P0306 on 2019-2025 Dodge Durango: Cylinder 6 Misfire Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2019-2025 Dodge DURANGO

For the Dodge Durango, particularly models equipped with the Hemi V8 engines (5.7L, 6.4L), a P0306 code can be more than just a simple ignition issue. These engines are known for potential valvetrain problems, specifically with the hydraulic roller lifters and camshaft. A collapsed lifter, often one associated with the Multi-Displacement System (MDS), can fail to rotate properly, grinding down the corresponding camshaft lobe. This causes a persistent misfire and a distinct ticking noise. Several manufacturer TSBs for misfires mention 'valvetrain noise' as a related symptom, pointing directly to this known issue. [Bulletin #09-011-25]

Diagnostic Flowchart

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

Symptoms You May Notice

• Rough idle or engine running rough. [Bulletin #09-013-20 REV. A, Bulletin #1400322REVA]
• Check engine light is on or flashing
• Noticeable loss of engine power and sluggish acceleration
• Engine hesitation or stumbling upon acceleration.
• Reduced fuel economy
• A distinct ticking or tapping sound from the engine, especially on Hemi V8 models, which may be louder on a cold start. [Bulletin #09-011-25]
• Sputtering or shaking that is more pronounced at idle

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Ignition Coil 🔴 High Probability → Shop Ignition Coil Heat and vibration can cause ignition coils to fail over time. They are a common wear item.
   How to confirm: The easiest way to confirm a bad coil is to swap the ignition coil from cylinder 6 with one from another cylinder (e.g., cylinder 4). Clear the codes and drive the vehicle. If the code changes to P0304, the coil is faulty.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty ignition coil. It's often recommended to replace the corresponding spark plug at the same time.
   Est. part cost: $30-$80
2. Worn or Defective Spark Plug 🔴 High Probability → Shop Spark Plug TSB #09-013-20 REV. A was issued for some models due to spark plugs with potential internal cracks causing misfires. Spark plugs are also a standard maintenance item that wears out.
   How to confirm: Remove the spark plug from cylinder 6 and inspect it for wear, damage, carbon fouling, or oil contamination. Check the gap to ensure it's within specification. A heavily worn or fouled plug is a clear indicator.
   Typical fix: Replace the spark plug. It is best practice to replace all spark plugs at the same time to ensure consistent performance. Hemi engines have two plugs per cylinder.
   Est. part cost: $10-$30 per plug
3. Failed Camshaft Lifter / Worn Camshaft Lobe (Hemi V8 Engines) 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Engine Camshaft The Hemi 5.7L and 6.4L engines have a widely documented issue with the hydraulic roller lifters failing, which then destroys the camshaft lobe. This is often called the 'Hemi tick'. The failure is frequently linked to the lifters used for the Multi-Displacement System (MDS). TSB #09-011-25 links misfire codes with 'valvetrain noise', a key symptom of this failure.
   How to confirm: Listen for a persistent ticking noise from the engine that increases with RPM. A mechanic can perform a more in-depth diagnosis by removing the valve cover to inspect the valvetrain or using a borescope to look at the camshaft lobes through the lifter bores.
   Typical fix: This is a major and expensive repair that involves replacing the camshaft, all lifters (often with upgraded non-MDS or aftermarket parts), head gaskets, and other related components.
   Est. part cost: $800-$2500+
4. Faulty Fuel Injector ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Fuel Injector
   How to confirm: You can swap the fuel injector from cylinder 6 with another cylinder to see if the misfire code follows. You can also use a multimeter to check the injector's resistance or listen for a clicking sound with a mechanic's stethoscope to confirm it's activating. Sometimes a P0206 (Injector Circuit Malfunction) code will accompany the P0306.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty fuel injector. It's also wise to run a quality fuel injector cleaner through the system as a first step.
   Est. part cost: $50-$150

