P0301 localizes misfire to physical cylinder 1 but does not identify a failed coil. Confirm cylinder 1 on the exact Charger V6 or HEMI diagram, preserve counters, inspect the labeled plug and perform one controlled ignition test. If the count remains on cylinder 1, test injector contribution, runner leakage, compression and leak-down. The 2011–2013 Pentastar X56 bulletin lists even-cylinder misfires and P0300—not P0301—so it must not be used as an automatic cylinder-head diagnosis here.
Match the symptom
Select the closest observation. The result changes the first test; it does not name a part to replace.
Stop loading.
What can set P0301—and how to separate it
The order below is evidence-driven, not a universal probability ranking. Vehicle year, repair history, companion codes and the operating condition in freeze frame change where diagnosis should begin.
| Possible cause | Evidence that supports it | First useful test |
|---|---|---|
| Cylinder 1 plug fouled/worn/cracked | Abnormal deposit/gap | Labelled plug |
| Ignition component/circuit | Controlled test follows | Targeted ignition test |
| Injector fault | Count stays/contribution differs | Balance/command |
| Compression/valvetrain | Low mechanical contribution | Compression/leak-down |
| Cam/crank timing fault | P0016/P0340/sync data | Correlation diagnosis |
Perform one controlled ignition experiment
Label the cylinder 1 plug and coil, record the count, and move only the testable ignition component to a known cylinder. Reproduce the same cold, idle or load condition while watching counters instead of judging solely by sound.
If the misfire follows, the test has isolated an ignition component. If it stays on cylinder 1, return the known-good component and move to injector, intake-runner and mechanical tests rather than continuing random swaps.
The removed plug is a diagnostic sample
Compare cylinder 1 with a neighboring plug from the same bank. Excess gap, fuel wetness, oil ash, coolant-cleaned porcelain or impact damage support different next steps, so keep each plug labeled and photograph deposits.
An electrically firing plug can still reveal injector overfueling or loss of cylinder sealing. Replacing all plugs before examining them discards the best cylinder-specific evidence the code provided.
Do not misapply the Pentastar head bulletin
The X56 extension names P0300, P0302, P0304 and P0306 on specified 2011–2013 3.6L vehicles and directs leakage testing of even cylinders. P0301 alone does not meet that code list.
Cylinder 1 can still have a mechanical fault, but compression, running contribution and leak-down must demonstrate it. If cam/crank codes accompany the misfire, inspect synchronization and valvetrain evidence before condemning an injector or coil.
Save these scan-data clues
Freeze frame is a snapshot of conditions when the PCM matured the fault. It can distinguish an idle-only problem from a load, cold-start or monitor-completion problem. Clearing first throws that context away.
- Exact VIN, platform, model year and engine sales code
- All confirmed, pending and permanent companion codes
- RPM, load, coolant temperature and vehicle speed
- Relevant commanded and actual scan data
- Recent service, repairs and symptom conditions
- Manufacturer bulletin and current software/VIN status
A practical diagnostic workflow
- 01Identify engine and cylinder 1
Use exact diagram.
- 02Preserve condition
Capture cold/load counters.
- 03Inspect plug
Keep labeled.
- 04Test ignition once
Watch whether count moves.
- 05Test injector and sealing
If it stays.
- 06Check timing companions
Do not ignore correlation.
- 07Retest
Verify original conditions.
Do not replace the most commonly named component from P0301 alone. Confirm the exact engine, preserve evidence and complete the manufacturer test sequence before ordering parts.
Why the model year changes the test
Modern Charger diagnostics span LX and LD rear-wheel-drive platforms, optional AWD and 2.7L, 3.5L, 3.6L Pentastar, 5.7L HEMI, 6.1L and 6.4L engines. Cylinder banks, oil-pressure control, cam sensing, EVAP plumbing and catalyst locations are not interchangeable. Confirm model year, VIN, engine sales code, build date and current PCM calibration before applying any test value, bulletin or diagram.
- Cylinder 1 location differs by engine family; use an exact diagram.
- 09-002-14 Rev. B does not list P0301 among its qualifying codes.
- P0340/P0016 or startup rattle raises synchronization priority.
- A flashing MIL means stop loading the catalysts.
P0301 FAQ
Is P0301 always a coil?+
No.
Can I drive?+
Not with flashing MIL or shaking.
Can I swap coils?+
Yes when engine hardware supports it.
What if it stays?+
Test injector and compression.
Can valves cause it?+
Yes.
Why check timing codes?+
They may explain the misfire.
Should I clear first?+
No.
What confirms repair?+
No cylinder 1 counts under original conditions.
Ford diagnostic references
These documents explain Ford monitor operation. Exact pinpoint tests, connector views and specifications must be selected for the truck's VIN and model year in current service information.
01Chrysler Bulletin 09-002-14 Rev. B — X56 cylinder-head extensionFor listed 2011–2013 3.6L vehicles, including LD Charger and RT Town & Country; applies to P0300/P0302/P0304/P0306 with leakage-test criteria↗02Stellantis/Mopar service informationFactory VIN-, platform-, engine-sales-code and calibration-specific service information↗03Mopar vehicle informationOfficial owner manuals and model-year warning, fluid, engine and operating information↗