Fault code P0302 on cars Nissan indicates misfire during second cylinder engine. This bug doesn't just cause it to catch fire Check Engine - it can lead to increased fuel consumption, jerky acceleration and even damage to the catalytic converter if the problem is ignored for a long time. Unlike general misfires (code P0300), the problem cylinder is precisely identified here, which narrows the range of possible causes.

Owners Nissan Qashqai, X-Trail, Juke and other models with gasoline engines HR16DE, MR20DE or QR25DE encounter this error most often. The reasons range from simple wear of the spark plugs to serious problems with the fuel system or engine mechanics. In this article we will look at all possible causes of P0302, diagnostic methods (including scanners ELM327 and professional equipment), as well as step-by-step instructions for elimination - from simple to complex.

What does error P0302 mean on Nissan: technical explanation

Code P0302 belongs to the category propulsion system faults (power unit malfunction) and stands for "Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected" — misfires were detected in the second cylinder. Electronic control unit (ECU) captures an error when:

  • 🔥 Crankshaft position sensor (CKP) registers uneven engine rotation associated with the second cylinder.
  • ⚡ The signal from the ignition coil of the second cylinder is absent or weak (for systems with individual coils).
  • 💧 Oxygen sensors (lambda probes) record sharp fluctuations in the composition of exhaust gases, characteristic of omissions.
  • 📉 ECU detects deviation in the operation of the second cylinder by more than 2-3% compared to others (the response threshold depends on the firmware).

Feature Nissan - some models (for example, Pathfinder with VQ35DE) can issue P0302 in case of problems with valve timing (for example, a stretched chain VVT). Unlike Toyota or Honda, where the error is more often associated with spark plugs or coils, mechanical problems are often to blame. Also on engines with direct injection (for example, MR16DDT in Juke) P0302 may appear due to clogged high pressure fuel injectors.

⚠️ Attention: If the error P0302 accompanied by code P0300 (random omissions), the problem is more likely a systemic one - for example, low fuel pressure or air leaks. In this case, it makes no sense to start diagnostics from the second cylinder.

Top 7 causes of misfire in cylinder 2 (Nissan)

The priority of the test depends on the vehicle's mileage and symptoms. For example, if Nissan Almera with mileage 150+ thousand km twitches at idle, first check the spark plugs and coils. What if X-Trail T32 with QR25DE gives an error after replacing the timing belt - the faulty phase angle is most likely to blame. Below - ranking of causes by frequency of occurrence:

№ Reason Symptoms Difficulty in eliminating
1 Spark plug fault Trouble at idle, poor cold start ⭐ (5-10 minutes)
2 Ignition coil breakdown Jerks during acceleration, error appears after rain ⭐⭐ (30-60 minutes)
3 Air leak through the intake manifold Unstable speed, increased fuel consumption ⭐⭐⭐ (smoke test required)
4 Faulty fuel injector Misfires under load, black carbon deposits on the spark plug ⭐⭐⭐ (cleaning/replacement)
5 Low compression in cylinder 2 The engine “does not pull”, oil burnt ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (engine engine repair)

On engines Nissan with the system VVT (For example, HR16DE in Qashqai J11) separately check:

  • 🔗 Timing chain condition (stretched by 1-2 teeth may throw off phases).
  • 🛢️ Oil in the system VVT (contaminated oil blocks the operation of the solenoids).
  • 🔧 Correct installation of marks when replacing a belt/chain.
📊 What engine is installed in your Nissan?
  • HR16DE (1.6 l)
  • MR20DE (2.0 l)
  • QR25DE (2.5 l)
  • VQ35DE (3.5 l)
  • Other

Diagnosing error P0302: step-by-step instructions

For accurate diagnostics you will need a scanner (even a simple one) ELM327 with the program Torque Pro) and a multimeter. If they are not there, you can get by with the “old-fashioned” methods, but it will take more time. Below - verification algorithm, from simple to complex:

Visual inspection of cylinder 2 spark plug (carbon deposits, cracks)

Checking the ignition coil (resistance, breakdown)

Compression test in cylinder 2

Checking the fuel injector (continuity, balance)

Diagnostics of air leaks (checking hoses, smoke test)

Read additional errors (for example, P0171 - lean mixture)

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Step 1: Check the spark plug

Unscrew the spark plug from the second cylinder (on Nissan with HR16DE this is the second from the timing belt). Rate:

  • 🔥 Soot color: white - lean mixture, black - rich, red - fuel additives.
  • 💥 Cracks on the insulator - a sign of breakdown.
  • 🛑 Gap between electrodes (must be 0.8-1.1 mm for most models).

