OBD codes / P0302 / Ford Escape
P0302 on a Ford Escape
Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected
1.6L/2.0L EcoBoost fours, 2.5L Duratec four, and 3.0L Duratec V6.
What P0302 usually means on a Escape
P0302 points the misfire at cylinder 2. As with any single-cylinder Escape misfire, the odds favor that cylinder's coil or plug, with injectors and, on the 1.6L EcoBoost, coolant intrusion as secondary considerations. The classic test is to move the coil to another cylinder and watch whether the misfire migrates. Keeping the diagnosis focused on cylinder 2 usually makes for a straightforward, low-cost fix.
Most likely causes on this model
- Ignition coil failure on cylinder 2
The leading cause of an isolated misfire on the Escape. Swap-testing the coil confirms it fast.
- Worn spark plug on cylinder 2
A degraded plug misfires under load; replacement is inexpensive on all Escape engines.
- Injector problem on cylinder 2
A dirty or leaking injector on the EcoBoost engines skews fueling to that cylinder and sets the code.
- Compression loss on cylinder 2
A leaking valve or, on a 1.6L EcoBoost with coolant intrusion, a damaged cylinder causes a misfire that ignition parts will not fix; verify with a compression test.
What it costs on a Escape
A coil and plug for cylinder 2 is a modest repair on any Escape. The cost only escalates if the cause is compression-related or, on the 1.6L EcoBoost, tied to coolant intrusion and head damage. Rule out the cheap ignition items first before considering anything internal.
Fixing it
Move the cylinder-2 coil to another position and retest. If the misfire follows the coil, replace it; if it stays, check the plug and injector, and on a 1.6L confirm the cooling system is healthy.
For the full step-by-step diagnosis order (any vehicle), see the main P0302 guide.
Year, engine and mileage change the answer. Get a diagnosis for your Escape — it weighs these causes against your exact configuration and real complaint data.
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Based on widely reported patterns for this model; individual causes vary by year, engine and history. Generic P0302 behavior is covered on the main P0302 page. Confirm with a scan tool before buying parts.