P0302 on RAM
Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected
P0302 on RAM vehicles indicates cylinder 2 misfire detected. Au7o has documented this code across 3 RAM models — most commonly on 1500, 1500 Classic, 3500. This code means the engine computer has detected a misfire specifically in cylinder 2, meaning that cylinder isn't completing combustion properly on some firing events. The computer watches tiny variations in crankshaft speed to spot when a cylinder fails to fire, and a misfire means the air-fuel mixture isn't igniting correctly — usually from a spark, fuel, or compression problem in that cylinder. You may feel a stumble, rough idle, shaking, loss of power, or a flashing check-engine light, and persistent misfires can damage the catalytic converter. Because it names a single cylinder, the fault is often a component serving just cylinder 2, like its coil, plug, or injector. Typical repair costs on RAM range from $200 to $5,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0302
- •Worn or fouled spark plug (cylinder 2)
- •Failed ignition coil or coil-on-plug (cylinder 2)
- •Clogged or faulty fuel injector (cylinder 2)
- •Vacuum or intake air leak affecting that cylinder
- •Low compression (worn rings, burnt/bent valve, head gasket)
- •Damaged spark plug wire or boot (if equipped)
- •Carbon-tracked or cracked coil/plug causing spark loss
- •Faulty PCM/ECM driver (rare)
P0302 on RAM by Model
RAM 1500(1 issue)
- HEMI Lifter/Camshaft Failure2009-2019
The 5.7L HEMI engine with Multi-Displacement System (MDS) can experience premature lifter and camshaft wear. The MDS deactivation lifters are prone to failure, causing ticking, misfires, and in severe cases, camshaft lobe damage. This issue has led to class action lawsuits.
RAM 1500 Classic(2 issues)
- 5.7L HEMI MDS Lifter Failure2019-2024
The 5.7L HEMI with Multi-Displacement System (MDS) in the 1500 Classic develops lifter failure, particularly on cylinders that deactivate. The roller lifters can collapse or seize, causing ticking noise and misfires. This is the same issue as the standard 1500.
- MDS Lifter Failure and Hemi Tick (5.7L)2019-2025
The 5.7L Hemi V8 uses Multi-Displacement System (MDS) hydraulic lifters to deactivate four cylinders during light-load cruising. The MDS lifters are known to fail, causing a persistent ticking noise (the infamous "Hemi tick") and misfires on the deactivated cylinders. When an MDS lifter collapses or sticks, it cannot properly deactivate and reactivate the valve, leading to a dead cylinder. In severe cases, a failed lifter can damage the camshaft lobe, requiring a complete top-end rebuild.
RAM 3500(1 issue)
- 6.7L Cummins Exhaust Brake Actuator and VGT Turbo Issues2013-2025
The RAM 3500 6.7L Cummins equipped with the integrated exhaust brake system experiences failures of the VGT (Variable Geometry Turbocharger) actuator and exhaust brake solenoid. The exhaust brake uses the VGT turbo vanes to create backpressure for engine braking while towing. The electronic actuator (Holset HE351VE/HE300VG) sticks or fails due to carbon buildup, causing loss of exhaust brake function, reduced turbo performance, limp mode, and DTC codes P2263 or P006A. TSB 14-001-21 addresses VGT actuator calibration. Actuator replacement costs $800-1,500; complete turbo replacement is $2,500-4,000.
Looking for P0302 on a different make?
View P0302 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0302 mean on RAM?▼
P0302 stands for "Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected." This code means the engine computer has detected a misfire specifically in cylinder 2, meaning that cylinder isn't completing combustion properly on some firing events. The computer watches tiny variations in crankshaft speed to spot when a cylinder fails to fire, and a misfire means the air-fuel mixture isn't igniting correctly — usually from a spark, fuel, or compression problem in that cylinder. You may feel a stumble, rough idle, shaking, loss of power, or a flashing check-engine light, and persistent misfires can damage the catalytic converter. Because it names a single cylinder, the fault is often a component serving just cylinder 2, like its coil, plug, or injector. On RAM specifically, this code is documented across 3 models.
What causes P0302 on RAM vehicles?▼
Common causes on RAM: Worn or fouled spark plug (cylinder 2), Failed ignition coil or coil-on-plug (cylinder 2), Clogged or faulty fuel injector (cylinder 2), Vacuum or intake air leak affecting that cylinder, Low compression (worn rings, burnt/bent valve, head gasket). Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0302 on a RAM?▼
Repair costs on RAM range from $200 to $5,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which RAM models have P0302 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0302 on 3 RAM models: 1500, 1500 Classic, 3500.