If the spark plug is wet (gasoline or oil), there is a problem in the fuel system or valve stem seals. Replace the spark plug with a new one (for example, NGK IFR6A11 for Qashqai) and reset the error. If P0302 returned - move on.

Step 2: Ignition Coil Test

On engines Nissan with individual coils (for example, Juke F15) check:

  1. Primary winding resistance: 0.5-1.0 Ohm (measured between pins 1 and 3 of the connector).
  2. Secondary winding resistance: 6-15 kOhm (between center pin and pin 3).
  3. Presence of breakdown: in the dark with the engine running there should be no sparks around the coil.

If the parameters do not match, the coil needs to be replaced. For Nissan original coils come with article numbers 22448-4M015 (for HR16DE) or 22448-AL510 (for MR20DE).

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Before replacing the coil, check the condition of the O-ring - if it is damaged, moisture will enter the second cylinder and the new coil will quickly fail.

Fuel system problems and P0302

If the spark plug and coil are ok, but there is an error P0302 remains - the fuel system is to blame. On Nissan Three scenarios are most common:

  1. Clogged injector of the second cylinder. Symptoms: misfires under load, black carbon deposits on the spark plug. Checked by injector balance (in Torque Pro or Nissan Consult). If the nozzle leaks or does not spray, clean it with ultrasound or replace it.
  2. Low fuel pressure. Norm for Nissan with MPFI — 3.0-3.5 bar at idle. Checked with a pressure gauge on the fuel rail. Reasons: clogged filter, weak fuel pump (article no. 17040-4M000 for Qashqai J10).
  3. Air leak. It is determined by a smoke test or by spraying carb cleaner on the intake manifold (if it hits the leak point, the speed will temporarily increase). Common places: manifold gasket, hose PCV, injector seals.

On engines with direct injection (Juke 1.6 DIG-T) additionally check:

  • 🛢️ High pressure fuel rail pressure (should be 100-150 bar).
  • 🔧 Condition TPI-sensor (fuel pressure sensor).
⚠️ Attention: If after cleaning the injectors there is an error P0302 changed to P0171 (lean mixture), which means that the injector of the second cylinder was critically clogged, and ECU compensated for this by enrichment. After restoring the injector operation, the mixture became too lean - adaptations need to be reset (for example, through Nissan DataScan).

Mechanical reasons: compression, timing, VVT

If the electrical and fuel parts are in order, but misfires in the second cylinder remain, the problem is mechanical. On Nissan this is often:

  • 🔧 Low compression (norm: 12-14 bar, spread between cylinders no more 1 bar). Reasons: worn rings, burnt valve, crack in the cylinder head.
  • 🔗 Stretched timing chain (relevant for HR16DE, MR20DE). Symptoms: the error appears when the engine is “hot”, the engine “knocks” at idle.
  • 🌀 VVT system malfunction (jammed solenoid, dirty valve). Checked with an oscilloscope or scanner (parameters VVT Advance should change smoothly).

To check compression, use a compression gauge with an adapter for Nissan (For example, Jonnesway AR030018). If the compression in the second cylinder is lower by 20%+, required:

  1. Check the tightness of the valves (fill in the intake/exhaust manifold 10-20 ml gasoline - if the compression temporarily increases, the rings are to blame).
  2. Inspect the spark plug hole with an endoscope for burrs or cracks.

On engines VQ35DE (for example, in Pathfinder R51) P0302 may appear due to wear and tear hydraulic compensators second cylinder. Checked with a stethoscope - if a characteristic knock is heard, replacement is required (a set of hydraulic compensators 13201-4M000).

How to check the timing chain without disassembling the engine?

1. Remove the valve cover cover.

2. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise until the mark on the camshaft sprocket aligns with the mark on the cylinder head.

3. If the mark on the crankshaft (on the flywheel or pulley) does not coincide with the mark on the block, the chain is stretched.

