Fix P0353: Mechanic’s solutions that WORKED

The code P0353: Ignition Coil “C” Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction indicates a malfunction in the ignition coil circuit for cylinder 3. This problem is most commonly caused by a faulty coil, wiring issues, or a bad connection. It’s a critical component of your vehicle’s ignition system, and addressing it promptly will ensure smooth engine operation and prevent further damage.

P0353 quick overview

Meaning	P0353: Ignition Coil “C” Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction
Is it serious?	This code indicates an ignition system issue which can lead to misfires; it should be addressed promptly to avoid potential damage to the catalytic converter or engine.
Possible causes	– Faulty ignition coil – Damaged or disconnected wiring to the coil – Poor electrical connections at the coil – Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)
How to diagnose?	Check Coil Connection: Inspect the coil’s connections for any loose, damaged, or corroded terminals. Examine Wiring Harness: Look closely at the wiring harness for any signs of damage, fraying, or disconnection, especially near the coil pack. Perform a Visual Inspection: Check for any signs of corrosion or physical damage to the coil pack and its surroundings. Test Coil Operation: Use a multimeter or test light to verify the coil is receiving power and functioning correctly. Inspect Grounding: Ensure that the coil and related components have a good ground connection. Swap Coils: If possible, swap the coil with another cylinder to see if the code follows the coil. Check Compression: Perform a compression test to rule out any mechanical issues in the cylinder. Scan for Additional Codes: Use a scanner to check for other codes that might provide further insight into the issue.

How to fix P0353 – learn from mechanics

I looked into P0353 service cases at iatn.com website where in the private forums the mechanics seek advice from other mechanics. I looked up a bunch of cases to help you decide how to fix your issue and see what would a real mechanic do to solve it.

Case #1: Toyota

Vehicle Information:
2006 Toyota Matrix 1.8L

Issue + Repair History:

• Vehicle experienced cuts out and MIL lamp on.
• Code P0353 triggered, indicating an issue with Ignition Coil “C” Primary/Secondary circuit.
• Swapped coils, injectors, and replaced with new OEM spark plugs.
• The issue persisted with the same code returning.

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results:

• P0353- Ignition Coil “C” Primary/Secondary circuit.
• Misfire count ranged from 4-20.

Suggestions to Fix Issue:

• Check for broken wires from ECM to coil, possibly due to rodent damage or rubbing under the intake.
• Consider the need for a new ECM as it’s a common issue with this code.

Final Fix:
The intermittent misfire was fixed by replacing the ECM. This was a recognized common problem with the Corollas and Matrixes. The technical service bulletin (TSB) for a no-start condition was not applicable for this particular P0353 code.

Case #2: Ford

Vehicle Information: 1999 Ford Windstar LX 3.8L

Issue + Repair History:

• Symptom: Misfire, MIL Lamp on.
• Related Repair History: Replaced plugs, plug wires, and coil pack with no improvement.

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results:

• P0353: Ignition Coil “C” Primary/Secondary Circuit.

Suggestions to Fix Issue:

• Check for blocked EGR passages in the intake.
• Unplug the vacuum hose to the EGR valve and test drive.
• Check for a possible induction leak causing a lean misfire.
• Consider potential issues with the cam position sensor.
• Examine the wiring for short circuits, especially around FEAD accessories.

Final Fix: The issue was resolved by repairing the connections at the coil. Unhooking the EGR was also tested to ensure it wasn’t contributing to the problem. The vehicle was returned to the owner and operated without issues, even after being tested in damp conditions.

Case #3: Chrysler

Vehicle Information: 2005 Chrysler Pacifica 3.5L

Issue + Repair History:

• Symptoms: Misfire and MIL Lamp on.
• Codes Present: P0303 and P0353. Conducted fuel injection service and motor oil flush based on TSB for valve hang-up issues.
• Other attempts: Swapped coils and plugs, checked power to coil, and used a noid light to check for signal consistency.

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results:

• P0353: Ignition Coil 3 Primary/Secondary Circuit.

Suggestions to Fix Issue:

• Check the wiring between the coil and PCM for any resistance issues or damage.
• Investigate potential water pump leaks causing timing belt issues.
• Consider the possibility of an intermittent problem with one coil. Try swapping the position of the coil, clear codes, and road test.

