DODGE RAM 5.7 HEMI MISFIRE INSUFFICIENT IONIZATION DIAGNOSIS & FIX

[@kurtkennedy5370]

Ive replaced two PCMS for this in Dodge Rams. Its always a hard call with no 100% proof but when you eliminated everything else, an educated guess is what you have to make. Nice Work man!

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Exactly! Thanks for watching!

[@W.Khairi]

Spot on, If only customers would appreciate

[@W.Khairi]

Spot on, If only customers would appreciate

[@jessiejacobs1540]

Awesome job well done 👍👍👍

[@moemoe0032]

Lol my dads 15 journey kept draining batteries. New alternator battery. It was pcm

[@viplegaleducation1292]

Man that one was a tough one. Had to pull out all the stops! So much respect for your time and display of correct diagnostics!

[@socaltl8535]

Great diagnosis, I would never think that a PCM could be the direct cause of a misfire in a million years.

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Honestly it still confuses me because the PCM is still able to control and fire the ignition coil but it detects a misfire due to it's own fault.

[@djoj1986]

I have come across this code many times. It always turns out to be a pcm for me.

[@W.Khairi]

Seems like Chrysler PCMs have a thing of their own

[@socaltl8535]

@@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO Yeah its like it's throwing punches right back at itself.

[@rbarr1200]

I’m just 17 minutes in but I love it and all your videos. Your channel is the best edited , best at engaging viewers, most informative in short bursts in the mechanic KZbinr realm. There’s more I could say but to keep it short , you’re amazing at what you do.

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

I try to cram as much info as I can into each video without wasting peoples time. Thank you for watching and supporting the channel!

[@robbiloca007]

Yes he is the best on KZbin from information about everything

[@stevenlatham4397]

I’m so glad to see you’ll be at 100k within a day. You deserve to have a million though. You diagnose and correct some of the most complicated and craziest electrical issues. No matter how relevant your videos are to me I watch them all. Great job.

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Thank you for all the support!

[@josesantiago5829]

Muy bueno el vídeo,lo mire desde principio asta final muy buena información

[@josesantiago5829]

I have a 2010 Ram 1500 check engine light (mirror passenger right circuit short to battery B1645) any ideas what can be wrong?…thanks

[@mikechiodetti4482]

Diagnosing can be exhausting! But you came through with the proper analysis. Very good fix!

[@charliemendoza4032]

Great diagnostic, The biggest problem having the pcm close to where all of the heat from the engine. I know its easier to get at but having to replace for it again and again. Its better having the pcm in the under dashboard, far away from the heat.

[@louislouis4221]

Step by step troubleshooting. No guessing game. Excellent. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@MyAdventures850]

Amazing video. I've worked a parts store for over 30 years and I tell customers all the time to have a proper diag. Done before firing the parts canon

[@tctwg1]

Whenever I get DTCs that have a circuit codes it’s never been anything internal mechanically with the engine. It’s always been a wiring or module issue. Glad you got it fixed 👍👍👍

[@austinstruthers2608]

I can't believe just how well this diag was executed. I'm sure I'm not alone when I say this couldn't have been explained or demonstrated any better. My dude you really know your stuff.

[@autotech8326]

As a used car technician all data is very useful. They even have bulletins when it comes to problems are very reoccurring, and they literally explain what to do, what to replace, what to reprogram and what not!

[@jpjautotech7622]

It really blew my mind when I first saw the ignition waveform for cyl #7, I couldn’t make any sense of it either, initially. I know you and so many others are wondering how it is that the PCM can properly ground and release the coil, yet there is no spark, with an odd looking waveform. So after thinking it over a bit, here is what I believe is basically happening. A transistor is composed of different layers, some of which are insulation between conducting layers. I believe what is happening is essentially the effect of an insulation breakdown inside the transistor for that coil’s driver circuit. So the transistor can operate properly and switch on and off as long as the voltage is not too high. But the voltage spike from the coil being released is high enough to leak past the insulation and start conducting to ground again. That would explain the odd waveform, which interestingly, looks similar to a current ramp. Also I noticed that the peak inductive kick voltage is only around 40 V on cyl #7, but off the scale on #5. That would also seem to indicate that the transistor starts re-conducting again around 40 V, and dissipates the energy that would otherwise have created a spark on the secondary side. I am by no means an electronic expert, but I know the basics, and I believe that explains what is going on. Someone with a more in depth understanding of electronics and transistors please correct me if I am wrong.

