P0302 Code: Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected
🟠 Moderate severity · drivable
If the light is flashing, stop immediately. Otherwise, a short drive to a shop is usually fine.
What P0302 means
Cylinder 2 is misfiring — it isn't firing properly. A specific-cylinder misfire usually points to a part on that cylinder, most often the spark plug or ignition coil.
Symptoms
- Check engine light on (flashing if severe)
- Rough idle or shaking
- Loss of power
- Poor fuel economy
Common causes
- most common: Bad spark plug on cylinder 2
- most common: Failing ignition coil or plug wire for cylinder 2
- common: Clogged or leaking fuel injector on cylinder 2
- less common: Vacuum leak affecting that cylinder
- less common: Low compression in cylinder 2
How to fix it
| Fix | DIY? | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Replace the cylinder 2 spark plug | Yes | $10–50 |
| Replace the cylinder 2 ignition coil (or swap it to confirm) | Yes | $50–200 |
| Clean or replace the cylinder 2 fuel injector | Mechanic | $100–300 |
| Run a compression test on cylinder 2 | Mechanic | $100–200 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common cause of P0302?
A worn spark plug or failing ignition coil on cylinder 2. These are cheap and easy to replace.
Can I drive with a P0302 code?
Short distances only if the light is steady. Stop and get a tow if the light is flashing.
How do I know if it's the coil or the plug?
A common trick is to swap the coil with another cylinder and see if the misfire follows it. If the code moves to the other cylinder, the coil is bad.
Related codes
P0300
P0300 Code: Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
P0301P0301 Code: Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
P0303P0303 Code: Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected
Updated 2026-08. This page is informational and not a substitute for professional diagnosis.