Trouble codes › Known problems › 5.7L Hemi lifter and camshaft wear ("Hemi tick")

5.7L Hemi lifter and camshaft wear ("Hemi tick")

Codes: P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, P0306, P0307, P0308

On the 5.7L Hemi V8 (Ram 1500, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Durango and others), a misfire with a ticking noise is a well-known sign of a failed roller lifter or worn camshaft lobe, often on cylinders with Multi-Displacement System lifters.

Can I keep driving? Not if you can avoid it.

A failed lifter roller can chew up the camshaft and send metal through the engine. If the tick gets louder or a misfire sets, drive as little as possible until it's diagnosed.

Which vehicles

Why it happens

Hemi lifters have a small roller riding on the camshaft. When the roller's needle bearings fail, the roller stops turning, wears a flat spot into the cam lobe, and that cylinder's valve opens less: a tick, then a misfire.

It's often linked to the Multi-Displacement System lifters, long idling and oil condition, though causes are debated. Not every Hemi tick is a lifter: exhaust manifold leaks from broken bolts also tick, usually loudest on a cold start.

Symptoms

  • A tick from the top of the engine that doesn't fade as it warms up
  • Misfire on one cylinder, rough idle
  • Metal flakes on the oil filter or magnetic drain plug (in worse cases)

How to confirm it

  1. Rule out exhaust manifold leaks (broken manifold bolts are very common on Hemis) and plugs and coils first; the Hemi uses two plugs per cylinder.
  2. A relative compression test or checking valve lift with the valve cover off shows a worn lobe.
  3. Cut open the oil filter and look for metal.
  4. Ask a dealer to check bulletins for your VIN. Note Ram bulletin 9100229 (2023) tells technicians not to replace MDS lifters for a misaligned disconnect pin alone, so expect proof of a failed lifter or cam.

The repair

Recalls, bulletins and warranty programs

Ram bulletin 9100229 (2023)
About hydraulic roller deactivating (MDS) lifters on 2014-2024 Ram 1500: a misaligned disconnecting pin alone is considered normal and isn't a reason to replace lifters. No recall or extended warranty for Hemi lifters was found.

Programs can expire or depend on your VIN. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a dealer to run your VIN for open recalls, bulletins and extended coverage.

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Sources

Researched October 2026 from service bulletins, recall records and repair-industry reporting. Your vehicle may differ; confirm with your service information and a dealer before paying for major repairs.