P0305 on 2014-2021 Dodge Durango: Cylinder 5 Misfire Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2014-2021 Dodge DURANGO

The 2014-2021 Durango was primarily equipped with either the 3.6L Pentastar V6 or the 5.7L HEMI V8. The location of cylinder #5 is different between these two engines, which is critical for diagnosis. While ignition components are the usual suspects, both engines have well-documented histories of valvetrain issues that can lead to a persistent P0305 code. The 3.6L Pentastar can suffer from failed rocker arms and lifters, a known manufacturing issue addressed in TSB 09-011-25. 🎬 See how to replace Pentastar rocker arms and camshafts The 5.7L HEMI is known for the 'HEMI tick,' where a collapsed lifter destroys the camshaft lobe, often starting with a single-cylinder misfire code.

Diagnostic Flowchart

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

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on (may flash during an active misfire, especially under acceleration)
• Rough or shaking idle
• Noticeable loss of power and poor acceleration
• Engine hesitation or stumbling
• Reduced fuel economy
• A smell of raw fuel from the exhaust
• A distinct ticking or tapping noise from the engine, which could indicate a lifter/camshaft issue

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Ignition Coil 🔴 High Probability → Shop Ignition Coil Coil-on-plug systems are common failure points due to constant exposure to engine heat and vibration. It's a frequent and simple fix across many modern engines, including the Pentastar and HEMI.
   How to confirm: Swap the ignition coil from cylinder 5 with one from another cylinder (e.g., cylinder 3). Clear the codes and drive. If the code changes to P0303, the coil is the confirmed problem. This is the most effective initial diagnostic step.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty ignition coil. A YouTube video from 'Fixing Got Easy' shows this exact repair on a 2015 Durango, resulting in a smooth-running engine after replacing the coil and plug. 🎬 Watch: Step-by-step P0305 repair on a 2015 Durango 3.6L V6
   Est. part cost: $30-$90
2. Worn or Fouled Spark Plug 🔴 High Probability → Shop Spark Plug
   How to confirm: Remove the spark plug from cylinder 5. Inspect it for wear on the electrode, carbon buildup, oil fouling, or cracks in the porcelain. The 5.7L HEMI uses two plugs per cylinder, so be sure to inspect both. Compare it to a new plug or a plug from a healthy cylinder.
   Typical fix: Replace the spark plug. It is best practice to replace all spark plugs at the same time to maintain consistent performance. For the HEMI, all 16 plugs should be replaced.
   Est. part cost: $10-$25 per plug
3. Faulty Fuel Injector 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Fuel Injector
   How to confirm: Listen to the injector with a mechanic's stethoscope; it should have a consistent clicking sound. You can also swap the injector with another cylinder (similar to the coil test) to see if the misfire follows. A P0205 code (Injector Circuit/Open) often accompanies a failed injector.
   Typical fix: Replace the fuel injector for cylinder 5. This requires de-pressurizing and removing the fuel rail.
   Est. part cost: $50-$150
4. Internal Engine Mechanical Failure (Lifter/Camshaft) 🟡 Medium Probability This is a significant known issue. For the 3.6L Pentastar, TSB #09-011-25 addresses misfires and valvetrain noise caused by a manufacturing defect in rocker arms. For the 5.7L HEMI, a collapsed lifter (often a non-MDS lifter) can wipe out a camshaft lobe, a failure frequently starting as a P0305. Forum users on RamForum.com and DodgeForum.com have documented this exact failure progression.
   How to confirm: Perform a compression test and a cylinder leak-down test on cylinder 5. Low readings point to a mechanical problem. A key symptom is a persistent ticking noise. Visually inspecting the valvetrain by removing the valve cover may reveal a rocker arm with excessive play or a camshaft lobe that is visibly worn down.
   Typical fix: This is a complex repair requiring significant engine disassembly to replace the failed lifters, rocker arms, and/or camshaft. Due to the labor involved, it is often left to a professional. Parts kits for lifters and rockers are widely available.
   Est. part cost: $300-$1200+

Rare But Worth Checking

• Vacuum Leak: A vacuum leak from a cracked intake manifold or a failed gasket near the runner for cylinder 5 can lean out the air/fuel mixture and cause a misfire. A smoke test is the most effective way to diagnose this.
• Damaged PCM or Wiring: A break or short in the wiring to the ignition coil or fuel injector can prevent them from functioning. In a thread on DodgeForum.com, a user's mechanic suspected a PCM failure after ruling out wiring and components for a P0305. In very rare cases, the driver circuit in the PCM itself can fail.

