The largest online repair guide library for every car

About us
Contact support
FAQ
Sign up
Sign in

2020 Eclipse Cross Rough Idle and Misfire - P0302

0

Christine P. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:30 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SE

Hi all,

My 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SE (FWD, 1.5T engine) has developed a really rough idle lately. It feels like the engine is shaking more than usual, especially when stopped at a light. The Check Engine Light came on, and my scanner shows a P0302 code, which points to a 'Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected'.

The car has about 45,000 miles on it. I haven't done the spark plugs yet, but I was planning on it soon. Could this be a simple spark plug issue, or something more serious? I'm hoping it's not a major engine problem.

Any ideas on what I should check first? Is this a common issue with the 1.5T engine in the Eclipse Cross?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 5:30 AM

0

ClearTheCode admin answer:

A P0302 code on your 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SE indicates a misfire specifically in cylinder #2. This is a common diagnostic trouble code, and while it can be concerning, it often has a relatively straightforward cause.

Here are the most common culprits and diagnostic steps:

  1. Spark Plug: A worn, fouled, or damaged spark plug in cylinder #2 is a very frequent cause of misfires. Given your mileage, it's a good place to start.
  2. Ignition Coil: The ignition coil for cylinder #2 could be failing. This component provides the high voltage to the spark plug. A common diagnostic step is to swap the coil from cylinder #2 with a coil from a different cylinder (e.g., cylinder #1 or #3). If the misfire code then moves to the new cylinder (e.g., P0301 or P0303), you've identified a faulty coil.
  3. Fuel Injector: A clogged or failing fuel injector for cylinder #2 can prevent it from delivering the correct amount of fuel, leading to a misfire. This can be harder to diagnose without specialized tools but can sometimes be identified by listening to the injector or performing a fuel pressure test.
  4. Compression Issue: Less common but more serious, a loss of compression in cylinder #2 due to a faulty valve, head gasket, or piston ring issue can cause a misfire. This requires a compression test.
  5. Wiring Issues: Damaged wiring to the spark plug, ignition coil, or fuel injector for cylinder #2 can also cause a misfire.

When to See a Shop:

  • If swapping the ignition coil doesn't move the misfire, and replacing the spark plug doesn't resolve the issue.
  • If you suspect a fuel injector problem or a compression issue, as these require more advanced diagnostic tools and expertise.
  • If the misfire is severe, causing significant shaking, stalling, or a flashing Check Engine Light (a flashing CEL indicates a severe misfire that could damage the catalytic converter).
Menu

Help & account