P0302 Code then....overheating. HELP!

[DodgeBruhBoy]

Hey whats up everyone,

I'm having a few issues and hoping someone can guide me on what to do next, I turned on the car last week and the engine vibrated for like 30 seconds and then a check engine light came on. It's a 2019 Dodge Journey SE 4cyl 2.4

 

I got 3 codes.

 

-P0302 CNF MD00

Cylinder 2 Misfire detected 

 

-P0302 PND M0D00

Cylinder 2 Misfire detected 

 

-P0302 PRM M0D00 

Cylinder 2 Misfire detected 

 

So I took it to my local mechanic and we replaced all 4 spark plugs, 2 were really bad. But a few days later the car started overheating after 30 mins of driving. I checked the radiator fan, and it comes on when the temperature is reached (approx 200-220), no smoking or etc. My dad and I also inspected the hoses for leaks, tears, all clamps and connections....no issue.  

 

Any ideas on what this could be or what we should check for next? 

[DodgeBruhBoy]

Forgot to mention...approx 74K miles, and no issues with the vehicle ever.

[2late4u]

your plugs should be changed every 30 k ,iles also only use OEM plugs they are cheap and easy to replace as far as the overheating exactly what happened how hot did it get? did you lose any coolant? probally you just need to replace the thermostat unit on your journey I believe there are 2 of them in the plastic unit as I have the 3.6 and it is a different type that is used instead of the 2.4 only use Mopar coolant when adding to your cooling system...good luck

[DodgeBruhBoy]

13 hours ago, 2late4u said:

your plugs should be changed every 30 k ,iles also only use OEM plugs they are cheap and easy to replace as far as the overheating exactly what happened how hot did it get? did you lose any coolant? probally you just need to replace the thermostat unit on your journey I believe there are 2 of them in the plastic unit as I have the 3.6 and it is a different type that is used instead of the 2.4 only use Mopar coolant when adding to your cooling system...good luck

 

We did use the OEM spark plugs (copper), as for how it happened it just popped up. We were just driving a few days later and the overheating sound and dashboard light came on. I pulled over and waited 20 minutes and drove it home. As soon as I got on to the block, the over heating light came on again. The car runs and drives fine with no issue, but as soon as it gets to 25-30 mins.....over heats.  But just to clarify there is no leaks, smoke, loose connections or etc.

[5rebel9]

I'm not sure which size engine is in your car. IF a 4 cyl, then a possible stuck shut thermostat{it has 2}. BUT I also suspect you may have a blown head gasket.

[Dean H]

2016 DJ, Code definition

2.4L engine.

 

P0302-CYLINDER 2 MISFIRE

When Monitored and Set Conditions.

 

When Monitored: This diagnostic runs continuously when the following conditions are met:

 

• The engine is running.

• The adaptive numerator has been successfully updated.

 

Set Conditions:

 

• The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) detects that the variation in crankshaft speed between each cylinder exceeds a calibrated value, based on engine rpm and load.

 

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) detects that the variation in crankshaft speed between each cylinder exceeds a calibrated value, based on engine rpm and load

 

Default Actions:

 

• The MIL light will illuminate.

 

POSSIBLE CAUSES

 

FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM

 

IGNITION COIL, WIRING, OR CONNECTORS

 

ECT SENSOR, WIRING, OR CONNECTORS

 

MAP SENSOR, WIRING, OR CONNECTORS

 

02 SENSOR, WIRING, OR CONNECTORS

 

ENGINE MECHANICAL SYSTEM

 

POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM)

 

2. DIAGNOSTIC INSPECTION

 

NOTE: Anything that affects the speed of the crankshaft can cause this DTC to set.

 

NOTE: When a misfire is detected, the PCM will shut down the injector control circuit for the misfiring cylinder.

 

NOTE: Misfire may occur and may not be caused by component failure. Any of the following conditions can cause a misfire:

 

Worn serpentine belt.

 

Misalignment or binding water pump, P/S pump or A/C compressor pulleys.

 

Improper CKP, CMP, MAP, or TPS Sensor mounting.

 

Poor connector/terminal to component connection for CKP sensor, CMP sensor, MAP sensor, TPS sensor, fuel injector, ignition coil, etc.

 

Corroded PCM power or ground circuits.

 

Vacuum leaks.

 

Restriction in the air induction or exhaust system.

 

Internal engine component malfunction.

 

Moisture on ignition system components.

 

Insufficient fuel.

 

Low quality fuel.

 

Manual transmission bog.

 

Towing overload. 

 

[DodgeBruhBoy]

22 hours ago, 5rebel9 said:

I'm not sure which size engine is in your car. IF a 4 cyl, then a possible stuck shut thermostat{it has 2}. BUT I also suspect you may have a blown head gasket.

