P0302 Code: Dodge Ram 1500 (2019-2024) - Causes, Symptoms & Fixes

Comprehensive diagnostic guide for OBD2 code P0302 on 2019–2024 Dodge Ram 1500

Important data note

• Owner complaints: No NHTSA complaints found for this make/model/year/issue combination.
• Recalls: No recalls found in NHTSA database.
• Data limitation: The guide uses the provided information (no complaints, no recalls) and standard automotive knowledge to help diagnose P0302 on the Ram 1500. Real-world cases may differ, and a professional technician should verify any repair.

CODE MEANING AND SEVERITY

• P0302 = Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected.
• What it means in practice:
  • The engine control module (ECM/PCM) has detected that cylinder 2 is not combustion-ing properly (failing to ignite the air/fuel mixture at the expected rate).
  • Misfires can be intermittent or persistent and can occur under idle, load, or wide-open-throttle (WOT) conditions.
• Severity and consequences:
  • Short-term: rough running, reduced power, possible stumble or stall, and increased exhaust emissions.
  • Medium/long-term: unburned fuel can overheat and damage the catalytic converter; sustained misfires can lead to engine damage and poor fuel economy.
  • Acknowledge that P0302 can be caused by a simple, inexpensive fault (spark plug) or a more complex mechanical problem (compression), so diagnosis should be systematic.

COMMON CAUSES ON DODGE RAM 1500 (2019–2024)

Note: misfire on cylinder 2 can be due to a fault in that cylinder’s ignition, fuel, air, or compression, or due to an external sensor/wiring issue. Typical causes include:

• Ignition system
  • Worn or fouled spark plug on cylinder 2.
  • Faulty ignition coil (or coil-on-plug) for cylinder 2 or damaged coil boot/wiring.
  • Loose, corroded, or damaged ignition coil/wire connections to cylinder 2.
• Fuel system
  • Clogged or malfunctioning fuel injector for cylinder 2.
  • Low fuel pressure or unstable fuel supply affecting cylinder 2.
• Air and vacuum
  • Vacuum leak near cylinder 2 (manifold gasket, hose, or PCV leak).
  • Air intake plumbing leaks affecting the air/fuel mix for cylinder 2.
• Compression and mechanical
  • Low compression in cylinder 2 due to valve issues, piston rings, or a head gasket issue.
  • Timing chain/bollow/valve timing concerns (less common but possible in some engines across Ram lineups).
• Sensing and control
  • Faulty sensor data or wiring affecting misfire perception (cam/crank position sensors, wiring to injector/ignition).
  • ECM/PCM intermittent fault (rare; more likely a wiring/connector issue or a fault that causes a misfire in one cylinder).
• Other
  • Oil/fuel contamination in the spark plug well (oil or fuel on the spark plug area) causing poor ignition.
  • Contaminated or poor-quality fuel or fuel octane below recommendation (can contribute to misfire under load).

SYMPTOMS THAT MAY OCCUR WITH P0302

• Check Engine Light (CEL) illuminated or blinking.
• Rough idle, engine shake, or hesitation at idle.
• Reduced engine power, especially under load or during acceleration.
• Decreased fuel economy.
• Misfire symptoms that move or appear intermittently (e.g., occurs more at cold start or during acceleration).
• If the problem worsens, you may notice a distinct vibration or a misfire on the dash readout.

DIAGNOSTIC STEPS (focused on P0302 for a 2019–2024 Ram 1500)

Plan: Start with simple, non-destructive checks and progressively go deeper if the fault persists. Always photograph or document test results.

A. Verify and collect contextual data

• Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm P0302 and note any related codes (P0300, P0301, P0303, etc.; also check pending codes and freeze-frame data).
• Check live data if possible: spark events, misfire counters, fuel trims (short and long term), misfire duration, cylinder fueling balance, and O2 sensor data.
• Note operating conditions when misfire occurs (cold start, idle, acceleration, load, temperature).

B. Quick inspections and swaps

• Inspect cylinder 2 area visually:
  • Remove and inspect spark plug. Look for fouling (fuel-rich/lean), oil fouling, or damaged electrodes.
  • Check ignition coil and boot for cracks, oil contamination, and secure connections.
• Spark plug/coil swap test (if accessible):
  • Swap the spark plug and/or coil from cylinder 2 with another cylinder (e.g., cylinder 4) and recheck. If the misfire follows the spark plug/coil, that component is likely faulty.
  • If the misfire stays on cylinder 2 after swap, suspect wiring, injector, compression, or a mechanical issue in cylinder 2 (or an ECM/wiring fault).
• Check for obvious vacuum leaks around cylinder 2 area; listen for hissing with the engine running, or use a spray test around hoses to observe rpm changes.