Final Fix: The problem was traced back to the harness near the transmission where a 4 gauge ground cable was broken. The broken cable would stab the harness during acceleration, nearly cutting through the #3 negative coil wire. Repairing the wire and repositioning the cable end resolved the issue. Broken motor mounts contributed to the problem by allowing excessive engine movement, leading to the harness damage. Repairing the negative cable end at the transmission and positioning it downwards also helped address the issue. No more codes were present after the test drive.

Case #4: Lincoln

Vehicle Information: 2004 Lincoln LS 3.0L

Issue + Repair History:

• Symptoms: Misfire and MIL Lamp on with increasing consistency after 20 minutes of driving.
• Codes Present: P0353 (Ignition Coil C Primary Circuit Malfunction) and intermittent misfire. Initial diagnosis suggested a bad coil. Replaced all 3 coils on the bank and all 6 plugs with no resolution.
• Additional Attempts: Checked harness, disabled alternator to eliminate EMI interference, replaced Engine module and had it reprogrammed, examined terminal contact at #3 coil, tested wiring from PCM to coil, swapped out injector, and direct-soldered wires to coil.

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results:

• P0353: Ignition Coil C Primary Circuit Failure

Suggestions to Fix Issue:

• Check wiring between the coil and PCM for any resistance issues or damage.
• Perform leak-down and running compression tests on cylinder #3.
• Ensure proper identification of the misfiring cylinder, possibly swapping parts from bank 2.
• Use original spark plugs and verify injector operation.
• Examine cam & crank sensors for any issues.
• Consider all coils might be faulty and replace all of them.

Final Fix: The issue was resolved by addressing a spike from the misfire which was causing a false code. The actual problem was with the coil in cylinder 5, despite consistently throwing a code for cylinder 3. Replacing all 6 coils resolved the misfire and eliminated the P0353 code.

Case #5: Volkswagen

Vehicle Information: 2004 Volkswagen Jetta GL 2.0L

Issue + Repair History:

• Symptoms: MIL lamp turns on after accelerating the engine beyond 1500 rpm, but stays off at idle or upon restart until revved.
• Codes Present: P0351 (Cylinder 1 Ignition Circuit Open) and P0353 (Cylinder 3 Ignition Circuit Open). Initially suspected the cam sensor or related issues.
• Repair Attempt: Replaced the ignition coil with an aftermarket part, but the problem persisted.

Other OBD2 Codes + Test Results:

• P0351: Cylinder 1 Ignition Circuit Open
• P0353: Cylinder 3 Ignition Circuit Open

Suggestions to Fix Issue:

• Check the coil output stage for issues, as it may not be functioning correctly at higher RPMs.
• Inspect the wiring harness and connector at the coil pack for any damages, spread terminal pins, or issues that might occur when the engine is under load and moving.
• Scope both driver circuits from the ECM to the coil pack to verify their integrity and performance under varying conditions.

Final Fix: The issue was resolved by replacing the aftermarket ignition coil with an original equipment (OE) coil from the dealer. This suggests the problem was related to the quality or compatibility of the aftermarket part, and the OE coil properly addressed the ignition circuit issues.

Advice	Brief Description of Diagnostic Step
Check Coil Connection	Inspect the coil’s connections for any loose, damaged, or corroded terminals.
Replace Coil with OE Part	Use original equipment (OE) parts instead of aftermarket ones to ensure compatibility and quality.
Examine Wiring Harness	Look closely at the wiring harness for any signs of damage, fraying, or disconnection, especially near the coil pack.
Perform Leakdown/Compression Test	Check the affected cylinder’s compression to rule out any mechanical issues that might be causing misfires.
Check for EGR Issues	Inspect the EGR system and its passages for clogs or malfunctions that could lead to misfires.
Inspect Cam/Crank Sensors	Ensure these sensors are functioning correctly as they play a critical role in ignition timing.
Scope Electrical Circuits	Use a scope to check the electrical signals to and from the coil, ensuring they are within the expected range.
Check for Corrosion or Damage	Look for any signs of corrosion or physical damage to the coil pack and its surroundings.
Ensure Proper Grounding	Verify that the coil and related components have a good ground connection.