P0301 on Dodge: How to Diagnose & Fix
Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
7 Dodge models · 10 documented issues · 4 critical · $100-$15,000 repair
P0301 on Dodge by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
HEMI engines with Multi-Displacement System (MDS) can develop a ticking noise from the MDS lifters. This is most noticeable at idle and during light acceleration. While often not immediately harmful, it can indicate lifter wear.
Common Symptoms
- Ticking noise at idle
- Tick that follows engine RPM
- Noise louder when warm
- Tick comes and goes
- Sound from top of engine
How to Fix
Use quality synthetic oil meeting Chrysler MS-6395 spec. MDS delete kit available for permanent solution. Some owners have had lifters replaced under extended warranty. Regular oil changes help minimize tick.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Mopar 53022263AF 5.7L HEMI MDS/VVT camshaft
Replace only when inspection shows lifter-related lobe damage Fitment: Verified 5.7L branch; not the 6.4L camshaft Live OEM direct product page when checked
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Sources for this issue (1)
HEMI engines with Multi-Displacement System (MDS) can develop a ticking noise from the MDS lifters. This tick is most noticeable at idle and during light acceleration. While often not causing immediate damage, it can indicate lifter wear that may eventually require attention.
Common Symptoms
- Ticking noise at idle
- Tick that follows engine RPM
- Noise louder when engine is warm
- Tick comes and goes
- Noise from top of engine
How to Fix
Use quality synthetic oil meeting Chrysler MS-6395 spec. Consider MDS delete kit if desired permanent solution. Some owners have had lifters replaced under extended warranty. Regular oil changes help minimize tick.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Mopar 53022298AB Multiple Displacement Solenoid
Replace only when testing shows the solenoid/control branch is faulty rather than a collapsed lifter or worn cam Fitment: 2010-2024 5.7L/6.4L MDS applications per live title; confirm the vehicle actually has MDS Live direct US performanc…
Sources for this issue (1)
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 can develop a ticking noise often related to the rocker arms or hydraulic lifters. This is common on engines with higher mileage or irregular oil change intervals. Some early Pentastar engines had rocker arm design issues that were later updated.
Common Symptoms
- Ticking noise at startup
- Tick that varies with RPM
- Noise from valve cover area
- Check engine light with misfire codes
- Rough idle in severe cases
How to Fix
Use quality synthetic oil and change regularly. If tick is severe, rocker arms may need replacement with updated design. Some owners have had success with engine flush treatments. Check for TSBs related to your model year.
Sources for this issue (1)
Some 2015-2021 Dodge Challenger 5.7L and 6.4L engines can develop a persistent engine-speed-related tick, rough idle, loss of power, or misfire from hydraulic roller-lifter, roller, or cam-lobe wear. A tick alone does not prove internal wear: exhaust-manifold leakage, injector noise, oil-pressure concerns, and other causes must be ruled out. MDS fitment is transmission-specific, not engine-name-wide: automatic 5.7L and 6.4L applications use cylinder deactivation, while six-speed manual applications are non-MDS. Cam and lifter wear is not limited to MDS hardware.
Common Symptoms
- Ticking noise at idle
- Tick goes away when engine warms up
- Tick more prominent on cold start
- Noise from top of engine
How to Fix
Retrieve DTC and misfire data, localize the noise, and check for exhaust-manifold leakage before buying internal parts. If cam/lifter wear is suspected, inspect the lifter rollers and cam lobes and check the VVT oil-control-valve screen for metal debris. FCA STAR case S1709000010 directs camshaft/lifter replacement when wear is confirmed and no screen debris is present; debris can indicate that a larger repair or engine replacement is required. Use the lifter type that matches the factory transmission/MDS configuration and verify by VIN. A stock automatic-MDS full-engine service set requires two front 5038785AD packs and two rear 5038786AD packs. A factory non-MDS/manual full-engine set requires four OEM 5038784AD packs, or an exact retailer bundle of sixteen lifters and four yokes. On an automatic-MDS car, non-MDS lifters are only one part of a complete engineered mechanical delete with compatible cam/supporting parts and calibration. Correct oil and electronic MDS disabling do not repair a worn lifter, roller, or camshaft.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Mopar 5038785AD front MDS hydraulic lifters and yoke pack
Front-position MDS lifter pack for a confirmed MDS valvetrain repair after the heads are removed and roller/cam damage is inspected Fitment: Live fitment lists 2009-2023 Challenger 5.7L/6.4L, but the year-specific catalog specifies MDS/f…
- Genuine Mopar 5038786AD rear MDS hydraulic lifters and yoke pack
Rear-position companion pack for a complete factory-MDS lifter repair Fitment: Live fitment lists 2009-2023 Challenger 5.7L/6.4L; pair with the front packs only on a verified MDS engine, and confirm that two front plus two rear packages …
- Genuine Mopar 5038784AD complete non-MDS HEMI lifter/yoke bundle
Complete lifter branch for a factory non-MDS/manual-transmission 5.7L or 6.4L after cam and roller inspection confirms replacement Fitment: Live bundle explicitly contains 16 lifters and four yokes and lists 2015-2023 Challenger 5.7L/6.4…
- Genuine Mopar 53022372AA 5.7L MDS/VVT camshaft
Camshaft replacement when lifter-roller failure has visibly or measurably damaged a lobe on the verified 5.7L MDS engine Fitment: Year-specific catalogs identify this as the 5.7L MDS cam; direct fitment lists 2009-2023 Challenger 5.7L. D…
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The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine can develop a ticking noise from worn rocker arms. Unlike the HEMI MDS tick, this is caused by the roller follower rocker arms wearing out prematurely. The issue typically appears between 50,000-100,000 miles and is more common on 2011-2013 engines but can occur on later models.
