P0302 Code: Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected

🟠 Moderate severity · drivable

Short trips with a steady light are generally fine, but fix it promptly — and pull over immediately if the light begins flashing.

What P0302 means

Cylinder 2 is misfiring — it's not producing power the way it should. Because this is a single-cylinder code rather than a random misfire (P0300), the likely culprit is confined to cylinder 2 itself: its spark plug, ignition coil, or fuel injector. That makes P0302 quicker to pinpoint than a misfire that skips around the engine.

Symptoms

Check engine light on (flashing when severe)
Engine shake or rough idle
Hesitation or reduced power under load
Noticeably worse fuel economy

Common causes

most common: Worn or fouled spark plug on cylinder 2
common: Failing ignition coil or plug wire for cylinder 2
common: Clogged or leaking fuel injector on cylinder 2
less common: Low compression in cylinder 2 from internal engine wear

How to fix it

Fix	DIY?	Typical cost
Swap the cylinder 2 spark plug and coil to a different cylinder and re-scan to confirm the fault follows the parts	Yes	$0–20
Replace the cylinder 2 spark plug	Yes	$10–50
Replace the cylinder 2 ignition coil	Yes	$50–200
Run a compression test on cylinder 2	Mechanic	$100–200

Frequently asked questions

Is P0302 just a cylinder 2 problem?

Usually, yes. A single-cylinder code means the fault is almost always on that cylinder's plug, coil, or injector. If the misfire moves around, look at P0300 for shared-system causes instead.

What's the fastest way to diagnose P0302?

Swap cylinder 2's spark plug and coil with another cylinder. If the code follows the swapped parts, replace whichever part moved. If it stays on cylinder 2, the injector or compression is the next thing to check.

Can I drive with a P0302 code?

For short distances with a steady light, yes — but the unburned fuel can damage the catalytic converter, so don't put it off. A flashing light means stop and tow.