[@Gary_in_NoVA]

Great video! When you 1st said the owner replaced the spark plugs with Iridiums, I thought for sure that would be something to do with the problem. It is pretty-well known in the 5.7L Hemi community that this engine likes basic copper plugs better, Champions or NGKs. So glad to see that you swapped plugs later on in the video to rule that out.

[@wessly4283]

Thats a negative, they prefer irridium. Wont run well on very many plugs at all.

[@Clamlifenc]

Love your video and how throughout you diagnostic skills. I’ve watched many of your videos and love it. I bought my car to a mechanic to fix my brake problem, they replace master cylinder and booster without making diagnostic properly. The brake doesn’t work so they called and apologized but still I’m getting charged for the parts, they felt bad to charge me for the labor. If I take my car to you to get it done by you correctly, I would’ve save money from replacing good parts! That sets him apart from average Joe mechanics

[@v8motors.]

Great stuff, you always get the hard ones. You went through all the possibilities which left only the pcm.👍

[@netsurfers9357]

Awesome job!... Like how you ruled out everything else before figuring out that the PCM was bad! It makes a lot of sense, because PCM does on/off coil switching!

[@ericsacco7406]

AMAZING job!! I just had the SAME ISSUE!!! 2014 Ram 1500 with the same code and no ignition/fuel on Cyl. 8. I had an electric shop verify the ECU was bad 100% I got a new rebuilt ECM that is programmed. When I power the truck up it says that I need to push in the clutch? It also has lots of warnings. I did not cycle the ignition like you did I will try that. I took the new ECU out and put back the old one and it does the same thing so it must be a program issue that I'm not following. Thanks SO much for this vid!!

[@bearchow1929]

Take it from a highly experienced electronic engineer, you're good, very good.

[@king0684]

Hi. Thanks for the information. Anyway you can share the information on. The vendor that fixed the ECU?!? Thank you.

[@mitchlu]

This proves you do not have to be an engineer to be a genius. BTW-I'm an engineer...great diagnostic work, Eric!

[@jgeorges3061]

Eric, AWESOME thought process and fix and when i do relative compression test i just put my scope led in revers yellow wier on neg and black on positive with out inverting the wave form only AC coupling will do the trick always learning from the best cheeeeers and thanks for sharing.

[@keithmiller7078]

First time watching your videos. Really appreciate your time and effort into them. It helps us non mechanic guys understand a lot. Keep it up. Thanks again for your hard work.

[@matthewdale174]

Wow My first thoughts based on the primary ignition waveform was an issue with spark jumping out early to ground. I am surprised that turned out to be a failed PCM. Especially since all the current ramps showed clean turn off. If the collapse is clean on the current ramp I guess the inductive kick was shorting to ground internal to the pcm That’s crazy nice find yo. I was thinking you could of pulled the coil out and put a plug in on side of the coil and ground it to the other coil boot and then taken the primary waveform again. If it changed then you’d be going with something other then ignition. Either way u tested and came to the right decision great job

[@clueless6559]

Yes his primary was showing a low spark line and a tailing off burn line indicating a shorted secondary , i would have tried to put a lead on the coil and viewed secondary after seeing that , european cars have used this ionisation thing as feedback for years for ignition timing control and cylinder position .

[@chuckvoss9344]

An amazing amount of testing to find the problem. Very good job!

[@magmomwise]

Thank you. This is going to help me with a very similar problem with a friends truck. Misfire on #5 cyl. and very intermittent engine shutdown when driving. I'm suspecting a faulty PCM but a few more tests will help verify.

