P0305 — Cylinder 5 Misfire Detected

What it means

The engine control module has detected misfire in cylinder 5. On V6 and V8 engines cylinder 5 usually belongs to bank 2, so its physical position must be taken from the manufacturer cylinder numbering diagram before parts are swapped. The fault shows up as a rough idle, vibration under load, higher consumption and a rich exhaust smell.

Likely causes (most common first)

1. Worn or fouled spark plug in cylinder 5
2. Failed coil on plug or ignition lead on that cylinder
3. Clogged, stuck or leaking fuel injector
4. Vacuum leak at the intake manifold gasket of bank 2
5. Low compression: burnt valve, worn rings, head gasket failure
6. Harness damage between the ECM and the coil or injector of cylinder 5

Can you drive with it?

Driving is possible only briefly and gently; a flashing lamp means stop and tow.