OBD-II code · generic
P0302
Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected
- System
- Ignition system / misfire
- Severity
- High (4/5)
- Can I keep driving?
- Drive with caution
What does P0302 mean?
P0302 is defined as “Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected”. This code indicates a misfire in one or more cylinders or a problem with ignition components (spark plugs, coils, crankshaft/camshaft sensor). A continuing misfire can permanently damage the catalytic converter.
Drive gently and only as far as you need to; have it checked as soon as possible.
Symptoms
- Check engine light on or flashing (flashing means serious!)
- Engine shaking, stumbling, loss of power
- Rough idle
- Noticeably higher fuel consumption
- Smell of unburnt fuel from the exhaust
Common causes
- Worn or oil-fouled spark plugs
- Ignition coil failure
- Crankshaft / camshaft position sensor problem
- Faulty injector or low fuel pressure
- Low compression in a cylinder (mechanical problem)
How to diagnose it
- Use an OBD-II scanner to find which cylinder is misfiring (read the misfire counters).
- Remove the spark plugs and check for wear, carbon and oil fouling. Measure the plug gap.
- Swap the ignition coils between cylinders and see whether the misfire moves to another cylinder.
- Check the crankshaft position sensor signal with an oscilloscope or multimeter.
- Do a compression test to assess the cylinders' mechanical health.
How to fix it
- Replace worn spark plugs with the correct type (only at the recommended gap).
- Replace the faulty ignition coil — ideally renew all coils at the same time.
- Replace the crankshaft or camshaft sensor if it is faulty.
- If compression is low, further diagnosis is needed for the head gasket, valves or piston rings.
- Clear the code and road-test at idle and under load to confirm the fix.
Manufacturer-specific meanings
The same code can mean something different on some makes.
- Kia: Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected
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This page is general information; an exact diagnosis needs measurements and a technician’s check.