[@justkiknit]

Man I just have to say I love your videos. I’m a technician myself and wish I worked with techs like you. Too many modern techs don’t give a damn about their work or their diagnostics.

[@44hawk28]

Just a piece of information, ever since they removed the sulfur from gasoline about 2004 2005 ish that has caused a lot of fuel level indicators to start acting up because they no longer get lubricated. And occasional addition of Marvel Mystery oil, about 6 oz maybe 8 oz on occasion to the fuel system works wonders for making sure that the fuel system still gets lubricated.

[@saedchammaa1958]

AWESOME! Man I always open your channel to check for new videos, please keep them coming. In my opinion, your channel is the best at explanation when it comes to Auto repairs.

[@j.maxwaddell2557]

Eric I am not a mechanic but I thoroughly enjoy learning from you and your incessant drive to find the real problem no matter what it takes. Great job again. Thanks for the education

[@thyhangman]

Owner of a 2013 Ram 1500 with the 5.7 and I found this video very useful, informational, very educational and mostly entertaining you'd make a great instructor! Gets my like and subscribe, very well done Eric and appreciated!

[@andybilakshow260]

Wait ago~! Not knowing anything about scan tools & such, you sure did create food for thought. Almost makes me want to get one now~! Diagnostics is so much easier with it. *WELL DONE* & Thanks for putting this together.

[@W.Khairi]

Your r the man Eric, If only we knew how would the pcm fail when it can switch the coil and still monitor the spark line. Maybe the driver was getting tired and not switching fast enough

[@MrLabarr123]

Great i think my 2013 ram 5.7 is doing the same thing but #2 misfire. did the same swapping of coil and spark plug. Thanks for the video very helpful on a path to follow on problem shooting.

[@Hardroad92]

Nice bro, I just discovered your channel . I thought it was Awsome how you explained how you went through process of elimination And discovered it was the pcm. Man that would have drove me crazy Great work .I'm glad I found your channel. nice to see an intelligent and informative mechanic.🤛🤛

[@rickrogers2649]

Great diagnosis Eric, Thank you for posting and showing the backstory to how you go about the diag. Maybe you could give a shout out to where you got the re-man pcm . Having a source for pre-programmed pcm's would be really helpful to diyers who don't have the skills or equipment to do programming. Thank you again. Stay well.

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

I got this one from AutoComp in Houston, TX. I've been buying from them for the past 15 years and have always had a great experience.

[@edmaster256]

How many Miles on that engine?

[@rickrogers2649]

@@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO Thank you Eric. Good to know of a reliable source.

[@larrywalker3137]

I am impressed with your knowledge every time I watch one of your videos good job young man

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Thanks for watching!

[@davidaziz8158]

Same problem here. Did all those test. Im at the valve cover step. Thanks for solidifying my taughts on this

[@hightttech]

Wow. Nice one. That was EXPENSIVE diagnosis.

[@GregFeeney392]

Great video. My only tip would be to use a vacuum gauge ,while cranking and while the engine is running

[@derofromdown-under2832]

Excellent diagnosis and conclusion Eric... WELL DONE!!! 10/10

[@mitchellphilman7238]

Thank you for this video. I am in the middle of diagnosing the same issue with cylinder 5️⃣.

[@serenityplantation7638]

In my job I have plenty of time to watch videos out of boredom. I’ve watched thousands and thousands of videos and found this. YOU sir are way under rated. I knew a few minutes in, that you weren’t some clown pretending to know a little about trucks like 99% of KZbinrs. I’d honestly feel comfortable using your video as a tutorial should I ever cross this issue on one of my Rams. I’m going to have to check out all ur videos cuz even though I don’t have anything wrong with my truck, it was very educational. EXCELLENT VIDEO !! 5⭐️s

[@ml9704]

This is a very informative video. I have a 2014 Ram 1500 5.7 hemi. I have been chasing these gremlins for about 6 weeks. Started with a broken spring and dropped valve in #7. Replacing all springs, broken valve, and pushrods didnt correct issue. Did a MDS delete because i was going to remove heads again. Put new cam and solid lifters in. Still had random misfire (P0300). Purchased an refurb PCM and i still have P0300. Gonna go through it again following your video, hopefully my luck changes. Thanks again.

