongly suggests the root cause is the MultiAir system, not a simple ignition or fuel part.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 18-068-19: Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates for MIL illumination with P0300-P0304 DTCs.
• 08-027-20: 2.4L Ignition Coil Boot Replacement for rough running and P0300-P0304 DTCs.
• 18-004-16: Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates (For Platform Mates, but relevant)

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• TSB #08-027-20 mentions that misfire codes including P0302 can be associated with a rough running condition and may require replacing the ignition coil boots (Part # 68080580AB) and applying dielectric grease.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Fuel Injector Resistance — expected: 10 to 16 Ohms. Failure: A reading significantly outside this range, or an open/shorted circuit. All injectors should have very similar resistance values.
• Mode $06 Misfire Count — expected: An advanced scan tool can access Mode $06, Test ID $53. Component IDs $01-$04 correspond to cylinders 1-4.. Failure: A high or rapidly increasing misfire count for Component ID $02 confirms the misfire is on cylinder 2, even if it's not yet severe enough to keep the CEL on constantly.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• P1068: Cylinder 2 Oil Supply Solenoid Valve Switch Off Time Out Of Range. This code indicates a fault within the electro-hydraulic MultiAir 'brick' that controls the intake valves for cylinder 2. (see via A standard OBD-II scanner. If this code is present with P0302, it strongly points to the MultiAir system as the root cause, not a simple spark plug or coil issue.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH (or advanced professional scanner): Cylinder Power Balance / Cylinder Cutout Test — Use this function after verifying spark and fuel delivery seem okay. The tool commands the PCM to sequentially disable each cylinder. If disabling cylinder 2 causes little or no drop in engine RPM compared to other cylinders, it confirms cylinder 2 is not contributing power, pointing to a significant mechanical or fuel delivery issue.
• wiTECH: PCM/TCM Reprogramming — Used by dealers to apply software updates as specified in Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs). TSB 18-068-19, for example, addresses false misfire codes on some 2019 models and requires a PCM flash.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Primary Engine Ground Strap — A braided ground strap connecting the transmission case to the vehicle's chassis, typically near the driver's side transmission mount.. A loose, corroded, or broken main ground can cause inconsistent voltage references for all engine sensors, including the crankshaft position sensor. This can corrupt the data the PCM uses to detect misfires, leading to phantom codes that cannot be fixed by replacing ignition or fuel parts.
• PCM Connector C2 (Cylinder 2 MultiAir Control) — On the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) in the engine bay. This is a 96-pin connector.. This connector contains the wiring for the MultiAir solenoids. Specifically for cylinder 2, Pin 1 (Violet wire) is for the VVA Solenoid 2 Return and Pin 25 (Violet/Pink wire) is for the VVA Solenoid 2 Signal. Damage to these specific wires or pins could cause a P0302 or a related P1068 code.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube channel 'Kay Auto' (2016 Dodge Promaster (V6 model, but diagnostic principle is identical)) — P0302 - Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Checked for power at the ignition coil., Checked all related fuses., Checked wiring to the ignition coil., Swapped ignition coil from cylinder 2 to cylinder 4.
  ✅ What actually fixed it A compression test was performed. All other cylinders showed around 120 PSI, but cylinder 2 only built 50 PSI, even after a re-test. The low compression indicated a severe internal engine problem (e.g., bad valve, piston rings). The final recommended fix was to replace the engine.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 68080580AB, 68242286AA → 68242286AB — Standard part revision and consolidation by the manufacturer.
  Heads up: The latest part number, 68242286AB, is the correct service replacement and is backward compatible for all 2.4L MultiAir engines in this vehicle range.
• SP148183AB → SP148183AD — Standard part revision.