P0301 on 2020-2022 Ford F-250 Super Duty 7.3L: Cylinder 1 Misfire Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2020-2022 Ford F-250 Super Duty

The 7.3L 'Godzilla' V8 in this generation of Super Duty is a modern pushrod engine that uses a coil-near-plug ignition system with conventional spark plug wires. These factory-installed spark plug wires are a well-documented weak point, prone to premature failure from high engine heat, especially on the passenger side cylinders. This issue is so common that Ford issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 20-2370) for it on the F-53 Motorhome chassis (which shares the engine) and later released a redesigned, more robust wire (part number LC3Z-12286-C). While a simple ignition part is the most likely cause, these early 'Godzilla' engines are also known for a more severe internal issue with camshaft and lifter wear, which can also present as a single-cylinder misfire code. Some technicians theorize this is related to a variable displacement oil pump 🎬 Watch: A mechanic explains why these lifters and camshafts fail. that allows for very low oil pressure (as low as 8 PSI) at hot idle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Rough or shaking idle
• Hesitation or stumbling during acceleration
• Flashing or solid Check Engine Light
• Popping sound from the engine bay under load
• Noticeable loss of power
• Poor or erratic transmission shifting
• Audible ticking or tapping noise from the upper engine, which may indicate a more serious lifter/camshaft issue

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Spark Plug Wire 🔴 High Probability The original equipment spark plug wires on the 7.3L V8 are known to degrade from high heat generated by the exhaust manifold, causing them to fail. Ford acknowledged this with TSB 20-2370 for 2020 F-53 Motorhome Chassis models, recommending replacement with an updated part. This issue is widely discussed in owner forums as the number one cause for misfires on these trucks.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wire for cylinder 1 for any signs of melting, burns, or white arcing marks. A definitive test is to swap the cylinder 1 wire with another cylinder's wire (e.g., cylinder 2), clear the codes, and see if the misfire code changes to P0302. In the dark, you can sometimes see the spark arcing from the wire to the cylinder head or exhaust manifold.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty spark plug wire. It is highly recommended to replace all 8 wires with a quality aftermarket set or the updated Motorcraft parts (Part No. LC3Z-12286-C or the newer LC3Z-12286-D) to prevent future failures. One owner on YouTube noted that replacing the wires himself for around $200 fixed a random misfire code. 🎬 Watch: See a full walkthrough on replacing plugs and wires.
   Est. part cost: $15-$40 for one wire, $75-$200 for a full set.
2. Faulty Ignition Coil 🟡 Medium Probability
   How to confirm: Swap the ignition coil from cylinder 1 (front passenger side) with the coil from cylinder 2 (second from front, passenger side). Clear the codes and drive the vehicle. If the code returns as P0302, the ignition coil is bad.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty ignition coil. The OEM part is Motorcraft DG-587. Many owners choose to replace the corresponding spark plug at the same time.
   Est. part cost: $50-$100
3. Worn or Fouled Spark Plug 🟡 Medium Probability A failing spark plug wire can cause the spark plug to foul, leading to a misfire even after the wire is replaced.
   How to confirm: After ruling out the wire and coil, remove the spark plug from cylinder 1. Inspect it for a cracked porcelain insulator, heavy carbon deposits, oil fouling, or excessive electrode wear.
   Typical fix: Replace the spark plug. The recommended Motorcraft spark plug is part number SP-596 or SP-589. It is best practice to replace all 8 spark plugs at the same time to ensure even performance.
   Est. part cost: $5-$20 per plug
4. Faulty Fuel Injector ⚪ Low Probability
   How to confirm: Listen to the injector with a mechanic's stethoscope; it should make a consistent clicking sound. You can also use a 'noid light' to verify the electrical connector is receiving a pulse from the PCM. Swapping injectors between cylinders is a definitive but more labor-intensive test. Some forum users suggest trying a strong fuel injector cleaner as a first step if an injector is suspected.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty fuel injector.
   Est. part cost: $50-$150

