Ignition Coil C Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction
There's a fault in the ignition coil circuit for cylinder C.
Heads up: this code wasn't in our hand-written library yet, so DiagCoach AI built this page on the fly. Double-check critical specs against service info before condemning parts.
What it means (plain English)
The ignition coil for cylinder C isn't working right, which means that cylinder's not getting the spark it needs to fire.
What the computer is actually seeing
The engine control module (ECM) detects a malfunction in the primary or secondary circuit of the ignition coil C, leading to an open circuit or short circuit, causing it to read either too high or too low a voltage.
What a healthy reading looks like
The primary circuit should see a resistance of 0.4 to 2 ohms, while the secondary circuit should measure between 6,000 to 20,000 ohms when tested correctly.
Guided diagnostic — the DiagCoach way
Don't just throw parts at it. Walk through these in order — each step tells you whether to keep going or stop and fix what you found.
- 11. Start by visually inspecting the wiring and connectors to ignition coil C for damage or corrosion. If any are damaged, repair them.
- 22. Measure the resistance of the ignition coil C using a multimeter. If the primary or secondary resistance is outside expected values, replace the coil.
- 33. Check for sufficient battery voltage at the ignition coil connector with the key on, engine off. You should see around 12 volts. If not, check wiring back to the PCM or fuse.
- 44. Check engine grounds to ensure a quality ground. All grounds should measure close to 0 ohms to the battery negative terminal.
- 55. If coil and wiring are okay, use a scan tool to monitor engine parameters. If cylinder C shows a misfire while others don’t, consider replacing the coil.
Common causes
- Faulty ignition coil
- Bad wiring or connectors to the ignition coil
- Failed powertrain control module (PCM)
- Poor engine ground connections
Typical repair cost
$100-$350
Related codes
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to drive with this code?
It's not recommended to drive, as it may cause poor engine performance and could damage the catalytic converter.
Will this code come back after I clear it?
If the underlying issue isn't fixed, yes, it will likely return after a short drive.
Why does this code appear alongside P0351 or P0352?
These codes indicate similar issues with ignition coils for cylinders A and B, suggesting a common problem in the ignition system.
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