P0302 — Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected
Drivable short-term, but fix now to avoid damage.
What P0302 means
P0302 means the engine computer detected a misfire in cylinder number 2. That cylinder isn't igniting its air-fuel mixture properly, causing a power loss and rough running. Since it's specific to one cylinder, the usual culprit is a worn ignition or fuel part serving cylinder 2.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light on or flashing
- Rough idle and vibration
- Reduced power and hesitation
- Engine stumbles when accelerating
- Slightly higher fuel use
Common causes
- Worn or fouled spark plug on cylinder 2
- Failing ignition coil on cylinder 2
- Clogged or faulty fuel injector
- Damaged spark plug wire or boot
- Vacuum leak near cylinder 2
- Low compression in cylinder 2
Typical repair cost
$80 – $450
Varies by vehicle and root cause.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P0302?
Briefly and gently, yes, but not long-term. If the light is flashing, stop driving and get a tow to avoid catalytic converter damage.
How much does it cost to fix a P0302?
Usually $80-$300 for a spark plug or coil on cylinder 2 including labor. Injector or compression issues can raise the cost toward $450 or more.
Is a P0302 serious?
It can be, because an ongoing misfire can overheat and ruin the catalytic converter. Fixing it promptly keeps a cheap repair from becoming an expensive one.
Could the same plug or coil from another cylinder be the cause?
Sometimes a coil or plug fails after being swapped. If the misfire follows a part when you move it from cylinder 2 to another spot, that part is the problem.