P2317 on 2015-2016 Dodge Caravan: Ignition Coil 6 Circuit Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2015-2016 Dodge CARAVAN

The 2015-2016 Dodge Caravan uses the 3.6L Pentastar V6, an engine found in millions of Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles. For this engine, cylinder #6 is located on the front bank (closest to the radiator), making it one of the easier cylinders to access for diagnosis and repair. While the Pentastar is generally reliable, ignition coil and spark plug failures are common maintenance items. A critical issue for this platform is TSB #18-069-16 REV. A, which identifies a batch of faulty PCMs in vehicles built between July 27, 2015, and September 11, 2015, that can cause this code.

Diagnostic Flowchart

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

Symptoms You May Notice

• Flashing or solid Check Engine Light
• Rough idle or engine shaking
• Noticeable loss of power and sluggish acceleration
• Reduced fuel economy
• Engine hesitation or stumbling
• Engine ticking or tapping noise (may indicate a related mechanical issue like rocker arms)

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Ignition Coil #6 🔴 High Probability → Shop Ignition Coil Heat cycles and vibration cause the internal windings of the coil to degrade over time, leading to a weak or inconsistent spark. In some cases, the epoxy on top of the coil may show signs of melting or bubbling when it fails.
   How to confirm: Swap the ignition coil from cylinder #6 with another easily accessible coil (like cylinder #4 on the same bank). Clear the codes. If the code changes to P2311 (Ignition Coil 4 Fault), the coil is confirmed bad. This is the most common and effective first diagnostic step.
   Typical fix: Replace the ignition coil for cylinder #6. It is highly recommended to replace the spark plug at the same time. Using OEM Mopar parts is advised to prevent premature failures.
   Est. part cost: $30-$70
2. Worn or Fouled Spark Plug in Cylinder #6 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Spark Plug Spark plugs are a normal wear item with a 100,000-mile service interval. A plug with a wide gap or carbon fouling requires more voltage to fire, which can strain the coil and cause this code. Using incorrect spark plugs, even if new, can also trigger P2317.
   How to confirm: After ruling out the coil, remove and inspect the spark plug. Look for a worn electrode, wide gap, oil fouling, or white deposits. Compare it to a new, correct-spec plug.
   Typical fix: Replace the spark plug. It's best practice to replace all six spark plugs 🎬 See this walkthrough for replacing spark plugs on your Caravan. if they are near the end of their service life. Ensure the replacement is the correct OEM-specified type (e.g., Champion or NGK).
   Est. part cost: $8-$20
3. Leaking Valve Cover / Spark Plug Tube Seal 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Engine Valve Cover The 3.6L Pentastar is known for valve cover and spark plug tube seals that degrade over time, allowing engine oil to leak into the spark plug wells. This oil soaks the coil boot, causing it to swell, soften, and break down, leading to the spark arcing to the tube instead of the plug.
   How to confirm: When you remove the ignition coil from cylinder #6, visually inspect the coil boot and the inside of the spark plug tube for the presence of liquid engine oil.
   Typical fix: If oil is present, the valve cover gasket and spark plug tube seals must be replaced. The oil-soaked ignition coil and spark plug should also be replaced at the same time.
   Est. part cost: $50-$100 (for gaskets and seals)
4. Damaged Coil Boot or Spring ⚪ Low Probability The rubber boot that connects the coil to the spark plug can become brittle, cracked, or develop microscopic tears, allowing the spark to arc to the cylinder head instead of the plug. Look for a small white or gray ash spot on the boot, which is evidence of a burn-through.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the rubber boot for any cracks, burn marks (white residue), or oil contamination. Check that the internal spring is clean and making good contact.
   Typical fix: Replace the ignition coil boot and spring. Often, this comes with a new coil.
   Est. part cost: $10-$20

Rare But Worth Checking

• Damaged Wiring or Connector: The wiring harness for the front bank of coils can rub against engine brackets or A/C lines, chafing through the insulation and causing an intermittent short. Also, check the coil connector for broken tabs and the wire for backing out of the connector. In rarer cases, the female pin terminal inside the main PCM connector can become loose, causing a poor connection.
• Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Failure: → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) This is a known issue for a specific batch of these vehicles. TSB #18-069-16 REV. A states that for vehicles built between July 27, 2015, and September 11, 2015, a faulty PCM with an improperly coated vent is the likely cause. If the vehicle's VIN falls in this range, the TSB directs immediate PCM replacement without further diagnosis. A failed aftermarket coil can also short out and damage a new PCM.
• Failed Rocker Arms / Valvetrain Issue: The 3.6L Pentastar engine is known for potential rocker arm bearing failures, which create a distinct ticking sound. This mechanical issue causes improper valve lift and can result in a persistent misfire code (like P0306) that might be misdiagnosed as an ignition problem after coils and plugs have been replaced.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm P2317 is present. Note any other codes, especially P0306.
2. CRITICAL FIRST STEP: Check if the vehicle's VIN falls within the build dates (July 27, 2015 - Sept 11, 2015) specified in TSB #18-069-16 REV. A. If it does, the PCM is the likely cause and dealer service is recommended.
3. Locate cylinder #6. On the transversely mounted 3.6L V6, this is the cylinder on the front bank (by the radiator) closest to the driver's side.
4. Remove the ignition coil. Inspect the spark plug well for any pooled engine oil, which indicates a leaking valve cover gasket.
5. Swap the ignition coil from cylinder #6 with the coil from cylinder #4 (the middle coil on the front bank).
6. Clear the fault codes with the scanner.
7. Start the engine and let it run for a minute. Re-scan for codes.
8. If the code has moved and is now P2311 (Ignition Coil 4 Fault), the ignition coil you moved is faulty and needs to be replaced.
9. If the P2317 code returns, the problem is not the coil. Turn off the engine and remove the coil again.
10. Remove the spark plug from cylinder #6. Inspect it for wear, damage, or fouling. Replace if it appears worn, fouled, or is the incorrect type.
11. If the plug and coil are good, carefully inspect the wiring connector for cylinder #6. Check for damage, corrosion, or a pin that has backed out of the connector. Wiggle the harness with the engine running to see if it affects the idle.
12. As an advanced step, if the problem persists, inspect the pin fitment at the main PCM connector, as a loose terminal can be the root cause.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Ignition Coil (OEM #68225724AA) — This is the most frequent failure point for a P2317 code. It is highly recommended to use OEM Mopar parts, as faulty aftermarket coils have been known to damage the PCM.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, NGK, Denso, Delphi
  OEM price range: $50-$80
  Aftermarket price range: $30-$70
• Spark Plug (OEM #SP148106AE) — Often replaced as a preventative measure with the coil. A worn or incorrect type of spark plug can cause the coil to work harder and fail prematurely.
  Trusted brands: Champion (OEM), NGK, Bosch
  OEM price range: $15-$25
  Aftermarket price range: $8-$20
• Valve Cover Gasket Set — Needed if engine oil is found in the spark plug tube. The set should include the main gasket and the spark plug tube seals.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Fel-Pro, Mahle