4. Additionally: when the chain is stretched Nissan error appears frequently P0011 (camshaft phase shift).

Resetting error P0302 and adaptations after repair

After eliminating the cause of the omissions, it is not enough to simply erase the error with the scanner. On Nissan reset required fuel and incendiary adaptations, otherwise ECU will continue to adjust the operation of the second cylinder according to the old data. Reset methods:

  • 🔧 Via scanner: in Nissan Consult III or Launch X431 select function "Reset ECU Adaptations".
  • 🔄 Manual reset:
    1. Remove the battery terminal at 10-15 minutes.
    2. Press the brake pedal to 30 seconds (discharges capacitors ECU).
    3. Connect the battery and start the engine, let it idle 5-10 minutes (ECU will be retrained).
  • 💻 Via OBD commands (for advanced): 
    AT SH 7E0

    AT H1
    

    AT FC SH 7DF
    

    21 01

    (This sequence resets adaptations on some models Nissan.)

    • Error after reset P0302 may return to first 50-100 km - this is normal, because ECU "learning" again. If the code appears again, the problem is not completely resolved.

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    On Nissans with E-Throttle (Electronic Throttle) system, a throttle learning procedure is required after the adaptations are reset. Otherwise, the engine will run unstably and the P0302 code may return.

    Preventing misfires on Nissan

    To avoid reappearance P0302, follow the recommendations:

    • ⚡ Spark plugs: change every 30-40 thousand km (even if the manufacturer specifies 100 thousand km). For Nissan optimal NGK or Denso with iridium electrodes.
    • 🛢️ Fuel: refuel at proven gas stations (additives in cheap gasoline clog the injectors). For engines with VVT It is critical to use fuel with an octane rating of at least 95.
    • 🔧 Air filter: replace every 15-20 thousand km (a clogged filter leads to a lean mixture and misfires).
    • 🛡️ Oil: for Nissan with VVT use oils 5W-30 or 5W-40 with permission API SN/ILSAC GF-5 (For example, Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30).

    On turbocharged engines (Juke 1.6 DIG-T, Qashqai 1.3 DIG-T) additionally:

    • 🔥 Monitor the condition of the intercooler (contamination reduces the efficiency of supercharging).
    • 💨 Check the valve PCV every 50 thousand km (its jamming leads to oil leakage into the intake).

    Frequently asked questions about error P0302 (FAQ)

    Is it possible to drive with P0302?

    Short term - yes, but not recommended. Long-term driving with misfires leads to:

    • 🔥 Overheating of the catalyst (risk of melting).
    • 🛢️ Increased fuel consumption (up to +20%).
    • 🔧 Accelerated wear of the piston group of the second cylinder.

    If the error appears for the first time, you can go to the service station, but no more 200-300 km.

    Why does P0302 only appear when cold?

    This is a typical sign:

    • 🔥 Air leak (when heated, the metal expands and the gap “clogs”).
    • ⚡ Ignition coil breakdown (condensation when cold increases breakdown).
    • 🛢️ Clogged injector (when the fuel is cold, it evaporates worse and the injector does not spray it properly).

    Start by checking the coil and the intake manifold for leaks.

    How much does it cost to fix P0302 in the service?

    The cost depends on the reason:

    Reason Cost (work + spare parts), ₽
    Replacing spark plugs 1 500–3 000
    Replacing the ignition coil 4 000–8 000
    Cleaning injectors 3 000–6 000
    Timing belt repair (chain replacement) 20 000–40 000

    On Nissan with engines VQ or VR prices are higher by 20-30% due to the difficulty of accessing parts.

    Could P0302 be caused by bad gasoline?

    Yes, but indirectly. Bad fuel leads to:

    • 🔥 Contaminated injectors (→ omissions due to poor spray).
    • 💥 Detonation (→ damage to spark plugs or pistons).
    • 🛢️ Formation of carbon deposits on valves (→ reduction in compression).

    If the error appears after refueling, drain the fuel, wash the tank and replace the fuel filter.

    How to distinguish P0302 from a faulty oxygen sensor?

    Error on the second lambda probe (P0130-P0167) often accompanies P0302, but is not its cause. Differences:

    • 📊 P0302 always accompanied by engine vibration.
    • 📉 An oxygen sensor error may appear without gaps (for example, due to a broken wire).
    • 🔧 If the sensor is faulty ECU fixes lean/rich mixture (P0171/P0172), not gaps.

      • If there is only P0302 - the problem is in the cylinder. If there is P0130-P0167 — check the sensors first.