What P0302 means
Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected
How to diagnose
- Read freeze frame data. When P0302 set, your ECU snapshotted every sensor at that moment. This tells you what the car was doing when the fault triggered — RPM, load, coolant temp, throttle position, fuel trims. Almost always enough info to figure out the cause without further testing.
- Check for related codes. If you have P0302 plus other codes, fix the earliest one in the chain first — a single root cause often triggers multiple codes.
- Cheap fixes first. For most codes, the order is: inspect connectors + wiring (free), check for vacuum leaks (cheap), replace sensor (moderate), replace mechanical part (expensive). Follow that ladder before dropping money on parts.
Manufacturer-specific descriptions
Different manufacturers use P0302 for slightly different failure modes:
| AUDI | Worn out spark plugs, ignition wires, coil(s), distributor cap and rotor (when applicable), Incorrect ignition timing, Vacuum leak(s), Low or weak fuel pressure, Improperly functioning EGR system, Defective Mass Air Flow Sensor, Defective Crankshaft and or Camshaft Sensor, Defective Throttle Position Sensor, Mechanical engine problems (i.e.—low compression, leaking head gasket(s), or valve problem... |
| BMW | Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected |
| FORD | Cylinder #2 Misfire Detected |
| HONDA | No. 2 Cylinder Misfire |
| MITSUBISHI | Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected; No.2 cylinder misfire detected |
| NISSAN | Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected |
| VOLKSWAGEN | Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected |
Read P0302 on your own car
DIY Fix My Car reads P0302 plus 25,000+ other DTC codes with manufacturer-specific descriptions. Includes freeze frame data, likely fix parts, and AI mechanic chat. Download free.