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0306 — P0306 means 'Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected.' P2317 is a more specific code that explains *why* the misfire is likely happening (a fault in the ignition coil circuit). Seeing them together is very common and expected.
• P0300 — P0300 means 'Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire.' This may appear if the underlying cause, such as a faulty PCM or wiring issue, is affecting more than one cylinder.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• Bulletin #18-069-16 REV. A: Addresses potential for various misfire and ignition coil circuit codes, including P2317, on some 2015-2016 models built between 07/27/2015 and 09/11/2015. It recommends a PCM replacement due to a manufacturing defect.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• NHTSA Technical Service Bulletin #18-069-16 REV. A is a critical document for this issue. It applies to 2015-2016 Dodge Caravans and Chrysler Town & Country vans built between July 27, 2015, and September 11, 2015. It states that an 'improperly coated atmospheric vent' on the PCM can cause inadequate environmental protection, leading to a host of ignition coil codes (P2302-P2317). For vehicles on the specific VIN list, the bulletin instructs technicians to replace the PCM without performing any other diagnostics.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Ignition Coil Primary Winding Resistance — expected: 0.46 Ohms. Failure: A reading significantly higher or lower than the specification, or an open circuit (infinite resistance).
• Ignition Coil Secondary Winding Resistance — expected: 15.70 kOhms (15,700 Ohms). Failure: A reading outside of a 10-15% tolerance of the specification, or an open circuit.
• Ignition Coil Connector - Power Supply Voltage — expected: Battery Voltage (approx. 12V) with Key On, Engine Off. Failure: Low or no voltage indicates a problem with the ASD relay, fuse, or wiring.
• Ignition Coil Connector - Control Circuit — expected: A blinking test light or pulsing signal on an oscilloscope while cranking the engine.. Failure: A constant light or no light/signal indicates a fault in the PCM or the wiring between the PCM and the coil.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH: Actuator Test - ASD Relay — If no power is found at the ignition coil connector, this command forces the ASD (Auto Shutdown) relay on to verify the integrity of the power supply circuit to the coils.
• wiTECH: PCM Replaced — This function is mandatory when installing a new or used PCM. It is found under the Wireless Control Module (WCM) menu and requires the vehicle's 4-digit PIN to transfer the security key information from the WCM to the new PCM, allowing the engine to start.
• wiTECH: Flash PCM — After installing a new PCM, it must be flashed with the latest software calibration for the specific vehicle VIN. This is done after the 'PCM Replaced' procedure is complete.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Cylinder 6 Ignition Coil Control Circuit — This is the (K10) circuit wire running from the ignition coil #6 connector to the PCM connector C2.. An open or short to ground in this specific wire will prevent the PCM from correctly firing the #6 coil, directly causing a P2317. Technicians can test for continuity on this wire between the coil and PCM connector to rule out a wiring break.
• Engine Ground Strap — On the 3.6L Pentastar, a primary braided ground strap connects from a post on the upper engine mount (driver's side) to a bolt on the chassis frame rail.. These straps are known to corrode and break. A poor engine ground can cause a wide range of intermittent electrical issues, including misfires and ignition system fault codes, as the coils may not have a stable ground path.
• ASD Relay Output Circuit — This circuit provides 12V+ power to all ignition coils. The wire can be tested at any of the ignition coil connectors.. While a failure here would likely affect multiple coils, intermittent high resistance in the wiring specific to cylinder 6 could cause a voltage drop sufficient to trigger P2317 alone.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• DodgeForum.com user (Dodge Dakota (with a similar Chrysler engine and code)) — Check Engine Light with code P2317 and a cylinder 6 misfire.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Swapping ignition coils between cylinders., Checking all wiring., Replacing the ignition coil for cylinder 6 with a new one.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The owner had just replaced all spark plugs with a non-specified brand (AC Delco coppers). The problem was resolved by replacing the new, incorrect spark plugs with the correct OEM-specified type (Autolites).

OEM Part Supersession History

• 05149168AI → 68225724AA — Part has been updated by the manufacturer. The new part is the current service replacement.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2015 (specifically July 27, 2015 - Sept 11, 2015 build dates): Vehicles built within this timeframe are subject to TSB #18-069-16, which points to a faulty PCM as the direct cause for P2317 and other related ignition coil codes. For these specific vehicles, the standard diagnostic procedure is bypassed in favor of immediate PCM replacement.