Rare But Worth Checking

• Internal Engine Issues (3.6L Pentastar V6): An older TSB for 2011-2013 models (TSB 09-002-14 Rev. B) noted that P0306 on the 3.6L V6 could be caused by excessive cylinder leakage from a faulty left cylinder head, requiring replacement. This issue was covered by an extended warranty (10 years/150,000 miles). While less common on 2019+ models, a compression or leak-down test is still warranted if other causes are ruled out, as rocker arm failures can still occur.
• Vacuum Leak: A leak in the intake manifold gasket or a vacuum hose near cylinder 6 can lean out the air/fuel mixture and cause a misfire. A smoke test is the most effective way to find a vacuum leak.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the code from the PCM using an OBD-II scanner and check for any other stored codes, like P0300 or P0206.
2. Note the freeze-frame data to see the engine conditions (RPM, load, temperature) when the misfire occurred.
3. Locate Cylinder 6: On the 3.6L V6, cylinder 6 is the rearmost cylinder on the driver's side (Bank 2). On Hemi V8s, cylinder 6 is the third cylinder from the front on the passenger's side (Bank 2).
4. Swap the ignition coil from cylinder 6 with another cylinder (e.g., cylinder 4). Clear the codes and test drive. If the code changes to P0304, the ignition coil is the problem.
5. If the misfire does not move, swap the spark plug(s) from cylinder 6 with those from the cylinder you just used. If the misfire code now follows the plug, the spark plug is the issue.
6. Inspect the wiring and connector for the cylinder 6 ignition coil and fuel injector for any damage, corrosion, or looseness.
7. If ignition parts are ruled out, listen for the fuel injector's operation with a stethoscope. Test its resistance with a multimeter or swap it with another cylinder's injector.
8. For Hemi V8s, listen carefully for a persistent ticking sound that would indicate a possible lifter/camshaft issue. This is a critical step.
9. If the above steps do not identify the cause, perform a compression test and a cylinder leak-down test on cylinder 6 to check for mechanical engine problems like bad rings, valves, or a head gasket leak.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Ignition Coil (OEM #68225727AA (For Hemi V8s)) — Ignition coils are a common failure point and a primary cause of single-cylinder misfires.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, NGK, Delphi
  OEM price range: $40-$80
  Aftermarket price range: $25-$60
• Spark Plug (OEM #SP149125AE (NGK, for 5.7L Hemi) or SP142582AC (Champion, for 3.6L V6)) — Spark plugs are a routine maintenance item that wear out over time. A fouled or worn plug is a very common cause for P0306.
  Trusted brands: NGK (OEM for Hemi), Champion (OEM for Pentastar)
  OEM price range: $15-$30
  Aftermarket price range: $10-$20
• Camshaft and Lifter Kit (Hemi V8) (OEM #Multiple, often sold as a kit (e.g., 68080693AA - Camshaft)) — For Hemi engines exhibiting P0306 with valvetrain noise, this is the definitive fix for the known lifter failure issue.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Melling, Comp Cams
  OEM price range: $1000-$1800
  Aftermarket price range: $700-$1400

