P0353 Code: Ignition Coil Malfunction (Causes and How to Fix)

Facing a P0353 diagnostic trouble code as the cause of your check engine light? This electrical fault in your car’s ignition system can result in frustrating performance issues.

While many immediately blame the coil pack, the problem could actually be due to various electrical issues. The following guide will explain exactly what a P0353 code means, symptoms you can expect, and step-by-step diagnostic instructions to identify the underlying cause.

Table of Contents

What Does Code P0353 Mean?

OBD-II Trouble Code P0353 Description

Ignition Coil "C" Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction

This diagnostic fault code signals operational issues with an engine’s ignition coil “C” circuit, as detected by the vehicle’s PCM/ECM. Simply put, the affected ignition coil has become inoperable, either intermittently or continuously.

DTC P0353 can be attributed to a recorded failure on either the primary or secondary legs of the ignition coil “C” circuit. The primary leg of this circuit is controlled by the PCM/ECM, while the secondary leg relates to high-potential ignition spark delivery. A failure originating on either leg of this circuit, once detected by an engine’s operating software, can lead to the logging of an active P0353 fault.

While many are quick to condemn the coil pack associated with this fault, it’s important to first verify the power/ground delivery circuits. Without proper delivery and distribution of these signals as specified, coil pack operation will be compromised regardless of the coil’s condition.

Symptoms of Code P0353

Diagnostic fault code P0353 is often accompanied by the presence of one or more secondary symptoms, some of which can negatively affect a vehicle’s driveability. Recognizing these symptoms can help you identify the issue more quickly.

Causes of Code P0353

Diagnostic fault code P0353 can be caused by one of several underlying issues. Naturally, a number of these underlying causes are more difficult to diagnose and isolate than others. However, with conventional diagnostic methods, the origins of an active DTC P0353 can typically be identified quickly.

The following are several of the most common underlying causes of DTC P0353.

#1 – Failed Coil/Coil Pack

The ignition coil itself may have deteriorated internally due to heat damage, moisture intrusion, or simply age-related wear. Modern coil packs are sealed units that generate the high voltage needed to create spark, and when they fail, they typically can’t be repaired (only replaced).

Exposure to engine heat cycles and vibration eventually breaks down the internal windings and insulation.

#2 – Electrical Failures Within Driver Circuit

The PCM/ECM controls the coil by providing timed ground signals through the driver circuit. This circuit can develop high resistance, shorts to ground, or intermittent open circuits due to wire chafing, connector corrosion, or internal PCM/ECM issues.

These electrical failures prevent proper triggering of the coil even if the coil itself is functioning normally.

#3 – Loose or Compromised Electrical Connection

The electrical connectors that plug into the coil can develop issues from engine vibration, heat cycling, or corrosion.

Oxidation at terminal connections creates resistance that impedes current flow, while loose connections can cause intermittent contact that results in misfires under specific operating conditions like high-load acceleration or highway cruising.

#4 – Faulty ECM/PCM

Though much less common, the engine control module itself may have internal failures affecting the ignition coil driver circuits. These sophisticated computers control precise ignition timing through complex algorithms, and damaged internal components can cause erratic or absent triggering signals to the coil.

Because of the rarity and costs involved, this diagnosis should typically be considered only after eliminating all other potential causes.

Is Code P0353 Serious?

Diagnostic fault code P0353 is typically regarded as being of moderate severity. This is due to the fact that this fault can noticeably impact engine performance and overall vehicle driveability. When a cylinder-specific ignition fault is present, adequate combustion is not guaranteed, leading to the possibility of prominent misfires.

Additionally, intermittent or erratic misfires related to this fault can lead to potential “washing” of cylinder walls with fuel, presenting long-term problems with cylinder wear if the root cause is not quickly resolved. It’s also not uncommon for unburnt fuel to flow downstream into the vehicle’s exhaust, leading to superheating and breakdown of a vehicle’s catalyst.

In any case, the root cause of an active P0353 diagnostic fault code should be thoroughly diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. Doing so will prevent any additional mechanical damage and restore overall engine health to optimal levels.

If you don’t feel comfortable tackling repairs of this nature yourself, schedule an appointment with a trusted automotive service center at the first available opportunity.

How to Fix Code P0353

The following steps can help you diagnose and repair the underlying mechanical/electrical issues related to diagnostic trouble code P0353. It’s also advisable to have a copy of the factory-specific service manual for your particular vehicle on hand.

#1 – Check For Additional DTCs

Before beginning the diagnostic process, check for the presence of any additional DTCs, with the use of a quality scan tool. Any such faults that are recorded should be diagnosed in order of priority.

#2 – Visually Inspect Wiring To “C” Coil

Start by performing a careful visual inspection of all wiring that corresponds to ignition coil “C”. Additionally, make sure that all related connectors are free of corrosion and fully seated. Any abnormalities observed during this inspection should be corrected immediately.

#3 – Analyze Freeze Frame Data

Next, with the use of a scan tool, analyze all freeze frame data related to the underlying events that resulted in the logging of DTC P0353. This information can be used to determine whether the issue itself is of an intermittent nature.

#4 – Check For Shorted Wiring

If no issues have been identified to this point, it will be necessary to check for the presence of shorted wiring across all “coil C” related circuits. This can be done in accordance with manufacturer standards, using a quality multimeter.

#5 – Assess Circuit Resistance

If prior testing has not revealed any “open” or “shorted” wiring within any of the above-mentioned circuits, resistance readings should be taken across the circuit as a whole, and compared to manufacturer specifications. Excess resistance often indicates abnormalities within the affected circuit that would require additional attention.

#6 – Verify Power/Signal Delivery

Verify that proper power/signal distribution is present at the affected coil. This testing can also be conducted with a digital multimeter.

Positive battery-fed voltage should be detected at the coil being assessed, as should a pulsing driver coil feed, typically recorded in the hertz scale. Testing of this nature should be conducted with the vehicle’s engine running. If all inputs are present, a faulty coil should be suspected.

#7 – Evaluate Absence Of Inputs

If positive battery-fed voltage or driver circuit actuation inputs are not present at the affected coil, further diagnosis will be necessary. Rule out additional issues before suspecting the PCM/ECM, as failures of this component are relatively rare.

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Josh Boyd

Josh has worked as a full-time mechanic for over 12 years, with 6 ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certifications under his belt. He began his career as an automotive technician at local Toyota dealership and has since transitioned to specializing in diesel trucks and equipment.

P0353 Code (Symptoms, Causes, and How to Fix)