It's the 4cylinder 2.4L model, and I'm REALLY hoping its not a blown head gasket.  Any signs I should look for if its a blown head gasket?

Edited November 18 by DodgeBruhBoy

[DodgeBruhBoy]

19 hours ago, Dean H said:

2016 DJ, Code definition

2.4L engine.

 

P0302-CYLINDER 2 MISFIRE

When Monitored and Set Conditions.

 

When Monitored: This diagnostic runs continuously when the following conditions are met:

 

• The engine is running.

• The adaptive numerator has been successfully updated.

 

Set Conditions:

 

• The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) detects that the variation in crankshaft speed between each cylinder exceeds a calibrated value, based on engine rpm and load.

 

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) detects that the variation in crankshaft speed between each cylinder exceeds a calibrated value, based on engine rpm and load

 

Default Actions:

 

• The MIL light will illuminate.

 

POSSIBLE CAUSES

 

FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM

 

IGNITION COIL, WIRING, OR CONNECTORS

 

ECT SENSOR, WIRING, OR CONNECTORS

 

MAP SENSOR, WIRING, OR CONNECTORS

 

02 SENSOR, WIRING, OR CONNECTORS

 

ENGINE MECHANICAL SYSTEM

 

POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM)

 

2. DIAGNOSTIC INSPECTION

 

NOTE: Anything that affects the speed of the crankshaft can cause this DTC to set.

 

NOTE: When a misfire is detected, the PCM will shut down the injector control circuit for the misfiring cylinder.

 

NOTE: Misfire may occur and may not be caused by component failure. Any of the following conditions can cause a misfire:

 

Worn serpentine belt.

 

Misalignment or binding water pump, P/S pump or A/C compressor pulleys.

 

Improper CKP, CMP, MAP, or TPS Sensor mounting.

 

Poor connector/terminal to component connection for CKP sensor, CMP sensor, MAP sensor, TPS sensor, fuel injector, ignition coil, etc.

 

Corroded PCM power or ground circuits.

 

Vacuum leaks.

 

Restriction in the air induction or exhaust system.

 

Internal engine component malfunction.

 

Moisture on ignition system components.

 

Insufficient fuel.

 

Low quality fuel.

 

Manual transmission bog.

 

Towing overload. 

 

Thank you for sharing, I appreciate that. I'll review everything and report the results soon. 

[5rebel9]

1 hour ago, DodgeBruhBoy said:

It's the 4cylinder 2.4L model, and I'm REALLY hoping its not a blown head gasket.  Any signs I should look for if its a blown head gasket?

Being the 4 cyl. the easiest way is to pull the spark plugs again and compare #2 plug to the other 3 looking for tip damage or clean wash compared to slight darkening of the others.

I learned this "trick" WAY BACK in my YOUTH.

IF all look the same, then you may have a coil going out and a stuck shut T-stat.  I would suggest replacing BOTH stats at same time.

[DodgeBruhBoy]

6 hours ago, 5rebel9 said:

Being the 4 cyl. the easiest way is to pull the spark plugs again and compare #2 plug to the other 3 looking for tip damage or clean wash compared to slight darkening of the others.

I learned this "trick" WAY BACK in my YOUTH.

IF all look the same, then you may have a coil going out and a stuck shut T-stat.  I would suggest replacing BOTH stats at same time.

Ok, thank you very much for the response. Ill check tomorrow when I get in.

[DodgeBruhBoy]

I checked the car today, the spark plugs have no discoloration or damage but they were recently changed. I check the oil and there is no discoloration or etc, all the fluids appear to be at the same level and the coolant doesn't have discoloration either. 

[DodgeBruhBoy]

Update: I ended up taking the car in early this morning and just got a call from my mechanic, and he said he went through the car, drove it, let it run and etc and no overheating at all. He said there is no leaks, smells, or anything. He did say that the coolant was low, and put in a half gallon but right as of now, there is no over heating after an hour of driving and letting it run. 

 

Any suggestions? 

 

 

Edited November 21 by DodgeBruhBoy

[5rebel9]

Well, after a shop has checked it over like you post.

 

Drive it AND monitor for misfiring coming back and CEL AND monitor interior heat quality{low coolant will cause low heat} drive the car as normal and keep a check on fluid levels under the hood.

[Leroy]

Unfortunately i had this same code with cylinder 2 a few years ago on my 2013 SE 2.4l and it was the head gasket. i had a little over 71K miles and the extended warranty i purchased ended at 70K. i was not happy as it was a $1,500 repair but i paid it. I wrote to Dodge customer service and they issued me a check for half the cost. I had the repair completed at the local dealer and had to send Dodge my invoice. I felt somewhat better about the situation but still upset the head gakset failed after 5 years. Good luck with your Journey. 

