Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected
What it means
P0302 means the engine control module has detected a misfire specifically on cylinder 2 — fuel isn't burning properly there, so the engine runs rough and loses power. The usual culprit is a worn plug or coil on that cylinder, but a fuel or compression problem can also cause it. Sustained misfires can damage the catalytic converter.
Can I keep driving? Not for long — a misfiring cylinder runs rough and can stall; if the check-engine light is flashing, drive as little as possible to avoid catalytic converter damage.
Real-world scan data
Appears alongside · share of P0302 scans
Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on, often flashing during an active misfire
- Rough idle, shaking, or stumbling
- Reduced power and hesitation on acceleration
- Increased fuel consumption
Common causes
Most likely first
- Worn or fouled spark plug on cylinder 2 (most common)Likely
- Failing ignition coil or plug boot on cylinder 2Common
- Clogged or leaking fuel injector on cylinder 2Common
- Vacuum leak affecting that cylinderLess often
- Low compression — valve, ring, or head-gasket wear on cylinder 2Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame data, then swap the cylinder 2 coil and plug to a neighbouring cylinder and re-scan — if the misfire follows, you've found it.
- Replace the cylinder 2 spark plug and inspect the coil and boot first, as these are the most common causes.
- Test the cylinder 2 injector for correct resistance and spray; swap or clean if suspect.
- Check for vacuum leaks around that runner.
- If it persists, run a compression and leak-down test on cylinder 2 for a mechanical cause, then clear and re-test.
P0302 by make
Based on commonly reported failure patterns across owner and repair communities, not on our scan data.
BMW
On BMWs, failing ignition coils and worn spark plugs are a common reason for a misfire on cylinder 2, particularly on turbocharged engines. Replace plugs and check the coils together.
Ford
On Ford engines with coil-on-plug ignition, such as the 5.4L Triton, a failing coil or worn spark plug on cylinder 2 is a commonly reported cause. Swapping the coil with a neighbouring cylinder is an easy way to see if the misfire follows it.
Hyundai
On Hyundai models, a misfire on cylinder 2 can be a simple coil or plug problem, but on 2.4L four-cylinder engines it can also be a sign of internal engine wear. Get it checked soon if there is knocking or oil use.
Kia
On Kia models, a misfire on cylinder 2 can be a simple coil or plug problem, but on 2.4L four-cylinder engines it can also be a sign of internal engine wear. Get it checked soon if there is knocking or oil use.
Subaru
On Subarus, plugs and coils on cylinder 2 are the first things to check. On older 2.5L boxer engines, a head gasket leak into a cylinder can also cause misfires.
Toyota
On Toyotas, a failed ignition coil or worn spark plug on cylinder 2 is the usual cause. Swapping the coil with a neighbouring cylinder shows quickly whether the misfire moves.
Volkswagen
On VW and Audi turbo engines, a failing ignition coil on cylinder 2 is a very common cause. Swapping coils between cylinders is a cheap way to confirm it.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0302?+
Can I just clear P0302?+
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