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DTC code page

P0302: Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected

Quick answer: The ECU detected misfire events concentrated in cylinder 2.

Drivers also search this fault as cylinder 2 misfire, misfire cylinder 2, number 2 cylinder misfire.

Severity: high Family: powertrain Related paths: 6
Meaning

What P0302 usually means

P0302 points to cylinder 2 as the main source of the misfire pattern. It is usually diagnosed the same way as other single-cylinder misfire faults: confirm ignition first, then fuel and mechanical health.

Fast triage

Start here before chasing parts

  • Scan first: save freeze-frame and pending codes before clearing anything.
  • Confirm the complaint: compare the stored code with current drivability symptoms.
  • Use context: trims, live data, and related codes usually narrow the fault faster than guesswork.
  • Work simplest to hardest: leaks, connectors, maintenance items, and known patterns before expensive components.
Initial checks

What to check first

  • Check cylinder 2 ignition components first because they are usually fastest to verify.
  • Inspect wiring and connector retention if recent engine work has been done.
Driving risk

Can you keep driving?

Treat P0302 like any active misfire: short-term only if mild, not if the engine is flashing the MIL or bucking under load.

High urgency: If symptoms are active, reduce driving and diagnose quickly before secondary damage builds.
Likely causes

Common causes behind this code

  • Plug or coil fault on cylinder 2
  • Injector imbalance or restricted fuel delivery
  • Mechanical issue such as low compression
  • Wiring fault affecting cylinder 2 ignition or injection

Cause phrases often tied to this code: spark plug, ignition coil, injector imbalance, low compression, wiring fault.

Diagnostic order

Suggested workflow

  1. Check cylinder 2 ignition components first because they are usually quickest to verify.
  2. Review live misfire counters if your scan tool supports them.
  3. Test injector operation and confirm compression if the ignition side looks normal.
Avoid guesswork

Common mistakes

  • Jumping to injector replacement before a quick coil or plug swap test.
  • Ignoring harness damage around the coil or injector connector.
Repair path

Practical fix guidance

  • Replace or repair the proven failed part, then verify that cylinder 2 misfire counts stay at zero under load.
  • If compression is low, move the repair plan toward mechanical diagnosis instead of continuing parts-swapping.
Vehicle context

Affected brands in this MVP

Brand hubs help broaden internal linking now and can evolve into make-specific diagnostic notes later.

Aliases and common searches

English phrases tied to P0302

Useful when the driver knows the wording but not the exact DTC yet.

  • cylinder 2 misfire
  • misfire cylinder 2
  • number 2 cylinder misfire
Related search intent

Queries this page can answer naturally

  • P0302 code meaning
  • what does P0302 mean
  • cylinder 2 not firing
FAQ

Quick questions about P0302

Can a vacuum leak cause P0302?

Sometimes indirectly, but single-cylinder misfire more often points to that cylinder's ignition, fuel, or compression.