P0305 on 2022-2025 Dodge Durango: Cylinder 5 Misfire Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2022-2025 Dodge DURANGO

For the 2022-2025 Dodge Durango, equipped with either the 3.6L Pentastar V6 or one of the HEMI V8 engines, a P0305 code can be more than just a simple ignition issue. Both engine families have documented histories of valvetrain problems that can begin as a single-cylinder misfire. The 5.7L and 6.4L HEMI V8s are known for the "HEMI tick," which is often a collapsed lifter that can damage the camshaft, a failure that can occur on non-MDS cylinders as well. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 can suffer from failing rocker arms whose needle bearings seize, leading to camshaft lobe damage. Manufacturer bulletins specifically mention misfires related to valvetrain noise and issues during cold starts or warm-up, pointing to deeper mechanical possibilities beyond typical tune-up parts. [Bulletin #09-011-25, Bulletin #18-034-26, Bulletin #18-039-26]

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 or flashing
• Rough or shaky idle, which may feel worse when the vehicle is in gear
• Noticeable loss of engine power and poor acceleration
• Hesitation or stumbling when accelerating
• Reduced fuel economy
• Smell of raw fuel from the exhaust
• Ticking or tapping noise from the engine, which may indicate a valvetrain issue. [21, Bulletin #09-011-25]

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 high engine temperatures and vibration.
   How to confirm: Swap the ignition coil from cylinder 5 with another cylinder (e.g., cylinder 1 or 3). Clear the codes and drive the vehicle. If the code changes to P0301 or P0303, the coil is bad. This is the most common and effective first diagnostic step.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty ignition coil. It's a simple unbolt-and-unplug process. It is also good practice to replace the spark plug boot at the same time.
   Est. part cost: $30-$100
2. Worn or Defective Spark Plug 🔴 High Probability → Shop Spark Plug Spark plugs are a standard maintenance item that wear out over time, typically every 100,000 miles. HEMI engines use two plugs per cylinder (16 total), increasing the chance of a failure. 🎬 See this step-by-step guide for replacing 5.7 HEMI spark plugs.
   How to confirm: After ruling out the coil, remove the spark plug from cylinder 5. Inspect it for wear, carbon fouling, oil, or damage to the electrode or porcelain.
   Typical fix: Replace the spark plug(s) in cylinder 5. It is best practice to replace all spark plugs at the same time for even performance.
   Est. part cost: $8-$25 per plug
3. Faulty Fuel Injector 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Fuel Injector Injectors can become clogged with fuel deposits or fail electrically over time, leading to an incorrect air-fuel mixture.
   How to confirm: Listen for a clicking sound from the injector with a mechanic's stethoscope. A more definitive test is to swap the injector with another cylinder, similar to the coil swap. This is more labor-intensive. A P0205 code often accompanies a bad injector.
   Typical fix: Replace the fuel injector for cylinder 5. This requires removing the fuel rail.
   Est. part cost: $50-$150
4. Internal Engine Mechanical Failure (Lifter/Camshaft) 🟡 Medium Probability This is a well-documented issue on both Pentastar V6 and HEMI V8 engines. A collapsed lifter (HEMI) or failed rocker arm bearing (Pentastar) can fail to open the valve correctly, causing a misfire and eventually destroying the camshaft lobe. TSB #09-011-25 specifically links misfires to valvetrain noise on the Pentastar V6 due to a manufacturing issue. 🎬 Watch: Tips and tricks for diagnosing Pentastar rocker arm failure.
   How to confirm: A persistent ticking noise is a strong indicator. A compression test may show low compression on cylinder 5. Visual inspection after removing the valve cover is the definitive way to confirm a wiped cam lobe or failed rocker arm.
   Typical fix: This is a major repair requiring replacement of the camshaft(s), all lifters and/or rocker arms, and associated gaskets. It is recommended for professional service.
   Est. part cost: $500-$2000+

