P0353: Ignition Coil C Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction
Can you still drive? Not recommended for extended driving. Get the coil replaced promptly to prevent catalytic converter damage from unburned fuel.
What Does P0353 Mean?
Code P0353 indicates a fault in the ignition coil circuit for cylinder 3 (coil C). The ECM monitors coil circuits for proper operation and sets this code when it detects an open, short, or out-of-range resistance in the cylinder 3 coil circuit. This directly causes a misfire on cylinder 3.
Need to read your codes?
An OBD-II scanner lets you read and clear diagnostic trouble codes from your vehicle's computer. Most scanners work with any car made after 1996.
Browse OBD-II Scanners on AmazonCommon Causes
- Failed ignition coil for cylinder 3
- Heat-damaged coil from proximity to exhaust manifold
- Corroded or loose coil connector
- Oil-contaminated coil boot from valve cover gasket leak
- Damaged coil control wire
Symptoms
- Check engine light on or flashing
- Cylinder 3 misfire
- Rough idle and vibration
- Loss of engine power
- Poor fuel economy
Diagnostic Steps
- 1Swap cylinder 3 coil with another cylinder and monitor for misfire code migration
- 2Inspect coil boot for oil contamination indicating a valve cover gasket leak
- 3Measure coil primary and secondary resistance
- 4Check for oil in spark plug well that may be shorting the coil
- 5Test ECM coil trigger signal at the connector
- 6Replace valve cover gasket if oil is found in spark plug tubes
Recommended Parts & Tools
ignition coil
valve cover gasket set
spark plug tube seals
Estimated Repair Cost
| Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Total Repair Cost Range | $30 - $350 |
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Chat with AI About P0353Commonly Affected Vehicles
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can oil in the spark plug well cause P0353?
Yes, oil leaking from a worn valve cover gasket can fill the spark plug tube and short out the ignition coil boot, causing coil failure. Replace the valve cover gasket and spark plug tube seals along with the coil.
Why do coils fail on cylinder 3?
On many engines, cylinder 3 is located near heat sources like the exhaust manifold, which accelerates coil degradation. It is not necessarily more failure-prone than other cylinders in general.
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