Ignition and misfires code
P0302: Cylinder 2 misfire
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $30 | $120 |
| Labor: 0.4 to 1.2 hours × $125 to $175 an hour | $50 | $210 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $15 |
| Total, rounded | $80 | $350 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in Boston, $31.54 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
This is the range for the most common fix, ignition coil replacement (one coil). Which repair your car needs depends on a proper diagnosis.
Cylinder 2 is the one that keeps skipping its burn. The computer found it by comparing how the crankshaft speeds up after each firing, and the push after cylinder 2 is weaker than its neighbors. The rest of the cylinders are doing their share.
- Safe to drive?
- Short trips only
- Most common cause
- Worn spark plug in cylinder 2
A steady light means short drives are okay; a flashing light means stop, because raw fuel can ruin the catalytic converter.
What you may notice
- Shaking, worse at idle
- Flashing check-engine light
- Hesitation when accelerating
- Often a stronger fuel smell
Common causes, most likely first
- Worn spark plug in cylinder 2
- Failing ignition coil on cylinder 2
- Clogged or weak fuel injector for that cylinder
- Vacuum leak near that cylinder
- Low compression from a valve or ring problem
Check this first
Find cylinder 2 on your engine and ask for its coil to be swapped with cylinder 1 or 3. If the code changes to P0301 or P0303, the coil is bad. If it stays on P0302, the plug or injector is the next thing to test.
Other repairs that sometimes fix P0302
| Repair | Typical range, Boston |
|---|---|
| Spark plug replacement | $95 to $580 |
| Fuel injector replacement (one injector) | $180 to $910 |
| Vacuum leak repair | $100 to $530 |
Before you pay
- Ask the shop what test showed this part is the cause, not just that the code appeared.
- Ask for parts and labor listed separately, and for the hours.
- Ask for a written OK before any extra work. Massachusetts rules require written authorization before repairs.
Got a quote already? Check it against the range. Want to see if your car has a recall tied to this problem? Check recalls by VIN.
Need to read a code yourself? OBD-II scanners on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure).
P0302 questions
How do I know which cylinder is number 2?
Check the engine layout for your model. On a typical inline four, cylinder 2 is the second one from the front, but V engines number differently. The shop can also tell by which coil sits at that spot.
Should I replace the plug or the coil?
If the plug is worn, replace it. If the plug looks good, try the coil swap test first, because coils are priced higher than plugs and often get replaced without needing it. Test, then buy.
Can I keep driving with this code?
Easy, steady driving is generally okay for a short trip while the light stays solid. Skip towing and steep hills, and stop if it flashes, since that signals raw fuel is reaching the converter.
How much does it cost to fix P0302?
The most common fix, ignition coil replacement (one coil), has a typical range of $80 to $350 in Boston. It is an estimate built from parts prices and local labor wages, not a quote. Your car and shop change it.
P0302 repair cost by city
Related codes
More ignition and misfires codes
Code meaning written in our own words. Some codes mean different things on different makes, so check your scan tool or manual. Not a repair shop, estimates only.