C. Fuel system checks

• Fuel pressure test: measure rail pressure with a mechanical/electrical gauge to confirm proper spec. If out of range, diagnose fuel pump, regulator, or wiring.
• Injector check: resistance test for injector 2 (and compare to other injectors). If resistance is off, injector is suspect. Consider a balance test or fuel injector flow test to see if injector 2 is delivering appropriately.
• Injector cleanliness: carbon buildup or partial clogging can cause a misfire; consider cleaning or replacing if necessary (note that direct-injected engines may be more sensitive to injector cleanliness).

D. Air and intake system checks

• Inspect for intake leaks around cylinder 2 (manifold gaskets, vacuum hoses).
• Check for disconnected or damaged PCV hoses and connections near cylinder 2.
• Inspect the mass air flow (MAF) sensor and air intake for debris or calibration issues; ensure the air filter is clean.

E. Mechanical/compression checks

• Perform a compression test on cylinder 2; compare with the other cylinders to determine if there is a significant deviation.
• If compression is low on cylinder 2, perform a leak-down test to determine whether the issue stems from valves, head gasket, or piston rings.
• If compression is acceptable, do not over-interpret; continue with ignition/fuel/injector checks.

F. Electrical and sensor checks

• Inspect wiring and connectors to the ignition coil and injector for cylinder 2 (look for damaged insulation, corrosion, or loose connections).
• Check camshaft/crankshaft position sensors and their wiring for intermittent faults that could trigger a misfire code (less common for a single-cylinder misfire unless the event is intermittent or the ECM misinterprets data).
• Clear codes, run engine, and observe if P0302 returns and under what conditions.

G. If P0302 persists after basic checks

• Consider replacing the ignition coil for cylinder 2 and/or the spark plug (if fouled or damaged).
• Consider replacing the fuel injector for cylinder 2 if testing shows abnormal delivery, or perform a professional injector cleaning/service.
• Consider a professional engine compression test and potential head/gasket/valve service if compression is abnormal.
• If all physical components test normal, consider a software/ECM update or reflash (note: this step is often performed by a dealer or qualified shop).

RELATED CODES

• P0300 – Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected (common accompanying code when misfire is intermittent or multi-cylinder).
• P0301 – Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
• P0303 – Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected
• P0304 – Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected
• P0305 – Cylinder 5 Misfire Detected
• P0306 – Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected
• Related ignition-related codes that may appear with misfires (depending on wiring and sensor state): P0350–P0359 (ignition coil circuits). Note: the specific P0352/P035x codes refer to coil/secondary circuit faults and may appear if a coil itself or its wiring is faulty.
• Fuel-lean or fuel-rich related codes that can accompany misfires: P0171, P0174 (system too lean) or P0172/P0175 (system too rich) depending on the engine and sensor readings.
• Sensor/wiring-related codes: various cam/crank sensor or MAF/MAF-related codes if data is out of spec and misfire is being triggered by incorrect timing or air/fuel measurement.

REPAIR OPTIONS AND COSTS (2025 prices)

Note: Prices vary by region, shop, engine option (3.6L V6, 5.7L Hemi V8, or 3.0 EcoDiesel), and whether additional components are replaced. The estimates below are typical ranges for common single-cylinder P0302 fixes on a Ram 1500.

• Spark plug replacement (cylinder 2)

  • Parts: $5–$15 per plug (more for iridium or specialty plugs)
  • Labor: 0.5–2.0 hours depending on engine access and whether plugs are easily reachable
  • Typical total: $80–$300 (Ram 1500 3.6L/5.7L engines may skew toward the higher end due to access)

• Ignition coil replacement (cylinder 2)

  • Parts: $60–$150 for an OEM or aftermarket coil
  • Labor: 0.5–1.5 hours
  • Typical total: $150–$400 per coil replaced
  • Note: If the misfire is due to a faulty coil on cylinder 2, replacing just that coil is common; if there are multiple affected cylinders, the cost increases.

• Fuel injector service/replacement (cylinder 2)

  • Injector cleaning/service: $50–$150 (if a cleaner service is available)
  • Injector replacement (cylinder 2): $200–$600 for injector plus labor
  • If multiple injectors require replacement or if the Ram uses direct injection and removal is labor-intensive, costs can be higher.

