Start with the cheapest and most common fix: replace the spark plug on cylinder 2. If that does not help, swap the ignition coil with another cylinder to test it. Beyond that, check the fuel injector and then compression.

Can P0302 cause catalytic converter damage?

Yes. Unburned fuel from the misfiring cylinder enters the catalytic converter and ignites there, raising temperatures far above normal. Prolonged driving with a misfire can destroy the converter, adding hundreds of euros to the repair bill.

Why does my car shake with P0302?

When cylinder 2 misfires, it produces no power during its combustion stroke. This creates an imbalance in the engine's rotational forces, which you feel as vibration through the chassis, especially at idle when the engine speed is low.

Is P0302 an expensive repair?

Usually not. The most common causes are a spark plug or ignition coil, which cost between 30 and 150 EUR including labour. It only becomes expensive if the root cause is low compression from a burnt valve or head gasket failure.

P0302: Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected

Quick Answer

Not safe to drive

P0302 indicates your engine's computer has detected consistent misfires specifically in cylinder 2. This single-cylinder code narrows the problem to that cylinder's ignition coil, spark plug, fuel injector, or internal compression, making targeted diagnosis significantly easier compared to a random misfire code like P0300.

Severity: High · Misfire
Estimated repair cost: From €35 to €1800+, varies by vehicle

Scan your own car in about 60 seconds: see whether P0302 is really what it has, how urgent it is, and what the fix should cost. Free on iPhone and Android with an ELM327 adapter (Bluetooth LE on iPhone).

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What does P0302 mean?

P0302 is a misfire-related diagnostic trouble code classified as high severity. When your vehicle's ECU detects this condition, it stores P0302 and illuminates the check engine light.

What are the symptoms of P0302?

If your vehicle has triggered P0302, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:

Check engine light on or flashing
Rough or uneven idle
Engine vibration more pronounced than normal
Hesitation or jerking during acceleration
Increased fuel consumption
Sulphur or fuel smell from the exhaust

What causes P0302?

Here are the most common causes of P0302:

Failed or weak ignition coil on cylinder 2
: high
Worn or fouled spark plug on cylinder 2
: high
Clogged or leaking fuel injector on cylinder 2
: medium
Vacuum leak at cylinder 2 intake port
: medium
Low compression in cylinder 2 (burnt valve, blown head gasket)
: low

Is it safe to drive with P0302?

No - address this immediately. Driving with an active cylinder 2 misfire risks catalytic converter damage from unburned fuel overheating the catalyst. Power loss could also be hazardous during overtaking. Have it inspected promptly.

How do you diagnose P0302?

Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P0302:

Read freeze-frame data and note engine RPM, load, and temperature when the misfire occurred
Swap the ignition coil from cylinder 2 to a different cylinder. Clear codes and drive. If the misfire code moves to the new cylinder, the coil is faulty
Inspect the spark plug on cylinder 2 for wear, oil fouling, or abnormal electrode erosion. Replace if needed
Test the fuel injector on cylinder 2 using a noid light or by listening for the click pattern with a mechanic's stethoscope
If spark and fuel are confirmed good, perform a compression test on cylinder 2. Compare results against the manufacturer's specification and other cylinders

How much does P0302 cost to fix?

Repair costs for P0302 vary depending on the root cause and your vehicle. Here are typical estimates:

Repair	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Total Estimate	DIY Difficulty
Replace spark plug (cylinder 2)	€5–€25	€30–€80	€35–€105	Easy
Replace ignition coil (cylinder 2)	€25–€120	€30–€100	€55–€220	Easy
Replace fuel injector (cylinder 2)	€50–€200	€60–€200	€110–€400	Moderate
Valve or head gasket repair	€150–€600	€400–€1200	€550–€1800	Professional

Prices estimated as of March 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.

Full repair guides

Engines known for this code

P0302 on specific vehicles

P0302 behaves differently depending on your vehicle. Select your car below for model-specific causes and known issues:

P0302 on Audi

Audi A4

See Audi-specific causes & cost

P0302 on Opel

Opel Astra

See Opel-specific causes & cost

P0302 on Skoda

Skoda Octavia

See Skoda-specific causes & cost

P0302 on Peugeot

Peugeot 308

See Peugeot-specific causes & cost

These codes are often seen alongside P0302 or indicate related issues:

Common questions about P0302

What does P0302 mean?: P0302 means your engine's control module has identified that cylinder 2 is misfiring. The ECU monitors crankshaft acceleration after each firing event and flags the code when cylinder 2 consistently fails to produce the expected power.
How do I fix P0302?: Start with the cheapest and most common fix: replace the spark plug on cylinder 2. If that does not help, swap the ignition coil with another cylinder to test it. Beyond that, check the fuel injector and then compression.
Can P0302 cause catalytic converter damage?: Yes. Unburned fuel from the misfiring cylinder enters the catalytic converter and ignites there, raising temperatures far above normal. Prolonged driving with a misfire can destroy the converter, adding hundreds of euros to the repair bill.
Why does my car shake with P0302?: When cylinder 2 misfires, it produces no power during its combustion stroke. This creates an imbalance in the engine's rotational forces, which you feel as vibration through the chassis, especially at idle when the engine speed is low.
Is P0302 an expensive repair?: Usually not. The most common causes are a spark plug or ignition coil, which cost between 30 and 150 EUR including labour. It only becomes expensive if the root cause is low compression from a burnt valve or head gasket failure.

Read our detailed guides

Scan your car with Skanyx to diagnose P0302

Your car logged P0302. Skanyx reads it on a standard OBD2 adapter (Bluetooth LE on iPhone), tells you whether it is safe to keep driving, and shows the €35-€1800 repair range so you know the number before a shop quotes you. Free on iPhone and Android, and you do not need to be a mechanic to read it.