[@stevenross1738]

What was the verdict on your RAM situation ?

[@ml9704]

@stevenross1738 Turns out it was the valves and springs. The extra air from the failing valve spring caused the PCM to go crazy and kick out various codes (throttle body air flow, accelerator pedal, etc). After I replaced everything, the #6 intake valve didn't seat properly causing the same conditions. Did a leak down test on each cylinder and discovered this. Also after reassembly a ground wire wasn't making contact send out a transmission error (new found respect of ground wires btw). The truck is now running happily.

[@stevenross1738]

@@ml9704 ok. I’m trying to understand because I’m going through something similar. My 2011 Ram 5.7 started throwing P0306 code. I replaced both plugs and coil pack. Code came back. Replaced fuel injector. All on cylinder 6. Code is back and another individual is saying it’s the lifters etc. I’m not all that mechanically inclined, to say the least. He’s saying it needs dod deletion. How does this sound to you in your experiences ? Thanks for your reply.

[@ml9704]

@stevenross1738 My suggestion, from this experience, through the code reader to the side. get a leak down and compression tester. make sure compression is good. then chase other things. If you are going to tear the top end apart, get rid of the mds garbage , they will fail on you.

[@stevenross1738]

@@ml9704 thank you for your input and response. Much appreciated. Curious what a leak down test does ?

[@xj31]

Nicely done. Great demonstration of how it's not the tools but the knowledge and know how. You used that ancient scope flawlessly

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

I wouldn’t call it ancient 😂

[@xj31]

@@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO well I'm ancient🙂

[@jefftaylor1247]

Excellent video. Your logical process through debugging the issue was impressive.

[@BlakeEverett-g3z]

I just did a job last week on a 2020 ram 1500 classic slt 5.7 Hemi, had the same case as yours with only 66k miles, and turned out to be the Injector clogged, clean injectors and replaced injector for cylinder 3 misfire and bam fixed up butter cup.

[@dasimcoes]

My 5.7 hemi misses under load. No codes show up. New plugs, coils. Heads were pulled. Lifters and cam are good. It’s been to two dealerships multiple times. I’m ready to give up. Gas mileage is around 9mpg and I have to try to get that. Know one has mentioned checking my injectors but you would think that would throw a code.

[@p71fan7]

Great job! I have a 5.7L and I was thinking that it would be the roller on the lifter had frozen up and was affecting the compression. Glad it was not. Really like you way you explain what you are doing step by step.

[@fteve1961]

wow! where are we going to find enough mechanics like you to service all these vehicles.

[@Jpilgrim30]

The first time I saw this code and a burn time code in a dodge I thought it was pretty cool because they must be doing some analyzing of the primary ignition feedback in the PCM.

[@robr4596]

Thank you for the time to diagnose a dodge. Im 99% sure now that this is the same thing wrong with my friends.

[@bartscave]

Wow. I can't see how the pcm would do that. Another good diagnosis!

[@pl5882]

Wow great diag! Thanks for setting up the scope at the end. I know that takes time from wrapping it up and getting out of there.

[@66Ton99]

Thank you! It is helpful information and nice tricks! I have RAM 1500 5.7 2015 and sometimes it's misfiring, but I ignored it. I had plans to replace all ignition coils, but after this video I will investigate it in more details.

[@88camaroman]

Man I always enjoy watching the way you troubleshoot cars. Great information

[@kc-04-E]

Your troubleshooting skills are top notch your videos are informative and very helpful 👍 I don't own a automotive scanner I definitely want one

[@advancedleveldiagnostics]

I don't understand how it could be the PCM if it grounded it? maybe the on time was to short?

[@amjadzidaoi4011]

Great content as always. Awesome thought process covering all your fundamentals before condemning pcm.

[@adriangutizz6621]

Hats off to you sir! Thank you for your time and effort in sharing your experience.