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0300 — If the condition causing the P0306 is intermittent or begins to affect other cylinders, a P0300 (Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire) code may also be stored.
• P0206 — This code for 'Cylinder 6 Injector Circuit Malfunction' specifically points to the fuel injector or its wiring as the root cause of the misfire.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 09-011-25: Mentions P0306 in conjunction with rough idle and valvetrain noise.
• 18-032-26: Notes P0306 can be set during cold start catalyst heating.
• 18-039-26: Notes P0306 can be set during the engine warm-up period.
• 1400322REVA: General TSB listing P0306 with a symptom of rough idle or misfire while driving.
• 09-013-20 REV. A: Links P0306 on the 3.6L engine to potentially cracked spark plugs.
• 09-002-14 REV. B: Details diagnosis and repair for left cylinder head failure on 2011-2013 3.6L Pentastar engines, which causes P0306 among other codes.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Hemi V8 Camshaft/Lifter Failure: The most significant and costly issue for V8-equipped Durangos. A P0306 code accompanied by a ticking noise is a strong indicator of this problem. The failure is often attributed to the design of the hydraulic roller lifters, particularly those used in the MDS system, which can seize and grind down the camshaft lobe. Ignoring this can lead to catastrophic engine damage.
• Cracked Spark Plugs (3.6L V6): TSB 09-013-20 REV. A points to potential issues with spark plugs having internal cracks on the 3.6L engine, leading to misfires.
• Pentastar V6 Left Cylinder Head (Older Models): While primarily affecting 2011-2013 models, the legacy of the 3.6L Pentastar's left cylinder head issue (TSB 09-002-14) is worth noting.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Ignition Coil Primary Resistance — expected: 0.4 to 2.0 ohms. 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 cannot produce a strong enough spark.
• Fuel Injector Resistance (Hemi & Pentastar) — expected: Approximately 12 to 14.5 ohms at 68°F (20°C). Failure: A reading significantly higher or lower, or an open circuit, points to a failed injector coil. All injectors should have similar resistance values.
• Fuel Pressure (All Engines) — expected: 58 psi +/- 5 psi. Failure: Low fuel pressure can cause lean misfires on any cylinder, not just cylinder 6. If pressure is low, the fuel pump or filter may be at fault.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• Mode $06, Test ID $A2-$AD: This is not a trouble code, but a data stream from the PCM that shows raw misfire counts for each cylinder per drive cycle. For a V8, Test ID $A8 would correspond to Cylinder 6. A technician can view this data to see if cylinder 6 is accumulating misfires even if the count is not yet high enough to trigger a P0306 code. (see via A professional scan tool with Mode $06 capability (e.g., Autel, Snap-on, or dealer tool like WiTech).)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• WiTech or other high-level bidirectional scanner: Injector Kill Test — This function allows a technician to disable the fuel injector for cylinder 6 while the engine is running. If there is no change in the engine's idle when cylinder 6 is disabled, it confirms that cylinder is not contributing, pointing the diagnosis toward a fuel, spark, or compression issue on that specific cylinder.
• WiTech or other high-level bidirectional scanner: MDS Solenoid Test (Hemi V8s) — If a problem with the Multi-Displacement System is suspected, this command can be used to activate and deactivate the MDS solenoids for each cylinder, including cylinder 6. This helps verify if the solenoid is responding electrically, though it does not confirm mechanical lifter function.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• G901a — Located on the left rear of the engine compartment.. This is a primary engine ground point. A loose or corroded connection here can cause erratic behavior in various engine sensors, including the crankshaft position sensor or the ignition coils, potentially leading to false misfire codes.
• Cylinder 6 Ignition Coil Connector — On a Hemi V8, it's the third connector from the front on the passenger side valve cover. On a 3.6L V6, it's the rearmost connector on the driver's side valve cover.. The wiring harness to this connector can become brittle from heat. Technicians should check the Dark Green/Dark Blue wire (on some models) for 12V with the key on and check the control wire from the PCM for a pulsing ground signal with a noid light or oscilloscope while cranking.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• RamForum.com user (Ram 1500 with 5.7L Hemi (77k miles) - engine is shared with Durango) — P0306 code.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Swapping spark plugs, Swapping ignition coil
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user suspected a lifter/cam failure, a common issue on this engine. The final fix, confirmed by other users in similar situations, is the replacement of the camshaft and all lifters.
• DodgeForum.com user (2010 Ram with 5.7L Hemi - engine is shared with Durango) — P0306 at idle only, after a previous repair for a P0301 caused by a failed lifter/cam.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Changing spark plugs, Changing ignition coil, Checking for vacuum leaks
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user did not post the final resolution, but the scenario strongly points to a complication from the initial camshaft replacement, such as an issue with the new lifters or a problem with the MDS system which was disabled during the repair.
• YouTube user Tony Collum (2004 Dodge Durango 4.7L) — P0306, hesitation, running rough.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial inspection of coil pack which appeared dry.
  ✅ What actually fixed it Water was leaking from a degraded windshield cowl seal, running down and pooling in the cylinder #6 spark plug well, shorting out the ignition coil. The fix was to thoroughly dry the well, apply dielectric grease to the coil boot seal, and repair the cowl leak.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 5184296AD, 5184296AE, 5184296AF, 5184296AG → 05184296AH — Updated design for the rocker arm on the 3.2L and 3.6L Pentastar V6 engines to improve durability and address failures.
  Heads up: The newest part number (05184296AH) is the recommended replacement for all previous versions.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2021-2025: The 2021 model year introduced a significant refresh with updated exterior styling, a new Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a larger screen, and the introduction of the 6.2L Supercharged Hemi V8 in the SRT Hellcat trim. The base 3.6L V6 and 5.7L/6.4L Hemi V8 powertrains remained largely unchanged, so the diagnosis for P0306 is consistent with earlier models in the range.