Rare But Worth Checking

• Engine Mechanical Failure (Camshaft/Lifter): Early 7.3L 'Godzilla' engines (approx. 2020-2022) have a documented history of premature wear on camshaft lobes and valve tappets (lifters), sometimes referred to as 'lifter delamination'. This serious issue often starts as a single-cylinder misfire code and may be accompanied by a ticking noise from the top of the engine. Ford has addressed this with TSB 23-2334 and Customer Satisfaction Program 24B27, which may involve a PCM update to increase idle oil pressure or, in severe cases, engine replacement. If basic ignition and fuel system checks do not resolve the P0301 code, this is a strong possibility that requires professional diagnosis, likely involving a compression test and internal inspection.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the code with an OBD-II scanner and check for any other stored codes. Note if the check engine light is flashing.
2. Listen for a persistent ticking/tapping noise from the upper engine, which could point to the more serious camshaft/lifter issue.
3. Visually inspect the spark plug wire for cylinder 1 (front, passenger side) for any obvious damage like burns, melting, or white arcing marks.
4. Swap the cylinder 1 spark plug wire with the wire from cylinder 2. Clear the codes, run the engine, and see if the misfire moves to cylinder 2 (code P0302). If it does, the wire is bad.
5. If the misfire remains on cylinder 1, swap the ignition coil from cylinder 1 with the coil from cylinder 2. Clear codes and re-test. If the code changes to P0302, the coil is faulty.
6. If the misfire still remains on cylinder 1, remove and inspect the spark plug for wear or damage. Replace as needed.
7. If ignition components are good, check the fuel injector for cylinder 1. Listen for a steady clicking and test the electrical connector with a noid light.
8. If all of the above steps fail to find the issue, a compression test should be performed on cylinder 1 to check for internal mechanical problems. 🎬 Watch: Diagnosing a cylinder misfire caused by internal engine damage. Low compression is a strong indicator of the known camshaft or lifter failure described in TSB 23-2334.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Ignition Wire Set (OEM #LC3Z-12286-C) — This is the most common failure point for a P0301 on this engine. The part number listed is Ford's updated, more heat-resistant design. A newer revision, LC3Z-12286-D, may also be available.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft, NGK, MSD, Firecore
  OEM price range: $120-$160
  Aftermarket price range: $75-$150
• Ignition Coil (OEM #DG-587) — The second most likely ignition component to fail, causing a misfire on a single cylinder.
  Trusted brands: Motorcraft, Delphi, Denso
  OEM price range: $60-$90
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$70
• Spark Plug (OEM #SP-596) — A standard maintenance item that can cause a misfire when worn or fouled. The OEM part is typically a Motorcraft platinum or iridium plug.

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0300 — This code means 'Random or Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected.' It can appear alongside P0301 if the misfire is intermittent or if other cylinders are also beginning to misfire, often due to multiple failing spark plug wires.
• P0302, P0303, P0304 — These codes indicate misfires on cylinders 2, 3, and 4, which are on the same bank (passenger side) as cylinder 1. TSB 20-2370 specifically notes these codes appearing together due to heat-damaged spark plug wires on that side of the engine.
• P0316 — This code indicates a 'Misfire Detected on Startup (First 1000 Revolutions).' It is often stored with other P030x codes and was specifically mentioned in TSB 20-2370 related to the spark plug wire issue.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• TSB 20-2370: Issued Dec 1, 2020, for 2020 F-53 Motorhome Chassis with the 7.3L engine. Addresses misfire DTCs P0300, P0316, P0301-P0304 due to damaged spark plug wires. The fix involves replacing all 8 wires and modifying an air baffle.
• TSB 23-2334: Supersedes earlier versions. Addresses misfire DTCs P0301-P0308 on 7.3L engines potentially caused by excessive wear on the camshaft and/or valve tappets (lifters).
• Bulletin #TSB 25-2572: Notes that customers may report rough engine performance, engine misfire, or a MIL with DTC P0301-P0308 due to the camshaft and/or valve tappet having excess wear within the engine assembly.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Premature Spark Plug Wire Failure: A widely documented issue where the factory wires, particularly on the passenger side, fail due to heat from the exhaust manifold. Ford issued TSB 20-2370 for some 2020 models and later released an updated wire set (LC3Z-12286-C) to address this.
• Camshaft/Lifter Failure: Early 7.3L 'Godzilla' engines (2020-2022) are known to have valvetrain issues where lifters fail, causing damage to the camshaft. This often presents as a misfire with a ticking noise and is addressed by TSB 23-2334.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance — expected: 13.7K Ohms (for MSD 8283 aftermarket coil). Failure: A significant deviation from the spec of a known-good coil. An open (OL) or shorted (near zero) reading indicates failure.
• Ignition Coil Primary Resistance — expected: 0.53 Ohms (for MSD 8283 aftermarket coil). Failure: A significant deviation from the spec of a known-good coil.
• Fuel Injector Resistance — expected: 11.0 - 18.0 Ohms. Failure: A reading outside this range, or an open (OL) or shorted (near 0 Ohms) circuit.
• Fuel Pressure (Key On, Engine Off) — expected: 60 PSI. Failure: Significantly lower pressure can indicate a weak fuel pump or a leak. Pressure that bleeds off quickly can indicate a leaking injector.
• Engine Oil Pressure at Hot Idle — expected: As low as 8 PSI (per Ford specification). Failure: While technically in spec, this low pressure is a known concern and contributing factor to lifter failures. Ford's CSP 24B27 aims to raise this pressure via a PCM update.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• Mode $06, Test ID $53: Provides raw misfire counts for each individual cylinder over the last 10 drive cycles. This allows a technician to see small numbers of misfires on a specific cylinder even if they haven't reached the threshold to set a P030x code. Component ID $01 corresponds to Cylinder 1, $02 to Cylinder 2, and so on. (see via Most professional OBD-II scan tools under the 'Generic OBD-II' or 'Mode $06' function.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Ford IDS / FORScan: Power Balance Test — This is a primary diagnostic function to visually confirm a misfire. The tool displays a graph of each cylinder's RPM contribution, making it immediately obvious if Cylinder 1 is performing poorly compared to the others. It helps confirm the misfire is real and ongoing before replacing parts.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Reddit user in r/AskAMechanic (2021 Ford F-250 7.3L V8) — Initially a P0304 (Cylinder 4 Misfire), which was quickly followed by misfire codes for cylinders 1-4 and a P0300 (Random Misfire). A terrible sound was noted when accelerating after clearing codes.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Swapping spark plug wires, Checking the PCM, Checking the MAF sensor
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user did not post a final resolution, but the rapid progression to multiple misfires on the same bank after an initial single cylinder code is highly indicative of either multiple heat-damaged spark plug wires (as noted in TSB 20-2370) or a more serious underlying mechanical issue like the known camshaft/lifter problem affecting that bank.
• NHTSA ODI #11663792 — An owner reported that a spark plug wire failure on cylinder #1 caused a misfire and P0301 code, which reduced engine power while towing a 10,000-pound trailer. The vehicle was repaired under warranty.
• NHTSA ODI #11647795 — A Ford owner reported intermittent issues where pulling codes revealed P0300, P0301, and P0305, but the dealership was initially unable to resolve the problem during previous visits.
• NHTSA ODI #11678879 — After a vehicle was towed to a dealer, DTC P0301 was retrieved and the owner was informed that the coil pack and spark plugs needed to be replaced.
• NHTSA ODI #11720710 — An owner reported a check engine light with codes P0301 and P0316; a relative compression test revealed cylinder 1 only had 70 PSI, indicating a cylinder head issue.