• Fuel system and pressure check

  • Fuel pressure test: typically included in diagnostic fee (or $50–$150 if done independently)
  • If fuel pump or regulator needs replacement due to abnormal pressure: $400–$1,000+ depending on parts and labor

• Compression test / leak-down test

  • Parts: minimal (gasket sealers or accessories if done in-house)
  • Labor: 0.5–2 hours depending on test scope
  • Typical total (if further work is needed): $100–$350 for testing alone; additional if repairs follow (valve seepage, rings, gasket, etc.)

• Vacuum leaks or intake gasket repair

  • Parts: $10–$100
  • Labor: 0.5–2.0 hours
  • Typical total: $100–$350

• Major mechanical repair (rare for P0302 without prior diagnostics)

  • Head gasket, valve repair, piston ring repair, timing chain/tensioner service
  • Parts: several hundred to several thousand dollars
  • Labor: often 4–12 hours or more
  • Typical total: $1,000–$4,000+ depending on engine and extent

• Data point: No recalls found in NHTSA database (per the provided data). This means no official recall repairs apply to this specific issue based on the supplied dataset. If a manufacturer bulletin (TSB) is found outside NHTSA recall data, it could still be relevant, but it is not cited here due to the current data constraint.

DIY VS PROFESSIONAL

• DIY-friendly aspects (with caveats):
  • Spark plug and coil on cylinder 2 can often be inspected or swapped with simple hand tools; some Ram engines place plugs/coils in accessible locations, other variants may require more disassembly.
  • Basic electrical checks (connections, corrosion, loose wires) can be done safely with the engine off and battery disconnected.
  • Fuel pressure and injector resistance tests can be performed with a basic fuel pressure gauge and a multimeter; some vehicles require specialized adapters.
• DIY caveats:
  • Direct-injected engines (found in some Ram configurations) may have plugs located in less accessible areas; replacement can be time-consuming, increasing labor costs if done by a novice.
  • Incorrect spark plug torque or using non-recommended plugs can cause misfires or damage the cylinder.
  • A misfire can cascade into catalytic converter damage if allowed to persist; if you’re unsure, seek a professional.
• Professional benefits:
  • Accurate diagnosis with proper scan tools and live data.
  • Safer handling of fuel system pressures and high-voltage ignition components.
  • Access to specialized equipment (fuel pressure gauges, compression testers, leak-down testers) and OEM parts.

PREVENTION

• Regular maintenance
  • Follow the Ram 1500’s maintenance schedule for spark plugs, ignition coils (as recommended by the engine family), and fuel system services.
  • Use the recommended spark plugs and ignition components for your engine variant (3.6L V6, 5.7L V8, or 3.0 EcoDiesel). Use OEM or OEM-equivalent parts to ensure proper fit and spark performance.
• Fuel and air quality
  • Use high-quality fuel and avoid repeatedly running the tank near empty to prevent fuel injector issues.
  • Replace air filters at recommended intervals; a clogged air filter can contribute to incorrect air/fuel mixture.
• Fuel system care
  • Periodic fuel system cleaning or injector maintenance (as recommended) can help prevent deposits that cause misfires, especially on direct-injection engines.
• Environment and driving habits
  • Regular driving patterns that include sustained highway driving can help burn off deposits and keep injectors and ignition in good condition.
• Diagnostics and monitoring
  • If you notice a rough idle, stalling, or poor acceleration, have the P0302 code diagnosed promptly to prevent catalyst damage and further engine wear.
  • Maintain a log of codes, symptoms, and service performed to help the technician diagnose future misfires faster.

Bottom line and data transparency

• No recalls found in NHTSA database for the 2019–2024 Ram 1500 related to P0302 in the provided data.
• The data provided shows no complaints, which limits the ability to draw statistical conclusions about frequency or commonality in this specific model/year combination. The diagnostic steps above combine standard automotive diagnostics for a P0302 misfire with Ram 1500 engine variants and typical misfire troubleshooting practices.
• If you are experiencing P0302, start with the simplest fixes (spark plug and ignition coil on cylinder 2) and proceed to fuel, air, and compression checks. If you cannot determine the cause, or if the misfire recurs after addressing the above items, consult a qualified mechanic or dealership for a more in-depth evaluation and potential ECM calibration considerations.