Diagnosis Steps

1. First, identify your engine and the location of cylinder 5. For the 3.6L V6, cylinder 5 is the middle cylinder on the passenger side (Bank 1). For the 5.7L V8, it is the third cylinder from the front on the driver's side (Bank 2).
2. Scan for any other stored trouble codes. Codes like P0205 or P0300 provide important context.
3. Start with the simplest and most common cause: the ignition system. Swap the ignition coil from cylinder 5 with another cylinder (e.g., cylinder 3). Clear the codes, run the engine, and see if the misfire code moves to P0303. If it does, the ignition coil is faulty and needs replacement.
4. If the code remains P0305, perform the same swap test with the spark plug(s). Remove the plug from cylinder 5 and inspect it for wear, fouling, or damage. If it looks bad, replace it. It's best practice to replace all plugs at once.
5. If ignition components are good, listen for a persistent ticking noise from the valve cover area, which is a strong indicator of a valvetrain problem (lifter/camshaft).
6. To rule out a fuel injector, you can listen to it with a stethoscope for a steady clicking or perform a swap with another cylinder, though this is more involved as it requires removing the fuel rail.
7. If the misfire persists and a ticking noise is present, a mechanical issue is highly likely. Perform a compression test and a cylinder leak-down test on cylinder 5. Significant loss of compression points towards an internal engine problem.
8. If compression is low, the final step is to remove the valve cover to visually inspect the camshaft lobes and rocker arms for wear or damage, which is the definitive confirmation of the common lifter/cam failure on these engines.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Ignition Coil (OEM #3.6L V6: 68223569AD (replaces 68223569AB, 68223569AC); 5.7L V8: 68238603AA (replaces 56029129AF, 68060346AA)) — This is one of the most common failure items causing a single-cylinder misfire due to constant exposure to heat and vibration.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Bosch, NGK, Delphi
  OEM price range: $60-$100
  Aftermarket price range: $30-$60
• Spark Plug (OEM #3.6L V6: Mopar SP149125AE; 5.7L V8: Mopar SPLZFR5C11) — As a standard wear-and-tear item, a worn spark plug is a frequent and simple cause for a misfire.
  Trusted brands: NGK, Champion
  OEM price range: $15-$25
  Aftermarket price range: $8-$15
• Rocker Arm & Lifter Kit (OEM #3.6L V6 Lifter: 5184332AA; 3.6L V6 Rocker Arm: 5184296AH) — A known failure point on the 3.6L Pentastar engine that directly causes misfires. Often replaced as a set when one fails.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Melling, DNJ Rock
  OEM price range: $15-$30 per lifter/rocker
  Aftermarket price range: $100-$250 for a bank kit