OEM Part Supersession History

• Unknown, likely LC3Z-12286-A or B → LC3Z-12286-D (also seen as Motorcraft WR-6170) — The original spark plug wires were prone to heat damage from the exhaust manifold. The updated parts, particularly revision C and D, are designed to be more robust and heat resistant.
  Heads up: The part LC3Z-12286-D is the latest revision and supersedes previous versions like -A, -B, and -C.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2020-2022: Ford's Customer Satisfaction Program 24B27, which provides a PCM software update to increase idle oil pressure, was expanded to include 2020-2022 models. This is a critical update to help mitigate the risk of camshaft/lifter failure that can present as a misfire. Owners of these model years should check with a dealer to see if their vehicle is eligible for this update.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• Premature Camshaft/Lifter Failure 🔴 High — A known but not universal issue on 2020-2022 models. Failures can occur at various mileages, from very low (under 1,000 miles) to higher mileage (30k-100k+ miles). Often presents as a ticking noise and misfire codes. (Ref: TSB 23-2334, Customer Satisfaction Program 24B27)
• Premature Spark Plug Wire Failure 🟠 Medium — Very common on 2020-2022 models, especially those built before the updated wire set was introduced. Failures are due to heat degradation and typically affect passenger-side cylinders first. (Ref: TSB 20-2370 (on related chassis))
• Harsh/Erratic Shifting (10R140 Transmission) 🟡 Low — Some owners report issues with the 10-speed automatic transmission, including harsh shifts or hesitation. Often addressed with software updates from the dealer.
• Driveshaft Damage from Insulators 🟠 Medium — Affects 2017-2022 gas-powered Super Duty trucks with aluminum driveshafts. Underbody insulators can loosen and contact the driveshaft, potentially causing it to fracture. (Ref: Recall 22S09)
• COVID-Era Production Delays/Quality Control 🟡 Low — A general concern for 2022 models, which faced significant production delays. Owners on forums mention these trucks sat in lots waiting for parts, leading to potential for mixed-bag quality.

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: For this specific P0301 repair, using used parts is generally not recommended for the most common failure items. However, a used ignition coil from a known low-mileage donor vehicle could be a cost-effective option if the part is visually inspected for cracks or damage.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 40000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• For an ignition coil, check for any cracks in the plastic housing or epoxy.
• Ensure the electrical connector pins are clean and not corroded.
• Avoid parts from vehicles that show signs of flood damage or excessive engine bay corrosion.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• Spark Plugs (Always buy new)
• Spark Plug Wires (Always buy new; the failure is due to heat degradation over time, so a used part has no advantage)

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• Motorcraft (OEM for wires, plugs, coils)
• MSD (Ignition coils and wires)
• NGK (Spark plugs and wires)
• Firecore (Performance ignition wires)
• Top Street Performance (TSP) (Ignition wires with high-temp ceramic boots)

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Unbranded, no-name ignition components from online marketplaces are frequently cited as unreliable and a common cause of repeat failures.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0300 — Random or multiple cylinder misfire; often occurs alongside P0301 when heat affects multiple spark plug wires on the 7.3L engine.
• P0302 — Cylinder 2 misfire; used during diagnosis to confirm a faulty wire or coil by swapping components from cylinder 1.
• P0316 — Misfire detected on startup; specifically mentioned in TSB 20-2370 as a companion code for 7.3L engines with damaged spark plug wires.
• P0303 — Cylinder 3 misfire; one of the cylinders (1-4) on the passenger side prone to heat-related wire failure per TSB 20-2370.
• P0304 — Cylinder 4 misfire; also located on the passenger side and frequently affected by the same exhaust manifold heat issues as cylinder 1.
• P0308 — Cylinder 8 misfire; included in TSB 23-2334 as a potential code resulting from internal camshaft or lifter wear.

Frequently Asked Questions