2009 Saturn Vue Engine light

2009 SATURN VUE
177,000 MILES • 3.6L • V6 • AWD • AUTOMATIC
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CHARLIECHEETO
P0302 (cylinder 2 misfire) is the obd2 code on my saturn vue awd 3.6L v6. Engine light always on and when I idle sometimes the engine light blinks. Service Stabilitrack and service traction control lights are often on also. A month ago my mechanic changed all the plugs, a coil and mass airflow sensor. Lights still on just like before the work was done. Occasionally I will get a rich gas smell. Any thoughts? Thanks for having this great site.
Aug 24, 2015 at 11:47 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Was there any change when the plugs were first replaced? Are any other codes coming up when it is scanned?
Aug 24, 2015 at 7:28 PM
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CHARLIECHEETO
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No change at all after plugs. No other codes showing up.
Aug 24, 2015 at 8:22 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Remove the #2 plug wire and see if there is a change. If there isn't, make sure the plug is getting spark. If it is, check for engine compression in that cylinder.
Aug 27, 2015 at 4:39 PM
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CHARLIECHEETO
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I appreciate the recommendation very much. I have coils apparently and not wires. Can I swap the #2 coil to diagnose?
Aug 28, 2015 at 3:42 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Yes, you can. If the coil is bad, your trouble code should move to the different cylinder. If there is no change and the problem remains in cyl 2, make sure the plug is getting a good spark. If it is, make sure the injector is getting a pulse. If it is, check compression.
Aug 28, 2015 at 8:26 PM
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CHARLIECHEETO
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Not sure exactly what checks they did but Chevrolet dealership said I have low compression on cylinder 2. 85psi and others are 150psi. They were vague on repait cost other than saying very expensive. Any thoughts for me on repait or perhaps just a few things I could do or add to prolong the vehicle life as long as possible? As always, thank you for your time!
Aug 31, 2015 at 8:22 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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If you have 85 psi compression in that cylinder, that is the cause of the misfire. You could have a stuck valve, burnt valve, bad rings... At this point, the engine will need taken apart to determine what the cause of the problem is.
Aug 31, 2015 at 8:46 AM
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