P0302 OBD-II Trouble Code: Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected

Our certified mechanics come to you · Get a fair and transparent estimate upfront

EXCELLENT RATING ON

Cost of diagnosing the P0302 code

P0302 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for "Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected". This can happen for multiple reasons and a mechanic needs to diagnose the specific cause for this code to be triggered in your situation. Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office to perform the Check Engine Light diagnostic for $154.99 . Once we are able to diagnose the problem, you will be provided with an upfront quote for the recommended fix and receive $50.0 off as a credit towards the repair. All our repairs are backed by our 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty.

Cars Estimate* Credit towards follow-up repair Earliest Availability
Ford $154.99 $50.0
Toyota $154.99 $50.0
BMW $164.99 $50.0

*Estimates may vary by market

SCHEDULE P0302 DIAGNOSTIC Get a fair and transparent estimate upfront

P0302 code definition

Cylinder 2 misfire detected

What the P0302 code means

Most vehicles have either 4 or 6 cylinders. Each cylinder fires a spark plug one after another. A spark plug is located on the top of each cylinder. The spark plug uses an electric spark to ignite the flammable air/fuel mixture, producing energy.

The energy released by the fuel combustion powers the crankshaft. All of the cylinders work together to regulate the rotation of the crankshaft. As each cylinder fires, the crankshaft is able to rotate continuously. This process is what what makes the vehicle run smoothly.

The crankshaft revolutions per minute (RPM) may increase or decrease if a cylinder misfires. If the percentage of that increase or decrease becomes greater than 2 percent, the powertrain control module will store a trouble code.

If the crankshaft revolutions per minute have increased or decreased between 2 percent and 10 percent, the Check Engine Light will come on. If the crankshaft revolutions per minute have increased or decreased more than 10 percent, the Check Engine Light will blink. A blinking Check Engine Light indicates a more serious misfiring problem. The P0302 trouble code is an indication that cylinder 2 is misfiring and is not getting the necessary spark to its spark plug.

What causes the P0302 code?

  • Defective spark plug in cylinder 2
  • Lack of compression in cylinder 2
  • Damaged or worn out spark plug wires and/or coils
  • Damaged or worn out distributor cap (does not apply to all vehicles)
  • Damaged or worn out rotor button (does not apply to all vehicles)
  • Defective fuel injectors
  • Clogged EGR valves or tubes
  • Burned valves
  • Ignition timing that is inaccurate
  • Vacuum leaks
  • Low fuel or low fuel pressure
  • Leaking head gasket
  • Damaged distributor cap
  • Bad camshaft sensor
  • Bad crankshaft sensor
  • Bad mass air flow sensor
  • Bad oxygen sensor
  • Bad throttle position sensor
  • Bad catalytic converter
  • Bad powertrain control module

What are the symptoms of the P0302 code?

  • Check Engine Light that is on or flashing
  • Car will not start or is difficult to start
  • Car hesitates during acceleration
  • Engine that runs rough or idles rough
  • Car has a lack of power while driving
  • Car dies or stalls while stopped
  • An increase of fuel consumption

How does a mechanic diagnose the P0302 code?

  • Uses the OBD-II scanner to collect freeze frame data and trouble codes stored by the powertrain control module

  • Checks to see if the P0302 trouble code comes back by test driving the car

  • Inspects the spark plug wire for cylinder 2 for wiring that is worn out or damaged

  • Inspects spark plug cylinder 2 itself for excessive wear or damage

  • Inspects the coil pack wires for wiring that is worn out or damaged

  • Inspects the coil packs for excessive wear or damage

  • If necessary, replaces damaged spark plugs, spark plug wires, coil packs, and coil pack wiring

  • If the P0302 trouble code returns after replacing any damaged spark plugs, coil packs, spark plug wires, and coil pack wiring, they will inspect the fuel injectors and fuel injector wiring for damage.

  • For vehicles with the distributor cap and rotor button system (older vehicles), they will inspect distributor cap and rotor button for corrosion, cracks, excessive wear, or any other damage.

  • Diagnose and repairs any other related trouble codes stored by the powertrain control module. Conducts another test drive to see if the P0302 trouble code comes back again.

  • If the P0302 trouble code returns, an inspection of the cylinder 2 compression system will be done (this is not common).

  • If the P0302 trouble code is still unresolved, a problem with the powertrain control module is possible (this is not common). Replacement or reprogramming may be necessary.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P0302 code

Visually inspect the fuel injector wiring for damage before replacing spark plugs, coil packs, or spark plug and coil pack wiring. If applicable, diagnose and repair any other related trouble codes that are present. Also make sure to rule out a faulty cylinder as the cause of the problem.

Any of these components could result in the P0302 trouble code. It is important to take the time to rule out all possible causes of the misfire code during diagnosis. Addressing them during this process will save a lot of time.

How serious is the P0302 code?

