P0306 on Jeep
Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected
P0306 on Jeep vehicles indicates cylinder 6 misfire detected. Au7o has documented this code across 2 Jeep models — most commonly on Grand Cherokee, Wrangler. This code means the engine computer detected a misfire on cylinder 6 — that cylinder isn't burning its fuel-air mixture properly. The computer senses misfires by watching for tiny variations in crankshaft speed each time a cylinder should fire, and when cylinder 6 repeatedly fails to contribute, this code sets. You may feel a shake or stumble, especially at idle or under load, along with reduced power and possibly a flashing check-engine light, which signals a misfire severe enough to damage the catalytic converter. A misfire comes down to a problem with spark, fuel, or compression in that cylinder. Typical repair costs on Jeep range from $180 to $4,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0306
- •Worn or fouled spark plug on cylinder 6
- •Failed ignition coil for cylinder 6
- •Clogged, leaking, or failed fuel injector
- •Vacuum or intake air leak affecting that cylinder
- •Low compression (worn rings, burnt valve, head gasket)
- •Damaged plug wire or coil connector
- •Carbon buildup or worn valvetrain components
P0306 on Jeep by Model
Jeep Grand Cherokee(1 issue)
- HEMI Engine Tick/Lifter Noise2011-2021
HEMI-equipped Grand Cherokees can develop the characteristic MDS lifter tick. This ticking noise is most noticeable at idle and during light throttle. While often not immediately harmful, it indicates lifter wear from the MDS cylinder deactivation system.
Jeep Wrangler(2 issues)
- 3.6L Pentastar V6 left cylinder head failure / engine tick (early build)2012-2017
Early 3.6L Pentastar V6 Wranglers (especially 2012 and early-2013 builds) suffered a left (driver-side) cylinder head defect where the head would overheat and damage a valve seat/guide, causing low compression, a persistent ticking/tapping noise (often described as a 'left bank tick'), misfires, rough idle and reduced power. FCA acknowledged the defect and issued extended-warranty coverage (campaign X56) extending the head/related coverage to 10 years / 150,000 miles. A separate, related Pentastar tick on later builds is caused by failed rocker-arm needle bearings or collapsed valve lifters rather than the head casting. A class action was filed over the 3.6L tick. Left unaddressed, valvetrain wear can progress to major top-end engine damage.
- Ignition Coil Rail Failure Causing Misfire on 4.0L2000-2006
The 4.0L coil-rail ignition system used on TJ Wranglers is known to develop internal failures that cause intermittent or persistent misfires. Owners report rough idle, hesitation, flashing check-engine lights, and cylinder-specific misfire codes, often after moisture intrusion, age, or heat exposure. Because the rail serves all cylinders, diagnosis can be less straightforward than on engines with individual plug wires.
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View P0306 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0306 mean on Jeep?▼
P0306 stands for "Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected." This code means the engine computer detected a misfire on cylinder 6 — that cylinder isn't burning its fuel-air mixture properly. The computer senses misfires by watching for tiny variations in crankshaft speed each time a cylinder should fire, and when cylinder 6 repeatedly fails to contribute, this code sets. You may feel a shake or stumble, especially at idle or under load, along with reduced power and possibly a flashing check-engine light, which signals a misfire severe enough to damage the catalytic converter. A misfire comes down to a problem with spark, fuel, or compression in that cylinder. On Jeep specifically, this code is documented across 2 models.
What causes P0306 on Jeep vehicles?▼
Common causes on Jeep: Worn or fouled spark plug on cylinder 6, Failed ignition coil for cylinder 6, Clogged, leaking, or failed fuel injector, Vacuum or intake air leak affecting that cylinder, Low compression (worn rings, burnt valve, head gasket). Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0306 on a Jeep?▼
Repair costs on Jeep range from $180 to $4,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Jeep models have P0306 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0306 on 2 Jeep models: Grand Cherokee, Wrangler.