The ignition coil is one of the major parts that perform an important role in ensuring the efficient working of the engine. The ignition coil takes voltage from the battery, converts it into a high-voltage current, and transfers it to the spark plugs. The spark plugs use this high-voltage current to generate a spark. The proper ignition timing is critical to prevent engine misfires. An issue with the ignition coil of cylinder 3 may cause your vehicle powertrain control module (PCM) to trigger the P0353 code. This article explains the P0353 code meaning, symptoms, and causes.
P0353 Code Definition
P0353 code stands for “Ignition Coil “C” Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction.”
What Does Code P0353 Mean?
The P0353 code indicates that your powertrain control module detects a potential problem with the ignition coil “C” or coil circuit. The ignition coil C is coil number 3 installed on engine cylinder number 3.
In the case of the latest vehicle engines, the ignition system contains an individual ignition coil for each cylinder.
In order to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber, the ignition coil must supply sufficient electric voltage to the spark plug to generate a spark. The coil gets current from the battery and doubles its voltage to provide high voltage to the spark plug. Ultimately, vehicle performance suffers without these reliable ignition coils.
The ignition control circuit of your vehicle’s powertrain control module (PCM) measures and controls the working of each ignition coil in the coil pack.
If the PCM does not notice a sufficient signal from the coil timing circuit, it will set trouble codes P0351 to P0362 depending on which ignition coil is failing.
The PCM triggers the P0353 code when the ignition coil of cylinder number 3 doesn’t work efficiently.
Symptoms of P0353 Code
- The check engine light may start to illuminate
- A clear reduction in the fuel economy
- Your engine may start misfiring
- It may be difficult to start the vehicle
- A reduction in engine performance
- Abnormal vibrations while driving
- Hard acceleration
Causes of P0353 Code
The P0353 code is triggered due to one or more of the following causes:
- Damaged connector lock
- Bad ignition coil at cylinder number 3
- Bad spark plugs
- Corroded or damaged wires of the coil pack
- A faulty coil driver circuit
- Blockage of air passages in the throttle body
- Bad or damaged ignition system
- Damaged wiring harness between the coil pack and PCM
- Vacuum leaks
- Corroded, defective, or damaged ignition coil connectors
- Bad PCM
- Loose connection at the coil
How to diagnose the P0353 Code?
- Use an OBD2 scanner to check the trouble codes saved in the PCM memory.
- Utilize the freeze frame data to check what’s going on. After inspection, clear the codes and make a test drive. If the P0353 code returns, then move for further inspection.
- Inspect the wiring for corrosion or damage
- Properly check the connectors for damage or corrosion
- Inspect the engine cylinder to check the misfiring issues
- Properly inspect the spark plug for damage
- Inspect the spark plug connections and wiring
- Inspect the ignition coil C for loose or corroded prongs
- Use a vacuum gauge to check a vacuum leak
- Check the voltage on the coil driver circuit
- Inspect the ignition coil C circuit for a proper ground supply
- Test Hertz signal to ignition coil C; if between 5 and 20 Hertz, the coil is damaged
- Inspect the crankshaft sensor and camshaft sensor for damage
- At last, inspect the PCM if issues aren’t detected elsewhere.
Common P0353 Code Diagnostic Mistakes
- Not diagnosing the wiring or connection before diagnosing the PCM
- Replacing the unnecessary parts
- Not clearing the PCM memory after repairing the problem
- Not inspecting the wiring and connections before replacing the ignition
Repair Cost of P0353 Code
The repairing cost of the P0353 code varies according to the labor cost, vehicle model, and the repair of the relevant part. To fix the P0353, you may need one of the below-given repairs:
| Parts | Cost |
| Ignition coil replacement | $160 to $220 |
| PCM replacement | $240 to $3,000 |
| Fuel Injector replacement | $340 to $860 |
| Spark Plug replacement | $60 to $260 |
| Vacuum leak repair | $70 to $380 |
What repairs can fix the P0353 Code?
You need one or more of the following repairs to fix the P0353 code:
- Fixing or replacing the damaged coil pack wiring
- Replacing the bad spark plug located at cylinder number 3
- Fixing the vacuum leak
- Replacing the bad ignition coil connectors
- Replacing the faulty ignition coil
- Replacing the powertrain control module (PCM) if needed
FAQ Section
How Serious is the P0353 Code?
The severity level of the P0353 code depends on its symptoms. However, this code should be addressed as soon as possible. This code generates different drivability issues, such as engine stalling, misfires, and poor acceleration. Driving with the P0353 code is very dangerous.
How do you fix a cylinder 3 misfire?
The following repairs can fix the cylinder 3 misfire:
- Replacing the bad spark plug
- Fixing the exhaust leaks
- Replacing the head gasket leak
- Repairing the vacuum leak
- Replacing the bad fuel pump
- If your cylinder is damaged, then replace it.
- Replacing the bad EGR valve
- Repairing the fuel rail leak
- Replacing the bad catalytic converter
- Replacing the bad MAF sensor
- Replacing the throttle position sensor
- Replacing the damaged or corroded spark plug wires
- Replacing the bad crankshaft sensor
- Replacing the burned valves
- Replacing the bad camshaft sensor
- Replacing the bad or damaged fuel injectors