P0302: Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected

What does P0302 mean?

Misfires are being detected on cylinder 2 alone. On inline engines this is usually the second cylinder from the timing end; on many V engines cylinder 2 is on the opposite bank from cylinder 1. Because only one cylinder is affected, start with the parts that are unique to it.

Generic OBD-II definition: Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected. Confirm applicability in your vehicle service information.

Common causes

• Spark plug in cylinder 2 worn past its service interval
• Weak cylinder 2 ignition coil
• Fuel injector for cylinder 2 sticking or with a damaged connector
• Intake gasket leak near the cylinder 2 runner
• Mechanical issue such as a worn cam lobe or a valve not sealing

Symptoms

• Rough idle, especially when the engine is cold
• Loss of power when accelerating uphill
• Poor fuel economy

Can I keep driving with P0302?

Severity: High Stop or minimize driving and get it looked at right away.

If the check engine light is flashing or the car runs badly, stop driving and have it checked.

Typical fixes

• Pull the cylinder 2 plug and read it: oily, wet with fuel, or white and blistered each point to different causes
• Swap cylinder 2's ignition coil with a neighboring cylinder's coil, clear codes, and drive: if the code moves to that cylinder, the coil is bad
• Listen to the injector with a mechanic's stethoscope for a steady clicking
• Spray-test around the intake runner for vacuum leaks with the engine idling