[Dean H]

Specifically ,

You need to check the coolant level cold and after being driven full hot.

 

You need to learn how the coolant level changes.

 

Then check it daily. 

 

While your checking your

coolant.

 

Check all your fluids and hoses.

 

Know what is going on under your hood. Before you go driving.

 

Go read this post below, I made regarding maintenance.

 

 

 

 

It's up to you monitor this situation.

 

The Journey's engines cannot take too many overheats.

 

Before it's scrap.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited November 22 by Dean H

[DodgeBruhBoy]

On 11/21/2024 at 11:29 AM, 5rebel9 said:

Well, after a shop has checked it over like you post.

 

Drive it AND monitor for misfiring coming back and CEL AND monitor interior heat quality{low coolant will cause low heat} drive the car as normal and keep a check on fluid levels under the hood.

I have been driving it every day, and there has been no CEL, misfiring, or overheating. The heat seems to be working fine as well. Am I only checking the coolant reservoir? Or rad cold as well? 

[DodgeBruhBoy]

On 11/21/2024 at 1:48 PM, Leroy said:

Unfortunately i had this same code with cylinder 2 a few years ago on my 2013 SE 2.4l and it was the head gasket. i had a little over 71K miles and the extended warranty i purchased ended at 70K. i was not happy as it was a $1,500 repair but i paid it. I wrote to Dodge customer service and they issued me a check for half the cost. I had the repair completed at the local dealer and had to send Dodge my invoice. I felt somewhat better about the situation but still upset the head gakset failed after 5 years. Good luck with your Journey. 

Oh wow, mine is a little over 74K miles as well. Same 2.4L and everything I do have a warranty through carvana but I heard its junk, that will be the next step if an issue arises again.

 

Oh wow, dodge actually paid for half? Yeah if it blows at 5 years im gonna be pissed. 

[DodgeBruhBoy]

On 11/21/2024 at 8:14 PM, Dean H said:

Specifically ,

You need to check the coolant level cold and after being driven full hot.

 

You need to learn how the coolant level changes.

 

Then check it daily. 

 

While your checking your

coolant.

 

Check all your fluids and hoses.

 

Know what is going on under your hood. Before you go driving.

 

Go read this post below, I made regarding maintenance.

 

 

 

 

It's up to you monitor this situation.

 

The Journey's engines cannot take too many overheats.

 

Before it's scrap.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ok, I will read it right away and will check it first thing in the morning cold. I have been driving it every day, and its definitely been over 5-6 hours of drive time and no issues at all. Ill read the post now and post back if I have any questions....if thats ok. 

 

 

[Dean H]

Glad to hear everything is good with your Journey.

 

Post back anytime.

 

Check the coolant level at both places.

 

 

When you check the coolant level cold, in the radiator.

 

Check the 2 rubber seals on the cap it's self. If not intact.

 

Replace it. 

 

The cap pressurizes your cooling system.

 

Edited November 24 by Dean H

[2late4u]

go ahead and check it cold if needed to add some go ahead and add some THEN mark it real good with a black marker at the cold level and then later on after running it normal amount of time and then mark it again after it has set a bit to show the full mark and then check it every day for a couple of weeks and then once a week after that  also a good time to check all the other fluids like power steering and brake fluid and the oil level

[DodgeBruhBoy]

Ok I'm back, the car seems to be overheating when the heat is NOT on, what's interesting is that this didn't happen before. I was driving on the highway and the I noticed the coolant temp got to 226, and then I turned the heat on and it dropped to about 200-206.

 

I have been checking the coolant level daily, and the reservoir level is the same (marked it). But when I opened the radiator cap last night (cold) it was between a quarter of a cup short and half cup low. I'm going into a friends shop to do a pressure test in the next day or two, I'm really hoping not, but I'm possibly suspecting now its a blown head gasket. I did have a vehicle warranty with SilverRock and it should be covered for the most part.

 

Anything else I should check before I take it in? Any thoughts? 

[5rebel9]

A pressure test of the cooling system would be a good start, and also test the radiator cap {most pressure testers can also check the cap to be sure it is functioning properly also}.

Note the thermostat housing {mounted on the transmission end of the cylinder head} is prone to leak as it is PLASTIC with O-ring seal. From your report, I would question that the higher opening temp thermostat is sticking. The car uses TWO different temp thermostats in that housing I speak of and I would suggest your friends shop replace both of them IF they find NO LEAKS.

 

IF you had a bad head gasket it would run poorly and be bowing out coolant and smoke out the exhaust...In short wording, you would see and know something MAJOR like that was happening. High digital temp readings you post of can be from a sticking shut 2nd T-stat, since you post that the temp gage comes back down some with interior heat turned on when the temp gets that high.

 

Good luck and keep in touch!