P0305 on Chrysler: How to Diagnose & Fix
Cylinder 5 Misfire Detected
3 Chrysler models · 3 documented issues · 3 critical · $1,500-$6,000 repair
P0305 on Chrysler by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The 5.7L HEMI V8 suffers from an MDS lifter design defect in which the needle bearings are undersized. Lifters can be starved of oil during idle, causing seizure and catastrophic camshaft wear leading to engine failure.
Common Symptoms
- Persistent ticking or tapping noise from engine
- Ticking worsens between 80,000-100,000 miles
- Check engine light with misfire codes
- Rough idle or loss of power
- Metal shavings in oil
How to Fix
Replace all lifters, camshaft, and rocker arms as an assembly. Use only OEM or high-quality lifters. Some owners disable the MDS system. Use only SAE 5W-20 oil and maintain strict 3,000-5,000 mile oil change intervals.
Sources for this issue (2)
The MDS-equipped 5.7L HEMI is prone to lifter and camshaft failure. The roller lifters' needle bearings are hard for oil to reach and can fail when oil is degraded or the engine idles for long periods, causing catastrophic camshaft wear. Persistent ticking that worsens over time indicates lifter failure in progress.
Common Symptoms
- Persistent ticking noise at idle
- Ticking worsens over time
- Check engine light with misfire codes
- Metal shavings in oil
How to Fix
Replace all lifters, camshaft, and rocker arms. Consider Hellcat non-MDS lifter upgrade (5038784AD) for MDS delete. Use Melling high-volume oil pump 10452HV (2009+). Maintain strict 3,000-5,000 mile oil change intervals with synthetic oil.
Sources for this issue (3)
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 has a documented valvetrain defect involving the rocker arms and their roller lift pins and the associated hydraulic lifters. The roller on a rocker arm can prematurely wear, loosen and drop, shifting the rocker out of alignment so it scrapes the camshaft and generates metal debris that contaminates the oil and circulates through the engine. Symptoms include a persistent ticking/tapping noise, misfires, hesitation/bucking, rough running and loss of power, and in severe cases catastrophic engine failure requiring a full engine replacement. A proposed class action against FCA US alleges the automaker knew of the valve-train defect in 2014-2020 model year vehicles (the complaint names the 2016-2020 Chrysler Pacifica, which shares the Voyager's platform and engine, but does not name the Voyager); ECM software governing lifter timing was also implicated.
Common Symptoms
- Ticking or tapping noise from the engine (often at idle/cold start)
- Cylinder misfire
- Hesitation, bucking or surging
- Loss of power
- Check engine light flashing/on
- Rough idle
How to Fix
Diagnose the failing cylinder(s) via misfire codes and cylinder-specific inspection. Accepted repair is replacement of the affected rocker arm(s) and lifter(s); if debris has circulated or multiple cylinders are affected, a cylinder head or full engine replacement may be required. Apply any applicable PCM/ECM software update. Frequent oil changes with correct-spec oil and not deferring the ticking noise limit collateral damage.
Sources for this issue (3)
P0305 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 P0305 mean on a Chrysler?
P0305 stands for "Cylinder 5 Misfire Detected." This code means the engine control module detected a misfire on cylinder number 5, meaning that cylinder is not burning its air-fuel mixture properly on some combustion cycles. The computer senses misfires by watching for tiny fluctuations in crankshaft speed each time a cylinder fails to fire correctly. A misfire wastes fuel, can make the engine run rough or shake, and dumps unburned fuel into the exhaust, which can overheat and damage the catalytic converter. It generally points to a problem with spark, fuel delivery, or compression specifically affecting cylinder 5. On Chrysler it is documented across 3 models: 300, Aspen, Voyager.
What are the most common causes of P0305?
The most common causes of P0305 are: Worn or fouled spark plug on cylinder 5, Failed ignition coil or coil pack for cylinder 5, Faulty or clogged fuel injector on cylinder 5, Vacuum or intake air leak affecting that cylinder, Bad spark plug wire or boot (on applicable engines), Low compression from worn rings, valves, or head gasket, Carbon buildup or sticking valve on cylinder 5, Lean or rich fuel condition affecting the cylinder. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0305 on a Chrysler?
Published repair estimates on Chrysler range from $1,500 to $6,000 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.
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.