Rare But Worth Checking

• Low Compression: While often linked to the common lifter/cam failure, low compression can also be caused by worn piston rings, a bad head gasket, or a damaged valve seat, which has been observed on HEMI engines.
• Vacuum Leak: A vacuum leak from a faulty intake manifold gasket near cylinder 5 could lean out the air/fuel mixture enough to cause a misfire. This is sometimes the result of a previous repair error.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the trouble codes with an OBD-II scanner to confirm P0305 and check for any other codes.
2. Identify the engine and locate cylinder #5. For the 3.6L Pentastar V6, it is the rear-most cylinder on the passenger side 🎬 Watch: This video explains the Pentastar V6 cylinder layout. (firewall side). For the 5.7L/6.4L HEMI V8, it is the third cylinder from the front on the driver's side.
3. Listen for a ticking noise. On the 3.6L, a tick from the passenger side is a strong indicator of rocker arm failure. On the 5.7L/6.4L, a tick from the driver's side can indicate lifter failure.
4. Swap the ignition coil from cylinder 5 with an adjacent, easy-to-access cylinder (like cylinder 3). Clear the codes and run the engine to see if the misfire code follows the coil (e.g., P0303). If it does, the coil is bad.
5. If the misfire stays on cylinder 5, inspect and consider swapping the spark plug(s) from cylinder 5 with another cylinder. If the code follows the plug, the plug is bad.
6. If the misfire remains, inspect the wiring and connector for the ignition coil and fuel injector for any damage or corrosion.
7. Listen to the fuel injector on cylinder 5 with a mechanic's stethoscope or long screwdriver. It should have a steady, rhythmic clicking. Compare its sound to an adjacent injector.
8. If ignition and fuel components check out, perform a compression and/or cylinder leak-down test on cylinder 5. Low compression or high leakage points towards a mechanical issue.
9. If a mechanical issue is suspected, remove the appropriate valve cover to visually inspect the valvetrain (rocker arms, valve springs, camshaft lobes) for damage, which is a known issue on these engines.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Ignition Coil (OEM #68223569AD) — This is the most common cause of a single-cylinder misfire due to heat and vibration. Swapping it is the easiest first diagnostic step.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Bosch, NGK, Delphi
  OEM price range: $60-$100
  Aftermarket price range: $30-$60
• Spark Plug (OEM #SP149125AE) — Spark plugs are a routine wear item and a frequent, inexpensive cause of misfires. HEMI engines require 16 plugs.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, NGK, Champion
  OEM price range: $15-$25
  Aftermarket price range: $8-$15
• Fuel Injector (OEM #05184085AD (For 3.6L V6, verify by VIN)) — Can become clogged or fail electrically, causing a misfire that isn't resolved by new plugs or coils.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Bosch, Standard Motor Products
  OEM price range: $100-$180
  Aftermarket price range: $50-$120
• Camshaft and Lifter/Rocker Arm Kit (OEM #68661146AA (3.6L Left Intake Cam Kit), 53022372AA (5.7L Camshaft), 5038784AD (5.7L Lifters)) — Fixes the known mechanical failure where a collapsed lifter or failed rocker arm damages the camshaft, a serious but common issue on both engine platforms.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, COMP Cams, Melling
  OEM price range: $800-$2000+
  Aftermarket price range: $500-$1500

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0300 — If the misfire becomes more frequent or starts affecting other cylinders, a P0300 (Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire) code may appear.
• P0205 — This code for 'Injector Circuit/Open - Cylinder 5' points directly to a problem with the fuel injector or its wiring, confirming the issue is fuel-related, not spark.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 09-011-25
• 18-034-26
• 18-039-26

