P0302 on Lincoln: How to Diagnose & Fix
Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected
4 Lincoln models · 4 documented issues · 3 critical · $100-$15,000 repair
P0302 on Lincoln by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
Certain 2021-2022 Nautilus models built with the 2.7L Nano EcoBoost V6 left Ford's engine plant with intake valves machined from Silchrome Lite alloy. If the valve stock experienced an over-temperature condition during machining, the material becomes excessively hard and brittle. Those valves can snap at the stem while the engine is running, dropping the valve head into the cylinder. The result is immediate, catastrophic internal engine damage and a total loss of drive power, usually preceded by an illuminated check-engine light and rough running. Nautilus and Edge production affected runs May 10, 2021 through October 29, 2021 — this is a build-window defect, not a whole-model-year one, and it is specific to the 2.7L V6. Nautilus vehicles with the 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder are not part of this population. Ford recalled 90,736 vehicles across Bronco, F-150, Edge, Explorer, Nautilus and Aviator.
Common Symptoms
- Sudden loss of engine power while driving
- Engine misfire and violent rough running
- Loud metallic knocking or clatter from the engine
- Engine will not restart after stalling
- Check engine light with misfire codes
How to Fix
Have a Ford/Lincoln dealer check the VIN and complete recall 24S55 / NHTSA 24V635. The recall uses an engine-cycle inspection procedure and replaces engines only when the procedure requires it. After completion, ask the dealer whether any Ford extended-coverage program applies to the VIN. Do not assume every later engine failure qualifies.
Call to confirm they can assess your vehicle and perform the stated work. Search results do not confirm qualification, eligibility or coverage.
Sources for this issue (3)
Second-generation MKZ models equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost turbo engine can develop an internal coolant leak where coolant seeps from the cooling jacket into a combustion chamber, commonly cylinder 2. This is attributed to a cylinder head/block design and sealing defect. Burned coolant causes misfires, white exhaust smoke, chronically low coolant with no external leak, and in severe cases overheating and complete engine failure. The defect is the subject of a Ford EcoBoost coolant-intrusion class action.
Common Symptoms
- Check engine light with misfire code
- Coolant level dropping with no visible external leak
- White smoke from exhaust
- Rough idle / hesitation
- Engine overheating
- Sweet coolant smell
How to Fix
Mild cases may be addressed with a head gasket or cylinder head replacement, but many vehicles require a long block or full engine replacement (commonly $5,000-$15,000). Affected owners should check for any applicable Ford coolant-intrusion warranty extension/class-action reimbursement and document low-coolant and misfire history.
Sources for this issue (4)
- Newer Ford, Lincoln Vehicles Plagued by Ecoboost Engine Defect Linked to Coolant Leaks, Class Action Says - ClassAction.orgarticle
- Ford 2.0L EcoBoost Coolant Issue And Fix Detailed By Tech - Ford Authorityarticle
- 2.0 EcoBoost Lawsuit - Lincoln MKZ Forumforum
- 2017 Lincoln MKZ Engine Problems - CarComplaints.comarticle
2016-2017 Lincoln MKX models with the 2.7L EcoBoost V6 (engines built roughly April 2016 to January 2017) can suffer excessive oil consumption caused by defective cylinder head valve guides that let oil seep into the combustion chamber and burn off. Owners report burning roughly a quart every 3,000 miles, often accompanied by rough idle, misfires, and blue/white exhaust smoke. Ford addressed this in Technical Service Bulletin 19-2243, whose official remedy is replacement of both left and right cylinder heads. Fouled spark plugs from oil contamination commonly trigger cylinder-specific misfire codes.
Common Symptoms
- excessive oil consumption (1 quart per ~3000 miles)
- rough idle
- engine misfire
- blue or white exhaust smoke
- fouled spark plugs
- low oil warning between changes
How to Fix
Have the dealer confirm coverage under TSB 19-2243; the corrective procedure replaces both cylinder heads (and typically spark plugs). Monitor oil level frequently between services and document consumption to support a warranty/goodwill claim.
