P0359 medium Severity

P0359: Ignition Coil I Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction

Check Engine Light illumination with possible misfire on the affected cylinder; reduced engine performance and possible rough idle or hesitation under load.

Overview

P0359 OBD-II code ignition coil I primary/secondary circuit malfunction causes symptoms diagnostics repair

Common Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminated
  • Intermittent or sustained engine misfire
  • Rough idle
  • Reduced engine power or hesitation

Most Common Causes

Faulty ignition coil (coil 'I' or cylinder 9) high

Ignition coil internal failure interrupting primary/secondary circuit.

Open or shorted wiring/connector in ignition coil circuit high

Wiring harness damage, broken pins, corrosion causing open/short conditions.

Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM) coil driver medium

PCM internal driver failure indicated when external circuit tests normal.

Poor power supply such as blown fuse or relay medium

Primary voltage supply issues can mimic open circuit condition.

Diagnostic Steps

  1. Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm P0359 and check for related misfire codes.
    Expected: P0359 present; possible additional P030x codes for misfire.
    Interpretation: Confirms ignition coil circuit issue on specific cylinder.
  2. Visually inspect ignition coil wiring and connectors for damage or corrosion.
    Expected: Harness free of breaks, corrosion, and secure connections.
    Interpretation: Damaged wiring would implicate circuit fault.
  3. Test coil primary and secondary circuit resistance with a multimeter against OEM specs.
    Expected: Resistance within specified range.
    Interpretation: Out-of-range values indicate faulty coil.
  4. Check for driver signal from PCM using an oscilloscope or AC Hertz test on coil control wire.
    Expected: AC Hz signal in driver wire indicating PCM activation.
    Interpretation: Absent driver signal suggests PCM or open circuit.
  5. Check continuity from PCM to coil control terminal and verify supply voltage and ground.
    Expected: Low resistance continuity; proper supply voltage.
    Interpretation: Open circuit or poor supply confirms wiring issues.

Repair Solutions

Replace faulty ignition coil easy
Estimated Cost: $80 - $250

Cost varies by vehicle; high-quality coil recommended.

Repair or replace damaged wiring/connectors medium
Estimated Cost: $50 - $200

Repair depends on extent of harness damage.

Replace blown fuse or defective relay supplying coil circuit easy
Estimated Cost: $5 - $50

Simple electrical component replacement.

Reprogram or replace PCM if coil driver is defective hard
Estimated Cost: $300 - $1200

Last-resort solution after verifying external circuits.

Common Misdiagnoses

Avoid these common diagnostic mistakes:

  • Assuming the ignition coil is faulty without checking wiring and PCM signals

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you explain the meaning of P0359?

When your OBD-II scanner reads P0359, it means: Ignition Coil I Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction. This code is related to the vehicle's Ignition.

Can P0359 cause engine damage?

With a severity level of medium, check Engine Light illumination with possible misfire on the affected cylinder; reduced engine performance and possible rough idle or hesitation under load.

How do I know if I have code P0359?

You may experience the following: Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminated, Intermittent or sustained engine misfire, Rough idle.

Why is my car throwing a P0359 code?

The most common causes are: Faulty ignition coil (coil 'I' or cylinder 9), Open or shorted wiring/connector in ignition coil circuit, Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM) coil driver.

What is the price difference for fixing P0359?

The cost varies significantly based on the root cause. For example, replacing a Replace blown fuse or defective relay supplying coil circuit typically costs between $5 and $50, while fixing a Reprogram or replace PCM if coil driver is defective can range from $300 to $1200.

Does code P0359 apply to Nissan vehicles?

The P0359 code is a generic powertrain code, meaning it applies to almost all makes and models, such as Honda, Toyota, VW, Ford, and Chevy.

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