P0302 on Saab: How to Diagnose & Fix
Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected
2 Saab models · 2 documented issues · 2 critical · $80-$600 repair
P0302 on Saab by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The Direct Ignition Cassette, which sits directly on top of the spark plugs and combines the coils into one unit, is a frequent failure point on the four-cylinder cars. Underhood heat and valve-cover gasket oil leaks contaminating the coil pack degrade the cassette over time, causing misfires, rough idle, hard starting and stalling. A failed cassette typically has a burnt smell and discoloration around the plug boots.
Common Symptoms
- Engine misfire
- Rough idle
- Hard starting / crank no-start
- Stalling while driving
- Check engine light
- Burnt smell from engine bay
How to Fix
Replace the Direct Ignition Cassette (use a quality OEM-grade unit) and renew the spark plugs at the same time, using the correct Saab-specified plugs and dielectric grease. Fixing any valve-cover gasket leak prevents repeat failures.
Sources for this issue (3)
The Saab Direct Ignition Cassette — single integrated unit covering all four spark plugs — is a well-known wear item on the first-generation 9-3 (1999-2003, B204/B205/B235 engines) and the 9-5; the 2003+ second-generation 9-3 with the B207 uses separate ignition coils instead. Symptoms: misfire (often cylinder-specific then random), reduced power, check engine light. Failure rate climbs sharply after 80,000 miles. Saab DIC heat-shielding cracks; rubber boots fail.
Common Symptoms
- misfire
- reduced power
- check engine light
- no-start
- rough idle
How to Fix
Replace DIC ($150-$350 OEM cassette, $80-$180 aftermarket — quality matters here, cheap units fail in months). DIY ~30 minutes with a 10mm hex socket. Always replace spark plugs at the same time with Saab-specified resistor plugs (NGK PFR6H-10 on the B205, B235 and 1999 200 hp B204; NGK BCPR7ES on the 1999 185 hp B204). Carry a spare DIC if traveling long distances — failure is sudden but the car limps home on the remaining cylinders.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Saab Genuine Trionic 7 black direct ignition cassette 32022255 (previous 55559955)
Not B207 Sport Sedan and not red Trionic 5 cassette cars; confirm VIN/engine.
- NGK PFR6H-10 spark plug, Saab 9399866
Confirm engine, tune/heat-range requirements and gap.
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Sources for this issue (2)
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 Saab?
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 Saab it is documented across 2 models: 9-5, 9-3.
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 Saab?
Published repair estimates on Saab range from $80 to $600 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.