What Codes Will This Page Cover?
- P0350 Ignition Coil Primary/Secondary Circuit
- P0351 Ignition Coil “A” Primary/Secondary Circuit
- P0352 Ignition Coil “B” Primary/Secondary Circuit
- P0353 Ignition Coil “C” Primary/Secondary Circuit
- P0354 Ignition Coil “D” Primary/Secondary Circuit
- P0355 Ignition Coil “E” Primary/Secondary Circuit
- P0356 Ignition Coil “F” Primary/Secondary Circuit
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What Is the P0350 Code?
Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
Get Additional Help
The P0350 code is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and has to do with an input problem regarding your vehicle’s engine ignition coils. The code signals that your vehicle’s Powertrain Control Model (PCM) has detected a problem with either the primary or secondary circuit of one or multiple ignition coils or ignition coil packs in your engine. Among many other functions, a vehicle’s PCM monitors and manages the operation of the engine’s ignition coils or ignition coil packs. If a problem or malfunction exists with your vehicle’s ignition coils, you can expect a significant impact on your vehicle’s performance, depending on the severity of the problem.
Because the P0350 is by definition a generic powertrain code, that means the code applies to all OBD-II equipped vehicles, such as Ford, Chevy, Toyota, etc. However, despite being a generic code, the repair procedure for a P0350 code may still vary depending on the specific make and model of the vehicle in question.
Many of today’s OBD-II equipped vehicles feature a coil-over-plug and distributor-less style ignition system. In this scenario, each of the vehicle’s engine cylinders is equipped with its ignition coil attached to the spark plug. The vehicle’s PCM applies a ground pulse paired with the battery voltage from the vehicle’s battery, which gets sent to the induction coil, creating the necessary spark needed to activate the spark plug for each cylinder. OBD-II-equipped vehicles that use ignition coil packs operate similarly. The difference is that multiple spark plugs are fired from an ignition coil pack that fires multiple cylinders in consecutive order. Whether a vehicle uses coil-over-plugs or coil packs, if the PCM applies a ground pulse and detects that the ignition coil circuits are not being activated, it will send a P0350 code.
What Are the Symptoms of a P0350 Code?
One of the common symptoms of a P0350 code is that you may experience ignition misfires, resulting in drivability issues and poor engine performance. In addition, common problems reported with the P0350 code are stalling of the engine when turned on and issues with accelerating the vehicle. Moreover, these problems are accompanied by poor fuel efficiency as the vehicle is not burning fuel properly.
What Are Some Causes of a P0350 Code?
Some common causes of a P0350 code are faulty or shorted primary or secondary circuits and defective or damaged ignition coils or coil packs. Disconnected, frayed, or otherwise faulty wiring and connectors are other common causes of a P0350 code issue. Additionally, a malfunctioning PCM that doesn’t correctly apply a ground pulse, among other potential programming errors, can be another possible cause of a P0350 code showing up. Finally, if a vehicle has blown fuses or faulty ignition system relays, this can be another trigger of a P0350 code.
How Serious Is the P0350 Code?
The P0350 code can cause your vehicle’s ignition to misfire, leading to various performance and driveability issues. A P0350 code can be considered a relatively severe issue and should be taken seriously and addressed by a qualified technician as soon as possible.
Can I Still Drive with a P0350 Code?
Since the P0350 code can cause severe acceleration and engine stalling issues, driving with the code registered is highly not recommended. If you are unable to accelerate your vehicle effectively, or should your vehicle suddenly stall in traffic, you can cause potential harm to yourself and other drivers in traffic. This is why it’s highly recommended to safely tow your car to your nearest technician to address the issue immediately.
For a more detailed list of service centers near you, visit KBB’s service center list.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P0350 Code?
Properly diagnosing a P0350 code issue is something that’s not so easily done, as it requires the proper use of tools such as a diagnostic scanner and a digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM). As such, it is highly recommended not to undertake the diagnostic process on your own, as qualified technicians are better equipped to use such tools properly.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P0350 Code?
Properly inspecting a P0350 code issue requires a thorough inspection of a vehicle’s entire ignition coil or coil pack system and all of the accompanying wiring and connectors. This requires precise knowledge of a vehicle’s electrical system and wiring and therefore is better left to the certified technicians.
Need Additional Help with Your P0350 Code?
It is highly not recommended to undertake a DIY inspection, as a vehicle’s electrical and ignition systems are highly complex, and the potential for serious harm to your vehicle or yourself is very high.
For more information on the P0350 and other diagnostic codes, visit KBB’s vast library of OBD-II codes.
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