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0300 — If the misfire is intermittent or begins to affect other cylinders, a P0300 (Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire) may be stored alongside P0305. This can happen if the underlying cause is a systemic issue like low fuel pressure or a major vacuum leak.
• P0205 — This code indicates a fault in the fuel injector circuit for cylinder 5. It strongly suggests the problem is with the injector itself or its wiring, not the ignition system.
• P0521 — Engine Oil Pressure Sensor Performance/Range. On HEMI engines, oil pressure issues can be related to the lifter failure that causes misfires, so this code can sometimes appear in conjunction.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 09-011-25: This is the most critical TSB for 3.6L Pentastar owners. It directly links misfire DTCs (including P0305) and valvetrain noise to a manufacturing issue with the cylinder head/rocker arms, advising replacement.
• 18-033-26: Mentions P0305 can be set during a specific cold start catalyst heating strategy, suggesting a potential software-related trigger in some scenarios.
• 1400322REVA: Associates P0305 with multiple cylinder misfires and rough idle, often pointing towards a fuel system or broader engine issue.
• 09-013-20 REV. A: Connects P0305 with a rough running engine, a general bulletin covering misfires.
• 18-055-16 REV. A: Lists P0305 as one of many potential diagnostic trouble codes that can be addressed by a PCM software update for various drivability concerns.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• 3.6L Pentastar Rocker Arm/Lifter Failure: → Shop Engine Rocker Arm A P0305 code, especially when accompanied by a ticking sound from the passenger side of the engine, is a very strong indicator of a failed rocker arm or lifter. TSB #09-011-25 was issued due to a manufacturing issue causing this exact problem. Forum threads on Reddit and Jeep forums are filled with owners who chased a P0305 code with plugs and coils, only to find the root cause was the valvetrain. The repair involves replacing the affected components.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Fuel Pressure (3.6L V6) — expected: 55-65 PSI at idle.. Failure: Pressure drops significantly under load or is consistently below 50 PSI.
• Fuel Pressure (5.7L V8) — expected: 55-60 PSI at idle.. Failure: Pressure dropping below 50 PSI, especially under acceleration.
• Long Term Fuel Trim (Live Data) — expected: Close to 0%, typically within +/- 10%.. Failure: A large positive number (e.g., +25% or higher) on the bank with cylinder 5 can indicate a vacuum leak or a bad O2 sensor causing a false lean condition, leading the PCM to over-fuel and potentially cause a misfire.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• P105D: Intake Valve Stuck In High Lift Position. This manufacturer-specific code points to a problem with the Variable Valve Lift (VVL) system on post-2016 3.6L Pentastar engines. (see via A comprehensive OBD-II scanner capable of reading manufacturer-specific codes.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH (Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep) or equivalent professional scanner: Cylinder Contribution / Cylinder Balance Test — To determine if cylinder 5 is contributing less power than the others, which helps isolate the issue after basic ignition/fuel swaps have failed. It uses crankshaft speed variations to identify the weak cylinder.
• wiTECH or equivalent professional scanner: Fuel Injector Actuation Test — To test the cylinder 5 fuel injector directly. The scan tool commands the injector to open while the user monitors the fuel pressure drop on a mechanical gauge. This confirms injector electrical and mechanical function.
• Professional scanner: Misfire Monitor / Counter — To view the raw misfire counts for each cylinder in real-time. This helps confirm the misfire is isolated to cylinder 5 and under what conditions (idle, load, etc.) it occurs.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• G901a — Left rear of the engine compartment.. A poor engine ground can cause erratic behavior in sensors and actuators, including ignition coils and injectors, leading to misfires.
• G903a — Right front of the engine compartment.. Ensures a solid ground path for components on the front-right side of the engine bay, contributing to stable sensor readings for the PCM.
• PCM Connector C1 (2015 3.6L Example) — On the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).. Allows for direct testing of circuits. For example, Pin 22 is Sensor Ground, and Pin 73 is the control for coil #4 (a similar pin would exist for coil #5), enabling a technician to check for voltage and continuity right at the source.
• Alternator Ground Strap — A thin ground strap often attached to a stud on the back of the alternator, connecting to the chassis.. While primarily for the alternator, ensuring all engine grounds are intact is crucial for preventing floating voltages and electrical noise that can be misinterpreted by the PCM and cause misfire detection.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube video 'Ali-Ahmedmeher' (2011 Dodge Durango 5.7L HEMI) — P0305 - Cylinder 5 Misfire.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The root cause was a failed lifter which had also damaged the camshaft lobe for cylinder 5. The video shows the damaged components, confirming the common 'HEMI tick' failure pattern.
• YouTube channel 'Rainman Ray's Repairs' (2017 Dodge Durango 3.6L Pentastar (133k miles)) — P0302 - Cylinder 2 Misfire (Note: Same engine family, highly relevant diagnosis path). Hard misfire at idle, less noticeable when revved.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Swapped spark plug with another cylinder., Swapped ignition coil with another cylinder.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The misfire remained on cylinder 2 after swapping ignition parts. The final fix was replacing the Variable Valve Lift (VVL) actuator for cylinder 2. After replacement, the misfire was resolved.
• Reddit user on r/MechanicAdvice (Vehicle with 3.6L Pentastar engine) — Intermittent P0305, especially at idle.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Re-wiring the connector for the cylinder 5 sensor.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The cause was a severely damaged lower intake manifold gasket for cylinder 5. The gasket was chewed up, creating a vacuum leak specific to that cylinder. The user had replaced the manifold previously, suggesting an installation error.

"I Checked Everything" — The Actual Cause

• In cases involving the 2016+ 3.6L Pentastar engine, a persistent P0305 might occur even with good ignition, good fuel pressure, and a clean smoke test (no vacuum leaks). The root cause can be a faulty Variable Valve Lift (VVL) actuator for cylinder 5, which is a mechanical/electrical part inside the cylinder head that common tests would miss.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 68223569AB, 68223569AC → 68223569AD — Standard part revision and improvement by the manufacturer.
  Heads up: The new part number (68223569AD) is the correct and recommended replacement for the older versions on applicable 3.6L V6 engines.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2016-2021: The 3.6L Pentastar V6 was significantly updated for the 2016 model year. It introduced a two-stage Variable Valve Lift (VVL) system, a higher compression ratio (11.3:1), and new designs for ignition coils and fuel injectors. This adds the VVL system as a potential cause for misfires on these later models that does not exist on the 2014-2015 versions.
• 2014: The 2014 model year is noted as having made significant strides in electrical system performance and overall reliability compared to the initial third-generation models (2011-2013).