P2302 The spark circuit of the first ignition coil is not producing the signal the computer expects

Ignition coil A (cylinder 1) secondary circuit

Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected

A coil secondary fault can cause misfire and stalling, and melted coils appear in the cited complaints, but no source grades P2302, so severity is not verified.

It gets more serious if:

  • Inspect soon: Inspect soon if the check engine light flashes or the engine stalls or runs rough. A 2014 Compass and a 2004 Durango complaint describe a melted coil, no spark and a vehicle that would not restart, and unburned fuel can overheat the catalytic converter.

Source: how we rate severity

P2302 in short

P2302 means the computer did not see the expected electrical response from ignition coil 1's secondary side, usually the coil for cylinder 1. A failing coil, a worn spark plug or a connection fault is the usual cause. Fix it soon, because misfires can lead to stalling and exhaust damage.

The engine computer checks that each coil's secondary winding produces a normal ionization signal when it fires. P2302 is set when that signal for coil A (cylinder 1 on Chrysler's definition) is missing or too weak.

Chrysler bulletins list P2302 with P2305, P2308, P2311, P2314 and P2317 for the other coils, and some of them call for a PCM reflash or replacement, so a computer fault is possible when several coil codes appear together.

Owners of a 2014 Compass and a 2004 Durango describe melted or cracked coils behind the code, with no spark and a no-restart condition.

Most likely causes

  1. Failed or overheated ignition coil

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Two complaints describe a melted or cracked coil behind the P2302 code, and TroubleCodes.net lists a damaged coil first. A coil with a failed secondary winding cannot produce the signal.
    What would change this
    Rises if the coil is damaged, cracked or swapping it with another cylinder moves the code. Falls if the coil swaps cleanly and the code stays with cylinder 1.
    How to test the ignition coil

  2. Worn, fouled or wrong spark plug

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    TroubleCodes.net lists worn or fouled plugs and loose spark plug connections. A plug in poor condition changes the ionization signal.
    What would change this
    Rises if the plug is worn or the code appeared after a plug change. Falls if the plug is new and correct.
    How to test the spark plug

  3. Powertrain computer software or the computer itself (multiple coil codes)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    FCA bulletins 18-069-16 and 1804207 handle P2302 with other coil and misfire codes by reflashing or replacing the PCM. Use this when several coil codes appear together.
    What would change this
    Rises if two or more coil codes are set and the coils test good. Falls if only cylinder 1 is affected.
    How to test the engine control module (ecm / pcm)

  4. Blown fuse or power-feed fault to the coils

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    The Compass complaint found a blown fuse and no power at the coils before the melted coil was found; the 2015 Chrysler 200 owner had connector pushout at the power distribution center.
    What would change this
    Rises if coils have no power or the fuse blows again. Falls if power at the coil is normal.
    How to test the underhood fuse block (engine compartment fuse box)

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read all codes. Note whether other coil codes (P2305, P2308, P2311) or misfire codes are stored with P2302.

    Low riskTool: scan tool

    • IfSeveral coil codes are set

      It meansCheck for a power-feed fault or a bulletin that reflashes the PCM.

      Go to step 3

    • IfOnly P2302 is set

      It meansInspect the cylinder 1 coil and plug.

      Go to step 2

  2. With the engine off and cool, remove the cylinder 1 coil and look for cracks, melted plastic, burn marks or a loose connector, and check the plug.

    Use caution

    Warning:Never touch coils or leads with the engine running or the ignition on; the ignition voltage can shock you. Hot engine parts can burn.

  3. Have a shop test the coil power supply, fuse and connector terminals, and ask whether a PCM bulletin applies to the VIN.

    Best left to a shop

    Warning:The ignition system and fuse block carry current that can melt wiring if shorted; do not bypass fuses.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Rough running or misfire
  • Stalling or no restart Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Flashing check engine light Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Car shaking with the check engine light on

How to fix

Parts and cost context

  • Ignition coil:Replace with a quality coil; labor varies, get a quote.
  • Spark plug:Check and replace plugs as part of the repair.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Chrysler

  • 18-069-16Status unverified

    PCM replacement for misfire and coil DTCs

    2015–2016town-and-country · NHTSA 10080065

    Replace and reflash the PCM when P0300, P030X or P23XX codes are present with a misfire complaint. Summary read only.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • 1802102Status unverified

    MIL with ignition coil secondary circuit DTCs

    2003300m, concorde · NHTSA 635685

    Lists P2302 to P2317 with possible rough running. Summary read only.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Jeep

Dodge

  • 18-069-16 (dodge)Status unverified

    PCM replacement for misfire and coil DTCs

    2015–2016caravan · NHTSA 10140126

    Replace and reflash the PCM when P0300, P030X or P23XX codes are present with a misfire complaint. Summary read only.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

All Ignition and engine position sensors codes

P2302 questions

Does P2302 always mean cylinder 1?

Chrysler's bulletin defines it as ignition coil 1; SAE calls it coil A. Check your own vehicle's numbering before swapping parts.

Sources and review

  1. P2302 trouble code page — TroubleCodes.net
  2. FCA bulletin 18-069-16: PCM replacement for misfire DTCs P0300, P030X or P23XX — FCA US
  3. NHTSA complaint ODI 10585509: 2014 Jeep Compass — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public complaint)
  4. NHTSA complaint ODI 10497679: 2004 Dodge Durango — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public complaint)
  5. NHTSA complaint ODI 10748975: 2015 Chrysler 200 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public complaint)
  6. FCA bulletin 1802102: MIL with P2302 through P2317, ignition coil secondary circuit — FCA US
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
Editorial review
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Technician review
Technician review pending

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