P0353

Ignition Coil C Circuit Malfunction

The engine computer found a problem with ignition coil C or its wiring. This can cause a misfire, rough running, and poor engine performance.

SEV: 3/5
DRIVE: CAUTION
DIY: $20–$150
SHOP: $120–$450

Quick answer

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What it means

P0353 means the powertrain control module detected an electrical fault in the ignition coil C circuit. This may be an open circuit, short circuit, high resistance, damaged coil, or a driver circuit problem inside the PCM. The fault can affect spark delivery to one cylinder and trigger a misfire code along with P0353.

Can you drive with it?

With caution. You may be able to drive short distances, but the engine can run poorly and may misfire. Continued driving can damage the catalytic converter if the misfire is severe.

Most common causes

Faulty ignition coil C
Damaged, loose, or corroded wiring or connector at coil C
Failed spark plug on the affected cylinder

Typical repair cost

DIY usually runs $20–$150. Typical shop repair lands around $120–$450, depending on the root cause.

01 / Definition

02 / Drive status

With caution. You may be able to drive short distances, but the engine can run poorly and may misfire. Continued driving can damage the catalytic converter if the misfire is severe.

03 / Symptoms

Check engine light
Rough idle
Engine misfire
Loss of power
Poor fuel economy
Hard starting
Engine shaking or stumbling under load

04 / Causes

1	Faulty ignition coil C	high
2	Damaged, loose, or corroded wiring or connector at coil C	high
3	Failed spark plug on the affected cylinder	medium
4	Open, shorted, or high-resistance circuit between PCM and coil C	medium
5	Poor battery voltage, charging issue, or blown ignition system fuse	medium
6	Failed PCM coil driver circuit	low

05 / Diagnostic sequence

01Check for additional codes, especially misfire codes like P0303 or other ignition-related codes.
02Inspect the ignition coil C connector and wiring for damage, loose pins, corrosion, oil, or water intrusion.
03Verify battery voltage, charging voltage, and relevant fuses for the ignition system.
04Swap coil C with another cylinder if the design allows, then see if the fault follows the coil.
05Inspect and test the spark plug on the affected cylinder for wear, fouling, or damage.
06Use a scan tool or lab scope to check for ignition coil command and power/ground signals.
07If wiring and the coil test good, test continuity and resistance in the circuit back to the PCM.
08Only after all other checks pass, consider PCM driver failure.

06 / Repairs

1	Repair loose, corroded, or damaged coil wiring and connector terminals	$20–$150
2	Replace the faulty ignition coil	$40–$200
3	Replace worn or fouled spark plugs on the affected cylinder	$20–$120
4	Repair blown fuse, poor ground, or power supply problem	$15–$150
5	Repair PCM wiring or replace/reprogram PCM if confirmed failed	$200–$1,200

07 / Related codes

08 / FAQ

What does ignition coil C mean?

It usually refers to a specific ignition coil circuit assigned by the manufacturer. On some engines it may be the coil for one particular cylinder.

Can a bad spark plug cause P0353?

Yes, a badly worn or fouled spark plug can contribute to misfire and sometimes lead to coil circuit problems, but the code usually points first to the coil or wiring.

Will clearing the code fix it?

No. The code will return if the underlying electrical or ignition problem is still present.

Is it okay to keep driving with P0353?

Only for short, cautious trips if the engine runs normally. If it is misfiring or shaking, stop driving and fix the problem soon.

09 / Source and method

DATA BASIS: OBD-II REFERENCE + OBD2.HELP
METHOD: STATIC VALIDATION
SAFETY: INFORMATIONAL

This page combines OBD-II diagnostic reference data with OBD2.help generated diagnostic guidance for code meaning, likely causes, and repair direction.

Publishing uses deterministic schema and build validation, plus manual spot checks on representative pages before release.

Safety-critical diagnosis and repairs should be confirmed with a qualified mechanic, especially when the vehicle is misfiring, overheating, or losing power.

01 / Definition

04 / Causes

Faulty ignition coil C

high

Damaged, loose, or corroded wiring or connector at coil C

high

Failed spark plug on the affected cylinder

medium

Open, shorted, or high-resistance circuit between PCM and coil C

medium

Poor battery voltage, charging issue, or blown ignition system fuse

medium

Failed PCM coil driver circuit

low

05 / Diagnostic sequence

01Check for additional codes, especially misfire codes like P0303 or other ignition-related codes.

02Inspect the ignition coil C connector and wiring for damage, loose pins, corrosion, oil, or water intrusion.

03Verify battery voltage, charging voltage, and relevant fuses for the ignition system.

04Swap coil C with another cylinder if the design allows, then see if the fault follows the coil.

05Inspect and test the spark plug on the affected cylinder for wear, fouling, or damage.

06Use a scan tool or lab scope to check for ignition coil command and power/ground signals.

07If wiring and the coil test good, test continuity and resistance in the circuit back to the PCM.

08Only after all other checks pass, consider PCM driver failure.

06 / Repairs

Repair loose, corroded, or damaged coil wiring and connector terminals

$20–$150

Replace the faulty ignition coil

$40–$200

Replace worn or fouled spark plugs on the affected cylinder

$20–$120

Repair blown fuse, poor ground, or power supply problem

$15–$150

Repair PCM wiring or replace/reprogram PCM if confirmed failed

$200–$1,200

08 / FAQ

What does ignition coil C mean?

It usually refers to a specific ignition coil circuit assigned by the manufacturer. On some engines it may be the coil for one particular cylinder.

Can a bad spark plug cause P0353?

Yes, a badly worn or fouled spark plug can contribute to misfire and sometimes lead to coil circuit problems, but the code usually points first to the coil or wiring.

Will clearing the code fix it?

No. The code will return if the underlying electrical or ignition problem is still present.

Is it okay to keep driving with P0353?

Only for short, cautious trips if the engine runs normally. If it is misfiring or shaking, stop driving and fix the problem soon.

09 / Source and method

DATA BASIS: OBD-II REFERENCE + OBD2.HELP
METHOD: STATIC VALIDATION
SAFETY: INFORMATIONAL

This page combines OBD-II diagnostic reference data with OBD2.help generated diagnostic guidance for code meaning, likely causes, and repair direction.

Publishing uses deterministic schema and build validation, plus manual spot checks on representative pages before release.

Safety-critical diagnosis and repairs should be confirmed with a qualified mechanic, especially when the vehicle is misfiring, overheating, or losing power.