[@techiapas4717]

Greetings, you have very good diagnostic videos. I also like to solve cases regarding diagnostics in the fca line. The PCM has a misfire counter. When the PCM detects many cylinder misfires, it disables the pulse, although it is not necessary to rule out driver damage. of spark, I have solved some cases by changing the misfire counter with hp tuner without replacing pcm.

[@kirbyglover3868]

Very helpfull you explaining 🙄 every thing very clear ...GOOD JOB MAN

[@charlesecheese8499]

Thanks for the detailed explanation of your thought process and diagnostic procedures. I always learn something from your videos.

[@EATSLEEPFARM]

Knocked it out of the park with this one!! Great stuff brother

[@steveharrigan1296]

Wow Great job with that issue. you are thorough!. Makes you a great mechanic.

[@carlosllama9979]

Man that was an outstanding video. Thank you so much for taking the time I have a 2013 dodge 1505.7 hemi engine with a PO 305 still in the number five and he cannot make heads or tails out of what’s going on he meeting my mechanic where are you guys out of, my truck still in the shop I’m gonna have to mention to him the PCM thank you so much man I really appreciate your video

[@robgautomotive]

I've been a tech since 2012. One of my neighbors had this same issue on his hemi truck. He bought a new coil and changed spark plugs thinking it would solve the misfire issue. After testing coils, injectors and looking at the values on scanner came to conclusion it was the pcm. His computer was causing the injector of the dead cylinder to over fuel and white smoke was coming from exhaust. Before I fixed his truck last guy was telling him he had a blown headgasket 🤦 " it is a Chrysler/ dodge thing" I guess the newer generations do still have the same issues with the pcms as the older generations.

[@JoelAutomotiveInaction]

Great diagnostic approach thanks for sharing, you could have seen the valves activities with out opening the valve cover , with the In cylinder pressure transducer and pulse delta/absolute sensor , I love those tools for mechanical diagnostic. I am curios why did you have good ignition current romps and all 8 events of coil current consumption, was there any insight of what failed on the pcm, weak voltage activation? Did the current was low on that cylinder activation?

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

I wish I would have brought my in cylinder pressure transducer with me but I didn't and the customer lives over an hour away from me. I am not sure of the initial cause of the PCM failure. It may have something to do with the old spark plugs they replaced. Maybe they had excessive gap or high resistance.

[@JoelAutomotiveInaction]

@@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO I am sure with those 2 channels, Amp probe and voltage command to the col control there is the unswer , unfortunately your scope has limitations sample rate, saving waveforms ability to zoom vertical scale so on, I see your knowledge is awesome your scanner analysis , diagnostic approach are the best, but on the scope tools I believe you should think to get a laptop base scope those let you capture the analysis of the recorded save waveforms are incredible, like Pico scope or usb auto scope. Personally when I am at the shop and the pressure is on I save the captures on a folder from before and after repair than I make it sense after replacing a part I go back and O fond some thing , this is with the purpose of better approach for future diag and increase knowledge. Thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@subaruanon]

Thank you so much! I had another one of these come in today with the ionization code except on cylinder 4. Following along your video helped me determine it was also the PCM on my customer's truck! Knew the coil swapping trick but hadn't used the oscilloscope feature before to go further.

[@andrewvillanueva3722]

You are a master mechanic bro. You always put out very detailed information.

[@clueless6559]

Really interesting one , I was looking at the primary waveform and thinking a short on the secondary , does the ionisation monitor cut the ignition control ?

[@jerradstilson7285]

Thank you for making this video, I was at my whits end trying to diag an 03 5.7 and this just gave me a direction to follow

[@placasowuicho967]

The hemi usually likes the copper plugs better. But have heard of iridium being used but they usually want copper. But not sure on the newer trucks. Might have changed

[@Joeschmo63]

Love your channel. You explain everything so easily without any nonsense. 👍👍

[@mrtruckdriver2834]

Thanks!! My 22 1500 with less than 10k miles is in for warranty for this exact issue.