The P0302 trouble code is considered serious. Some of the symptoms of this code make the operation of the vehicle dangerous. The vehicle may stop abruptly or stall out. In addition, damage to other engine components is possible if the trouble code is left unaddressed. For these reasons, the P0302 trouble code requires immediate attention.

What repairs can fix the P0302 code?

Additional comments for consideration regarding the P0302 code

When one of the spark plugs needs to be replaced, replace the other spark plugs as well. If one of the coil packs needs to be replaced, it is not necessary to replace the other coil packs as well. This type of code is usually an indication that the car needs a tune up, so replacing one spark plug will normally not resolve the problem.

In order to make a quick determination about whether a faulty wire or coil pack is causing the misfiring problem, switch the wires or coil pack for cylinder 2 with another cylinder’s wires or coil packs. If a trouble code for that cylinder is stored by the powertrain control module, this indicates that the wire or coil pack is causing the misfire. When other trouble codes related to the misfiring issue are present, these need to be diagnosed and repaired as well.

Be sure that the spark plugs have been properly gapped. Use a feeler gauge to ensure a precise gap between the spark plugs. Failing to accurately gap the spark plugs, will result in another misfire. The spark plugs should be gapped according to the specifications set by the manufacturer. These specifications can usually be found on a sticker under the hood of the vehicle. If not, these specifications can be obtained from any local auto part store.

Need help with a P0302 code?

YourMechanic offers certified mechanics who will come to your home or office to diagnose and repair your vehicle. Get a quote and book an appointment online or speak to a service advisor at 1-800-701-6230.

Check Engine Light
P0302
trouble codes

No more waiting rooms! Our mechanics will come to you to diagnose and fix the P0302 code.

SCHEDULE P0302 DIAGNOSTIC
Get a $50 credit for the follow-up repair

Recent Check Engine Light is on Inspection reviews

Excellent Rating

(8600)

Rating Summary
8017
273
65
46
199
8017
273
65
46
199
 at YourMechanic

Brandon

9 years of experience
133 reviews
Brandon
9 years of experience
Ford Escort L4-2.0L - Check Engine Light is on - Nashville, Tennessee
Brandon showed up ahead of schedule, was very personable and diagnosed my problems. He also scheduled my next appointments which will be with him.
 at YourMechanic

William

23 years of experience
33 reviews
William
23 years of experience
Lexus IS250 V6-2.5L - Check Engine Light is on - Mableton, Georgia
Arrived early which was great. William was courteous, and attentive to the issue. Even though it took several attempts I'm so happy he was determined to fix it and he did!
 at YourMechanic

Dan

40 years of experience
1080 reviews
Dan
40 years of experience
Plymouth Grand Voyager - Check Engine Light is on - Lawrenceville, Georgia
Mr. Dan Barber was quite patient, courteous and quite knowledgeable. From my observation, Mr. Barber appears to be quite professional.
 at YourMechanic

Christopher

9 years of experience
120 reviews
Christopher
9 years of experience
Ford Fiesta L4-1.6L - Check Engine Light is on - Smyrna, Georgia
Chris communicated with us each step of the way up until his arrival. He listened well, was knowledgeable, and was prepared. He took the time to diagnose the problem, explained the what, why and how and provided a solution. I would definitely recommend him and will use him again.


Related questions

Engine misfiring and giving a code P0302.
It sounds like you could have a bad coil pack. Have a technician replace the spark plug wires (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-cable-spark-plug-wires-replacement) and test the coil packs.
Misfire code 302 cylinder 2
Hey there. Your logic is absolutely correct. This is in fact one of the most commonly used ways to diagnose a bad ignition coil. If the trouble code turns to a P0301 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0301-obd-ii-trouble-code-cylinder-1-misfire-detected-by-jamahl-walker), the ignition coil is faulty (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-coil-replacement). If...
codes p0174, p0302, and p2A03 read on code reader.
Hi there. What is happening is the codes are reading for a misfire on cylinder number 2 and the system is too lean on bank 2. Check the spark plugs and the fuel injector on cylinder 2 to see if...

More related articles

P2044 OBD-II Trouble Code: Reductant Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input
P2044 P2044 code definition Reductant temperature sensor circuit low input What the P2044 code means This trouble code indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a malfunction with the exhaust temperature/pressure sensor. This can be due to a...
P2237 OBD-II Trouble Code: O2 Sensor Positive Current Control Circuit/Open Bank 1 Sensor 1
What What the P2237 code means P2237 is an OBD-II generic code for the engine control module (ECM) detecting the O2 sensor for bank 1 sensor 1 and has an open circuit for the heater control circuit of the O2...
P2076 OBD-II Trouble Code: Intake Maniforld Tuning Valve Position Sensor/Switch Circuit Range/Performance
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): P2076 P2076 code definition The P2076 diagnostic trouble code is an indication that there is a range/performance issue...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com