P0302
Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected
Quick answer: P0302 means cylinder 2 Misfire Detected. Fixing the underlying cause typically runs $195 to $1,150 at an independent shop. Get it checked promptly.
- Severity
- High
- Safe to drive?
- Get it checked promptly
- Typical repair
- $195 to $1,150
- Most likely cause
- A failed ignition coil on cylinder 2 (the most common cause on coil-on-plug engines)
What P0302 means
The computer has pinned the misfire to cylinder 2 specifically, which narrows the search to parts that serve only that cylinder: its coil, its spark plug, or its injector. That specificity is good news, because a cylinder-specific misfire is usually diagnosed by swapping parts between cylinders and watching whether the code follows. One wrinkle worth knowing: which physical cylinder is number 2 varies by engine layout, so on a V6 or V8 it may not be where you would guess.
Common symptoms
What drivers usually notice with this code.
- Rough idle with a steady, rhythmic stumble you can feel at a stoplight
- Check-engine light flashing under acceleration or up a hill
- Loss of power, especially under load
- A raw fuel smell from the exhaust
- The engine smooths out somewhat at highway cruise but shakes at idle
Common causes
Ranked from most to least likely.
- 1A failed ignition coil on cylinder 2 (the most common cause on coil-on-plug engines)
- 2A worn, fouled, or cracked spark plug in cylinder 2
- 3A clogged or dead fuel injector on cylinder 2
- 4Damaged wiring or a corroded connector at the cylinder 2 coil
- 5A vacuum leak at that cylinder's intake runner or gasket
- 6Low compression in cylinder 2 from a burnt valve or worn rings (the expensive end)
Can I keep driving?
A steady light means you can drive gently to a shop within a day or two, but a flashing light means raw fuel is reaching the catalytic converter and doing damage right now, so stop and arrange a tow.
Severity: High. A flashing check-engine light always means stop, whatever the code says.
Ballpark cost
What P0302 usually costs to fix
A range, not a quote. What you pay depends on your vehicle, your area, and which of the causes above turns out to be the real one.
Typical parts and labor at an independent shop. Dealer rates run higher.
That spread is wide on purpose. P0302 points at a system, not a single part, so the real answer depends on what the diagnosis finds. Use the range to know what to expect. If an estimate comes in higher, it usually means the specific repair is more involved, and it is always fair to ask what is included.
Next steps
What to do next
Ask the shop to swap the cylinder 2 coil and plug with a neighbor and clear the code; if the misfire follows the parts to the new cylinder, you have found a cheap fix. If it stays put on cylinder 2, the injector or the cylinder itself is the suspect, and a compression or leak-down test is the honest way to tell a small repair from a big one. If your plugs are past their service interval anyway, replacing the full set at the same time is money well spent.
Walk in informed
Ask for the diagnosis in writing and which test confirmed it, so you understand exactly what is being fixed. Fixxr shows you what the job typically costs near you, so you can approve the work with confidence.
Sources & further reading
- NHTSA — Check for vehicle safety recalls — look up open recalls for your vehicle by VIN, free
- FTC — Auto repair basics — your consumer rights at the repair shop
- AAA — Car repair and maintenance costs — independent guidance on what repairs should cost
Cost ranges and guidance reviewed July 2026.
P0302 FAQ
P0302 questions, answered
Can I drive with a P0302 code?
A steady light means you can drive gently to a shop within a day or two, but a flashing light means raw fuel is reaching the catalytic converter and doing damage right now, so stop and arrange a tow.What does the P0302 code mean?
The computer has pinned the misfire to cylinder 2 specifically, which narrows the search to parts that serve only that cylinder: its coil, its spark plug, or its injector. That specificity is good news, because a cylinder-specific misfire is usually diagnosed by swapping parts between cylinders and watching whether the code follows. One wrinkle worth knowing: which physical cylinder is number 2 varies by engine layout, so on a V6 or V8 it may not be where you would guess.What are the most common causes of a P0302 code?
The most likely causes, roughly in order, are a failed ignition coil on cylinder 2 (the most common cause on coil-on-plug engines); a worn, fouled, or cracked spark plug in cylinder 2; a clogged or dead fuel injector on cylinder 2; damaged wiring or a corroded connector at the cylinder 2 coil. Ask the shop to swap the cylinder 2 coil and plug with a neighbor and clear the code; if the misfire follows the parts to the new cylinder, you have found a cheap fix. If it stays put on cylinder 2, the injector or the cylinder itself is the suspect, and a compression or leak-down test is the honest way to tell a small repair from a big one. If your plugs are past their service interval anyway, replacing the full set at the same time is money well spent.How much does it cost to fix a P0302 code?
Fixing the underlying problem behind a P0302 code typically runs $195 to $1,150 at an independent shop, including parts and labor. The exact figure depends on your vehicle and which part turns out to be at fault.
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