P0302 is a generic diagnostic trouble code (DTC), defined as “Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected.”
Your vehicle’s Powertrain Control Module (PCM) registers this code when it detects a misfire in engine cylinder 2 of the combustion system.
A misfire is when the combustion reaction in an engine cylinder doesn’t execute correctly. As a result, that cylinder doesn’t produce power.
Your vehicle moves when the gasoline is burned inside the engine cylinders. Fuel is sent to each cylinder via a fuel injector. A spark is then delivered from the ignition coil to the spark plug, igniting the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder.
The resulting power from the combustion process pushes the cylinder piston, which rotates the crankshaft. The crankshaft’s rotational force is transferred to your vehicle’s transmission system. Your gear transmission then applies this force to the drive wheels.
Meanwhile, the PCM monitors the crankshaft speed and will note any RPM loss caused by a misfire. Occasional misfires occur due to incomplete combustion when the timing of the ignition system is off.
But when multiple misfires occur on the #2 cylinder, your PCM registers the P0302 trouble code and activates the Check Engine Light on your vehicle’s dashboard.
Most engines have 4, 6, or 8-cylinder engines. Here, cylinder number 2 doesn’t refer to the second cylinder in the firing order but is the cylinder numbered as “2” in your engine.
Some popular auto brands that experience this code include Toyota Motor Corporation, Dodge, VW, Chevrolet, Jeep, Nissan, and Hyundai.
If your powertrain control module has registered the P0302 trouble code, your vehicle may experience one or more of these signs:
If your vehicle’s engine light is on due to the P0302 cylinder 2 misfire code, you should stop driving immediately.
The P0302 trouble code is a serious issue. If a misfire code is left unaddressed, it could affect your engine efficiency. It can even lead to ignition failure or catalytic converter damage, which is a costly repair.
Misfires can also result in dangerous driving conditions. Your vehicle may stop abruptly and leave you stranded on the road.
Several factors can lead to a cylinder 2 misfire, causing your Check Engine Light to come on.
The most common ones are:
Note: If another misfire code accompanies the P0302 code, there will likely be more than one potential cause.
Multiple reasons could trigger a code P0302 misfire, including a faulty spark plug, a bad ignition system, or a defective fuel injector.
Here’s how a certified technician will diagnose the root cause of this code:
While P0302 is a generic powertrain trouble code, the repair steps could vary according to your vehicle’s make and model.
This DTC code repairs begin with an hour of diagnosis time, costing around $75-$150.
Once the root cause for the P0302 code is diagnosed, your mechanic may suggest one of the following replacements or repairs:
Note: Costs are average estimates and will vary based on your location, and your vehicle’s make and model.
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