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What P0302 means for your Toyota Camry
Your Camry's ECM detected that cylinder 2 isn't firing properly - the crankshaft position sensor saw the rotational speed dip slightly each time cylinder 2 was supposed to combust. On the 2007-2018 Camry, P0302 is most often a worn cyl-2 ignition coil on the 2AR-FE/2AZ-FE four-cylinder. On the 2GR-FE V6, suspect coil or rear-bank intake leak.
🎯 Top Causes on the Toyota Camry
55%
#1 CAUSE
Cylinder 2 Ignition Coil Failure
Toyota's Denso COP coils on the 2AR-FE and 2AZ-FE last 80k-130k miles. Once one starts arcing under load, the ECM logs a single-cylinder misfire. The classic swap test - move the cyl-2 coil to cyl-3 and clear the code - confirms the coil within 10 minutes. Use Denso 90919-02258 (OEM) or NGK U5099. On the 3.5L V6, the rear-bank coils (cyls 2, 4, 6 on transverse layout) sit under the intake plenum and are harder to access.
OEM Coil
$80-$120
Aftermarket
$45-$70
w/Labor
$120-$280
25%
#2 CAUSE
Oil-Fouled Plug (2AZ-FE Oil Consumption)
2007-2009 Camry 2AZ-FE engines have a documented oil-consumption defect - piston ring design caused excessive oil burning, and oil fouls the spark plugs. The cyl-2 plug typically fouls first because of head temperature distribution. Toyota extended the warranty (T-SB-0094-11) to 10 years/150k miles for affected VINs. Replace plugs with NGK IFR5T11 and fix the underlying ring issue, or you'll be back in 6 months.
Plugs (set 4)
$30-$60
Compression Test
$80-$150
Short-Block (worst)
$3500-$5500
20%
#3 CAUSE
Fuel Injector Clog or Carbon-Tracked Coil Boot
A partially clogged cyl-2 injector starves that cylinder of fuel. Try a high-mileage injector cleaner (Techron Concentrate) first; if no improvement, swap injectors with cyl-3 and see if misfire moves. Also pull the coil boot and look for carbon tracking - a black line on the rubber means spark is arcing externally instead of going to the plug.
Injector
$60-$140
Coil Boot
$10-$20
w/Labor
$150-$320
🚗 Most Affected Camry Model Years
| Year | Engine | Primary Cause | Typical Mileage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010-2017 | 2.5L 2AR-FE | Coil pack | 80k-130k | Most reliable platform |
| 2007-2009 | 2.4L 2AZ-FE | Oil-fouled plug | 90k-160k | Covered by oil-consumption TSB |
| 2018+ | 2.5L A25A-FKS | Coil | 60k-90k | Direct injection adds carbon risk |
| 2007-2017 | 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 | Rear-bank coil | 80k-130k | Cyl 2 is rear-bank; intake removal needed |
🔧 How to Diagnose P0302 on a Toyota Camry
- Swap the cyl-2 ignition coil with cyl-3 (or any easy-access cylinder). Clear the code and drive. If the misfire follows the coil to its new cylinder, replace the original coil. 80% of Camry P0302 cases resolve here.
- Inspect the cyl-2 spark plug. Oil-wet on a 2007-2009 2AZ-FE = oil-consumption defect (check VIN against TSB T-SB-0094-11). Replace all four plugs with iridium and gap to 0.043".
- Run a compression test on cyl 2 if plug and coil are good. Healthy 2AR-FE: 170-220 psi. Healthy 2GR-FE: 180-220 psi. Below 140 psi = ring or valve problem.
Want a step-by-step walkthrough specific to your Toyota Camry? Run a $5.99 AI diagnosis report - we narrow the cause to your year, engine, and symptoms.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Camry covered by the oil consumption warranty extension?
2007-2009 Camry 2.4L 2AZ-FE engines under VIN ranges in TSB T-SB-0094-11 are covered up to 10 years / 150,000 miles. Toyota will perform an oil-consumption test (1 quart per 1,200 miles or worse) and replace the piston-ring assembly at no charge if you qualify. Bring documentation of the P0302 misfire.
How serious is P0302 on a Camry?
Moderate. A steady CEL with P0302 means cyl 2 is misfiring intermittently - drive short distances to the shop, but a flashing CEL means severe enough to damage the catalytic converter within 100-200 miles. Catalytic converters on the Camry run $800-$2200 to replace, so don't ignore a flashing light.
Which cylinder is cylinder 2 on a Camry V6?
On the 3.5L 2GR-FE V6, cylinders 1-3-5 are the front bank (radiator side) and cylinders 2-4-6 are the rear bank (firewall side). Cyl 2 is on the rear bank, passenger side. Reaching it requires removing or pulling back the upper intake plenum.
Can I fix Camry P0302 myself?
On the four-cylinder, absolutely - the coils are exposed on top of the valve cover and a coil swap is a 15-minute job with one 10mm socket. The V6 rear bank is much harder; budget a 2-3 hour DIY or about $180 in labor at a shop.
Do I need to replace the catalytic converter after a long P0302 misfire?
Maybe. If you got a P0420 (catalyst efficiency below threshold) along with P0302, the cat is likely damaged. If only P0302 was active and you fix it within a few hundred miles, the cat usually recovers.
See all P0302 causes (all vehicles) → · Related: Toyota 2AZ-FE Oil Consumption Problem →