Call to confirm they can assess your vehicle and perform the stated work. Search results do not confirm qualification, eligibility or coverage.
Sources for this issue (3)
- TSB 19-2243 (NHTSA MC-10164421): 2.7L/3.0L Oil Consumption With DTC P0524/P06DD, Rough Idle, Misfire, White or Blue Exhaust Smoke - 2016-2017 Edge/MKX, 2017 Continental/Fusion/MKZtsb
- Oil Consumption With DTC P0524 and/or P06DD - 2016-2017 Ford & Lincoln (OEMDTC)tsb
- Ford 2.7 EcoBoost Engine Specs, Problems, Reliabilityarticle
The 1998-up 4.6L 2V V8 uses eight individual coil-on-plug ignition coils whose boots and towers crack with age and heat, allowing spark to track to ground and causing single- or multi-cylinder misfires, rough idle, and stumbling under load. Failures are accelerated when the plastic intake manifold used on 1996-2001 4.6L engines leaks coolant into the spark plug wells and shorts the coils. It is one of the most common drivability complaints on the platform, well documented across owner forums and diagnostic guides.
Common Symptoms
- Check engine light, sometimes flashing, with misfire codes
- Rough or shaking idle
- Stumble or jerking under acceleration or load
- Reduced power and fuel economy
- Misfire worse in damp weather
How to Fix
Diagnose by swapping the suspect coil to another cylinder and confirming the misfire code follows; replace failed coils and boots, and replace high-mileage spark plugs at the same time. If coolant is found in a plug well, fix the intake manifold leak first or the new coil will fail too.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Motorcraft DG-508 ignition coil, singleOEMMotorcraft DG-508
Replace one coil confirmed failed on the 1998-2011 4.6L Town Car branch Fitment/availability: Live direct page identifies Motorcraft DG508, Town Car fitment and Add to Cart. Quantity is one per confirmed failed cylinder; confirm the vehi…
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (4)
- Lincoln Town Car P0301: Cylinder 1 Misfire (Causes + How to Fix) — Drivetrain Resourcearticle
- How To Test The Coil-On-Plug Ignition Coils (1998-2011 4.6L Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis) — identical Panther 4.6L powertrain as Town Cararticle
- Ford DG508 Ignition Coil Failure: Misfires in 4.6L & 5.4L V8s (names Crown Victoria, Town Car, Grand Marquis) — Go-Partsarticle
- Cracking Intake Settlement (96M91/97M91 + class action, 1996-2001 4.6L incl. Town Car) — TCCoA Forumsforum
P0302 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0302 mean on a Lincoln?
P0302 stands for "Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected." This code means the engine computer has detected a misfire specifically in cylinder 2, meaning that cylinder isn't completing combustion properly on some firing events. The computer watches tiny variations in crankshaft speed to spot when a cylinder fails to fire, and a misfire means the air-fuel mixture isn't igniting correctly — usually from a spark, fuel, or compression problem in that cylinder. You may feel a stumble, rough idle, shaking, loss of power, or a flashing check-engine light, and persistent misfires can damage the catalytic converter. Because it names a single cylinder, the fault is often a component serving just cylinder 2, like its coil, plug, or injector. On Lincoln it is documented across 4 models: Nautilus, MKZ, MKX, Town Car.
What are the most common causes of P0302?
The most common causes of P0302 are: Worn or fouled spark plug (cylinder 2), Failed ignition coil or coil-on-plug (cylinder 2), Clogged or faulty fuel injector (cylinder 2), Vacuum or intake air leak affecting that cylinder, Low compression (worn rings, burnt/bent valve, head gasket), Damaged spark plug wire or boot (if equipped), Carbon-tracked or cracked coil/plug causing spark loss, Faulty PCM/ECM driver (rare). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0302 on a Lincoln?
Published repair estimates on Lincoln range from $100 to $15,000 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.