Hi,
I have a 2009 Jeep Patriot, VIN 1J4FT28B39D178021, 1516K mileage, 4 cyl automatic. Early this morning my check engine light came on. Code P0302, cylinder 2 misfire. Is it safe to drive for a while like this? No one is open yet and I have no other vehicle to use. I need to take people to work and school. Thanks.
Does it really have 1,516,000 miles?
If it's running ok then you can chance it. Just remember with 4 cylinders you can't afford to lose 1 completely.
On yours the most likely cause is a spark plug or faulty ignition coil.
When you're done with your rounds, have somebody replace that spark plug and swap the coil on that cylinder with one on a different cylinder.
If the misfire moves to that cylinder you can buy a new ignition coil
Thanks jack. That's what blue driver told me, but I wasn't sure how long I could drive on it. It ran rough before the check engine light came on, but since then it's smoothed out. I'm taking it in when the shops open.
Should be fine, just remember you won’t have normal acceleration, so keep that in mind while merging.
Thanks. Only two miles from the shop. 35 and 45 speed limits.
If it's the coils, should I have all four replaced or just the bad one?
Unless it’s a massive labour intensive job, I’d replace just the bad one. Also, use only OEM/good quality coils. Don’t make the mistake of using cheap aftermarket ones because you’ll be back to square one after a few months. All the best!
Don’t put it off. Bit by bit you damage the catalytic converter which is very expensive