[@404notfound.....]

Willing to bet the board on the PCM is damaged. Great video sir.

[@hawttiess2998]

bro this guy is such a great mechanic 👨‍🔧 i love it man keep it up

[@marianosanchez6969]

Thank you and really appreciated your time. My 2014 Dodge Ram 5.7 I think has the same problem.

[@billyfox384]

Great job as always.. Looks like ur doing better. That shop closing video is a tear jerker. Peace , all the best

[@albertlopez9220]

You did a great diagnostic, I always learn something every time I watch your’s videos thanks for sharing your acknowledge

[@LATTESTONEAUTO-nf3mb]

Thanks for all the info on this Hemi diag! Very helpful.

[@cobraninetysix3883]

Excellent Video! Great troubleshooting sequence, and thank you fir using the word combustion. I had a shop teacher many years ago who would scream in your face like Sam Kinison if you used the dirty word Explosion 💥combustion CONTROLLED BURN.

[@richarddowner4292]

I have a 2004 dodge ram 2500 with the a hemi magnum 5.7l and went threw the same tests. mine is a misfire on the secondary coil. it throws a check engine light for the secondary coil. truck runs GREAT No miss fire. new coils, wires, and Plugs. I'm now thinking the PCM??? great Elaborate video. Great details. thank you very much for your time and Effort.. thumbs up, and Subbed

[@cullenmiller8170]

Nice diag and video. Thanks for sharing. A lot of the parts cannon experts would have replaced the PCM early on and fixed the truck by accident. 😂

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Sometimes I wonder the same thing 😂

[@danmillward6118]

Your good keep it up I have the same problem on a 2012... my mechanic did everything but the pmc...but was leaning towards it...good job.

[@johnj5985]

Brilliant analysis. Definitely, high level of skill required for proper interpretation. Love it!

[@jeremystone6613]

Great process. My mind went to vacuum leak before lifters. I really appreciate how you go through your rationale for scope settings. Thanks.

[@ADVANCEDLEVELAUTO]

Yes a vacuum leak on a single cylinder is unusual but it does happen. Faulty intake gasket or bad injector oring can cause it. Thanks for watching!

[@roxanneabbott8424]

Even though it looked grim, you got it buddy!!!

[@ANPennsylvania]

amazing video bro. Your knowledge is unparalleled.

[@Broski87844]

Great video. Thanks for taking the time to make and post.

[@logicalguy488]

Well done, you really checked everything.

[@dtandfam8100]

Awesome find on this. Way to verify and prove your work! Thanks for sharing 👍 tons of info!

[@vins0916]

Hi there, Eric this was again an awesome video to watch, I learn a lot from your video,s also from your friend oz. My level gets better and better, I like the the way you explain things step by step-by-step that makes it easier to understand also for others I believe, especially my English is not on a top-level . Keep on doing the good work 👏

[@Eremon1]

I saw the problem immediately before even starting the video...it's a Dodge. 🤣 Kidding...mostly. Glad to see the channel growing. Cheers.

[@AndrewCox-cj3vu]

Great video, would it be worthwhile to also connect the lab scope up and compare number 7 fuel injector waveform with another cylinder to rule out wiring or PCM issues in number 7 fuel injector system, Keep up the good work I really learn a lot from your teaching.

[@Joe.O_623]

One of the coolest cats on the KZbinS.. Great video bro. You are the man!

[@tombarbato4348]

I have a 2019 ram 1500 with a cylinder 7 misfire code alert po307. this was an absolutely fantastic video I love the way you went through all the steps very quickly nothing overstated and overcomplicated with the dialogue. can't say enough man so many times you try to find out some information and people just carry on with the whole ton of bullshit but this was great again good job. My only question is how much was the PCM. but I'm going to look into your thing maybe it'll say it in your description take care keep up the good work

[@judih.8754]

Very thorough diagnosis!

[@julesballe463]

Wow, lots of hard work, great job eliminating sooo many other things....thanks again....

[@kevinstill1]

Awesome. I love watching your videos. I always learn something new.