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• TSB #09-011-25 notes that misfire codes, including P0305, can be accompanied by rough idle and valvetrain noise, pointing to potential mechanical engine issues.
• TSB #18-034-26 indicates that a P0305 code can be set specifically during the cold start catalyst heating cycle.
• TSB #18-039-26 mentions that a P0305 code can be set during the engine warm-up period.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Fuel Pressure (3.6L Pentastar V6) — expected: 400 kPa +/- 14 kPa (approx. 58 psi +/- 2 psi). Failure: Significantly lower pressure indicates a weak pump or clogged filter.
• Fuel Pressure (5.7L HEMI V8) — expected: 407 kPa +/- 34 kPa (59 psi +/- 5 psi). Failure: Low pressure points to a fuel delivery issue.
• Fuel Injector Resistance (5.7L HEMI V8) — expected: Approximately 12.5 - 14.8 Ohms. Failure: A reading far outside this range, or an open/infinite reading, indicates a failed injector coil.
• Ignition Coil Primary Resistance (3.6L Pentastar V6) — expected: Approximately 0.4 - 0.6 Ohms. Failure: A reading outside this range suggests a faulty coil winding.
• Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance (3.6L Pentastar V6) — expected: Approximately 15,700 Ohms (15.7k Ohms). Failure: A reading significantly different from other coils, or an open circuit, points to a bad coil.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• Mode $06 Misfire Counter: This is not a DTC, but a function within OBD-II diagnostics that provides live misfire counts for each individual cylinder, even before the count is high enough to trigger a P030x code. It's invaluable for confirming which cylinder is misfiring in real-time. (see via A professional scan tool like the OEM wiTECH software or an advanced aftermarket scanner that supports Mode $06 data. In wiTECH, this is found under 'OBD II monitors' and is labeled 'Which cylinder is misfiring'.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH or equivalent professional scanner: Fuel Injector Actuation Test — Use this after confirming spark is good. With a noid light connected to the injector harness, this command will pulse the injector driver to confirm the PCM and wiring are functioning. It can also be used while monitoring fuel pressure to see if a specific injector actuation causes the expected pressure drop.
• wiTECH or equivalent professional scanner: View Misfire Monitor — This should be used during a test drive under the conditions noted in the freeze frame data. It allows the technician to see live misfire counts per cylinder to confirm the fault is active and isolated to cylinder 5.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube user with 2011 Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI (2011 Ram 1500 5.7L HEMI) — P0305 - Cylinder 5 Misfire code.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replacing spark plugs, Replacing the ignition coil on cylinder 5
  ✅ What actually fixed it The root cause was a failed lifter and a destroyed camshaft lobe on cylinder 5. The engine required a complete rebuild/replacement.
• Reddit user r/EngineBuilding (2014 vehicle with 3.6L Pentastar V6) — Persistent P0305 misfire, worse on cold starts.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Swapped coil, plug, and injector, Compression test was good, Leakdown test was good, Vacuum gauge looked clean, Visual inspection of valvetrain with valve cover off looked good
  ✅ What actually fixed it A minuscule internal coolant leak into cylinder #5, which was only visible as a clean, damp spot on one side of the piston when viewed with a borescope.

"I Checked Everything" — The Actual Cause

• In cases where a smoke test for vacuum leaks comes back clean, the P0305 misfire on these engines is frequently caused by a mechanical issue that a smoke test cannot detect. This includes a failing rocker arm bearing on the 3.6L V6 or a collapsed lifter on the 5.7L/6.4L HEMI V8, which requires a valve cover removal for visual inspection.
• Another reported cause that a smoke test would miss is a very small internal head gasket leak, allowing coolant to seep into the cylinder when cold. This can be identified with a borescope inspection of the cylinder after pressurizing the cooling system.

When the Usual Fixes Don't Work

• While faulty ignition coils and spark plugs are the most common cause of P0305, a significant number of Durango owners, particularly those with higher mileage, have found that these repairs do not solve the problem. In many documented cases, after replacing ignition components without success, the true cause was identified as a mechanical failure of the valvetrain. For 5.7L HEMI engines, this is typically a collapsed lifter that also damages the camshaft. For 3.6L Pentastar engines, the failure is commonly a seized rocker arm bearing that wipes out a camshaft lobe. These scenarios highlight the importance of listening for engine ticking noises and considering a mechanical issue if initial ignition system repairs fail.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 68223569AB, 68223569AC → 68223569AD — Component revision and improvement by the manufacturer.
• 5038686AA, 5038784AA, 5038784AB, 5038784AC, 53021720AB/AC/AD/AE → 5038784AD — Consolidation of part numbers for the non-MDS HEMI lifter, often used in performance upgrades or MDS-delete repairs.
  Heads up: This is a non-MDS (Multi-Displacement System) lifter. If used to replace MDS lifters in a 5.7L HEMI, the MDS system must be disabled in the PCM software to prevent fault codes and improper engine operation.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2022-2025: No significant mechanical changes to the 3.6L Pentastar V6 or 5.7L/6.4L HEMI V8 engines within this specific model year range have been documented that would alter the diagnosis of a P0305 code. Diagnosis remains consistent across these years, with the primary variation being the engine type (V6 vs. V8).