Common Symptoms
- Ticking noise from engine at idle
- Tick may worsen when engine is warm
- Check engine light for misfire codes
- Rough idle in severe cases
- Ticking noise changes with RPM
How to Fix
Replace the affected rocker arms. Many owners replace all 24 rocker arms preventatively when doing this repair ($400-800 for parts). Labor is 4-6 hours ($400-600). Total repair cost is typically $800-1,400. Using quality synthetic oil and regular oil changes can help prevent premature wear.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Mopar 5184296AH valve rocker arm
Replacement for each rocker whose roller, bearing or contact surface is confirmed faulty after the valve cover is removed and the cam lobes are inspected Fitment: Live OEM fitment lists 2011-2023 Challenger 3.6L and the year catalog requ…
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Sources for this issue (1)
The production valve springs on the 6.4L 392 HEMI can crack or fracture. A weakened spring can cause a persistent single-cylinder misfire that remains after plug, coil, or injector swaps; a complete fracture can let the valve contact the piston and cause major cylinder-head or engine damage. High-RPM and modified/cammed use changes valvetrain load, but the correct replacement spring must be selected from the camshaft's lift and required installed/open pressures rather than from boost alone.
Common Symptoms
- Persistent single-cylinder misfire that does NOT go away after replacing spark plugs, coil packs, or injectors
- Rough idle, stuttering, and a shaking/vibrating engine
- Check engine light flashing under load (active misfire)
- Loss of power and the car going into limp/reduced-power mode
- Low compression on the affected cylinder during a compression or leak-down test
- Ticking, clattering, or valvetrain noise from one bank
- In a full failure: severe knocking, loss of a cylinder, then catastrophic engine failure (dropped valve)
- Symptoms most often appear after track use, hard high-RPM driving, or on modified/cammed/boosted cars
How to Fix
Stop driving if a broken spring is suspected. Confirm the fault with compression or leak-down testing and valve-cover inspection before buying parts. For affected 2021-2022 Challenger/Charger 6.4L vehicles, FCA GPOP bulletin 9004444 directs technicians to replace all valve springs after a broken spring is confirmed, not only the failed spring; other model years should follow the current VIN-specific service procedure. The OEM production repair uses sixteen 5037382BC springs. Mopar Performance 68277306AA is an individual higher-lift spring: a full 6.4L engine requires sixteen plus correctly sized shims, and the spring must match the camshaft's lift and pressure requirements. Aftermarket PAC/BTR/Comp/Livernois sets should likewise be selected to the cam manufacturer's specification.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- High Horse Performance bundle of 16 genuine Mopar 5037382BC production valve springs
Full-engine production-spring repair after compression/leak-down and valve-cover inspection confirms a broken or weakened spring Fitment: 2011-2023 Challenger 6.4L 392 HEMI subset in this issue; the live title extends through 2024 and ex…
- Mopar Performance 68277306AA beehive valve spring
Modified/cammed engine branch only when the camshaft manufacturer specifies this spring's lift and pressure characteristics Fitment: One spring; sixteen plus correctly sized shims are required for a full 6.4L engine, and this must not be…
- OTC 5609 cylinder leakage tester kit
Confirmation tool before buying valve-spring parts; distinguishes valve leakage from rings, cylinder walls or head-gasket leakage Fitment: Universal professional test tool with 14 mm hose and 10/12/18 mm adapters; requires a regulated co…
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (1)
P0301 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0301 mean on a Dodge?
P0301 stands for "Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected." P0301 means the engine computer detected a misfire specifically in cylinder 1 — the spark didn't ignite the fuel properly, or the fuel/air mix didn't burn as it should. The computer detects this by sensing tiny variations in crankshaft speed each time a cylinder fires. A misfire wastes fuel, raises emissions, and can damage the catalytic converter if it's severe or persistent (a flashing check engine light usually warns of active, converter-damaging misfires). Because the code points to one specific cylinder, the cause is usually an ignition, fuel, or compression problem isolated to that cylinder. On Dodge it is documented across 7 models: Durango, Charger, Challenger, Ram 1500, Grand Caravan, Journey, Viper.
What are the most common causes of P0301?
The most common causes of P0301 are: Worn or fouled spark plug in cylinder 1, Failed ignition coil or coil pack for cylinder 1, Faulty or clogged fuel injector for cylinder 1, Vacuum or intake air leak affecting that cylinder, Bad spark plug wire (on applicable engines), Low compression (worn rings, leaking or burnt valve, head gasket), Carbon buildup on intake valves, Wiring or connector fault to the coil or injector. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0301 on a Dodge?
Published repair estimates on Dodge range from $100 to $15,000 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
Looking for P0301 on a different make?
View P0301 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.