What Does P0353 Mean?
The ECM has detected a malfunction in the primary or secondary circuit of ignition coil C, which typically serves cylinder #3. The coil driver feedback indicates an abnormal current draw or lack of response when the coil is commanded to fire. This results in a dead misfire on the associated cylinder, rough engine operation, and the MIL will flash if misfire severity threatens catalytic converter damage.
Common Causes
40%
Failed ignition coil C with shorted or open internal windings, common in high-mileage engines due to thermal cycling
25%
Open or high-resistance connection in the coil C control circuit wiring or connector
20%
Severely worn or fouled spark plug increasing secondary circuit voltage demand beyond coil capacity
15%
ECM coil driver failure for the cylinder 3 output channel
Diagnostic Steps
1
Swap coil C with an adjacent good coil and clear codes. Drive until the code resets. If the fault code changes to match the new cylinder location, replace the original coil C.
2
Measure coil C primary resistance (0.4-1.0 ohms typical) and secondary resistance (6,000-12,000 ohms typical). An open reading on either winding confirms internal coil failure.
3
Verify 12V power supply at the coil C connector with KOEO. Check the coil power feed fuse and relay if voltage is absent or low.
4
Backprobe the coil C trigger signal wire and verify ECM driver output with a labscope during cranking. The signal should show clean switching transitions with proper dwell timing.
5
Inspect the spark plug well for oil or coolant accumulation that could compromise the coil boot insulation and cause secondary arcing to the valve cover.
Estimated Repair Cost
$60 - $300
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The ECM has detected a malfunction in the primary or secondary circuit of ignition coil C, which typically serves cylinder #3. The coil driver feedback indicates an abnormal current draw or lack of response when the coil is commanded to fire. This results in a dead misfire on the associated cylinder...
The most common cause of P0353 (Ignition Coil C Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction) is: Failed ignition coil C with shorted or open internal windings, common in high-mileage engines due to thermal cycling
Typical repair costs for P0353 range from $60 to $300, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
A misfiring cylinder 3 reduces engine output and causes noticeable vibration and power loss. Sustained misfiring poses a risk of catalytic converter overheating from unburned fuel.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P0353 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Ignition System
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
Recommended Tools
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