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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.
FAQs
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.
What is the primary ignition system code P0350? ›
Code P0350 is logged once the PCM detects an issue with the coil's primary and secondary circuits. Some common causes of a P0350 code include a faulty ignition coil, worn-out spark plugs, and circuit issues.
What does ignition coil primary secondary circuit mean? ›
Every ignition coil has a “primary” winding and a “secondary” winding. The primary winding is the part of the ignition coil that is triggered by a switching device so that the secondary winding creates the necessary high voltage spark.
What is the primary and secondary circuit of a coil? ›
Answer and Explanation:
The circuit, which is in the connection of the ignition coil and the battery is known as the primary circuits. The circuit, which is in the connection of the spark plug and the ignition coil is known as the secondary circuits.
What codes can a bad ignition coil cause? ›
With most modern vehicles, a faulty ignition coil is enough to turn on the Check Engine Light. If you have an OBD-II diagnostic scanner, you may see a P0351 ignition code. Of course, because all cars are different, an ineffective ignition coil may register a different code for the problem.
What is the cause of repeated ignition coil failure? ›
The reasons for ignition coil failure can be summarised under four main headings: internal short circuits, mechanical damage, contact failure and faults in the voltage supply.
Where is the ignition coil a secondary circuit? ›
Ignition systems have two circuits that result in a spark being fired at the end of a spark plug. The primary circuit is between the battery and the ignition coil. The secondary circuit is between the ignition coil and the spark plug.
How do you test a primary ignition coil? ›
If you suspect the coil is dead, you can also remove the coil, plug it back in, and use an ignition spark tester like OEM 25069 to determine if the coil is firing. You can also use a multimeter to test resistance.
Which coil is primary or secondary? ›
The primary coil is where AC current is fed in. The secondary coil is where the current is induced to perform some sort of transfer of energy. In this case the current is used to light a light bulb. There are many types of transformers in existence.
How do you find the primary and secondary coil? ›
By using a multimeter; remember this: the higher the turns the higher the voltage, the higher the resistance the lower the current. If I switch my multimeter to ohms, the coil/winding with the highest number of resistance value is the primary because it has more turns than the secondary.
An example of a simple circuit would be one in which electrons travel from a battery, through a wire, to a light bulb, back though another wire, and finally back to the battery.
What is the primary circuit of the ignition coil? ›
The primary circuit of the ignition coil can contain: points, points controlling a transistor, the transistor being controlled by some other means (breaker less) or electronic ignition. In point-type ignition systems the current in the primary circuit is controlled by a mechanical switch (or breaker).
What does fuel pump secondary circuit fault mean? ›
The P0232 code stands for “Fuel Pump Secondary Circuit High,” which means the powertrain control module has detected an incorrect signal to or from the fuel pump. Some common causes of the P0232 code include a bad fuel pump relay, fuel pump failure, and wiring issues.
What does ignition coil D secondary circuit mean? ›
Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P2311 code means “Ignition Coil 'D' Secondary Circuit.” This code triggers when the powertrain control module (PCM) detects an abnormal voltage in a secondary control circuit of an ignition coil.
What does ignition coil H secondary circuit mean? ›
The P0358 code stands for “Ignition Coil H Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction.” It is set when an open or short is detected in the driver circuit for coil #8. The most common triggers for this code include a malfunctioning coil, circuit problems, and a PCM in need of a software update.
