1998 Mercury Villager P0302 Misfire Code: Diagnosis, Repair & Owner Experience
My 1998 Mercury Villager with 97,562 miles has been maintained by the dealer since new. Recently, the service engine light activated with diagnostic code P0302 — indicating a misfire in cylinder 2. The dealer initially replaced the EBT solenoid to EGR valve hose, at a cost of $127. However, the check engine light returned the next day. The service report advised performing a pinpoint test per TSB 99-10-3 (steps HE1–HE4), which identified a faulty Brake Pressure Test (BPT) that fails to hold vacuum. The BPT was replaced at an additional cost of $300, and the code cleared. After extensive road testing, the light came back on within 24 hours. I returned to the dealer, who confirmed the same P0302 code. Despite no noticeable symptoms — such as hesitation, stalling, or poor acceleration — I remain concerned about the recurring issue. One online source identifies P0302 as a cylinder 2 misfire, while another suggests EGR-related causes may be misleading. Given that original spark plugs and wires are still in place, could this point to an engine mechanical issue such as a faulty valve or clogged fuel injector? Or is the EGR system truly responsible? What should I do next? How can I verify whether the repair was properly diagnosed, especially when the vehicle shows no performance issues?
EGR-related problems are common in 1998 Mercury Villagers and can trigger misfire DTCs. However, if original spark plugs and ignition wires are still in place, the root cause may lie elsewhere — such as a faulty valve, dirty or failing fuel injector, or internal engine wear. I recommend having the plugs and wires inspected again by a qualified technician.