Powertrain, generic · Ignition system or misfire

P0355 Ignition Coil E Primary Control Circuit/Open

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

Modern engines have one coil-on-plug ignition coil per cylinder, with the output stage either in the engine module or in the coil itself. P0355 monitors the primary control circuit of coil E – the line from the engine module to the coil or its built-in output stage – for an open circuit or high resistance. GM's module measures the voltage with its low-side driver off and flags an open circuit above 30 kΩ in 50 of 63 samples (2018 engines in the first trip, older ones after two); Ford checks continuously within 1 s, expecting a primary-current feedback for every ignition command, and shuts off injection to that cylinder for 30 s at a time. Short circuits and the secondary side have their own codes (P2300 ff). Coil E usually serves cylinder 5, but the assignment is up to the manufacturer.

Likely causes

Ignition coil E faulty (output stage in the coil or primary winding open)
Connector at the coil corroded, loose or with a spread pin
Control, supply or ground wire open or chafed
Fuse or relay of the coil supply (then usually several codes)
Driver in the engine module faulty

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Misfire and rough running on cylinder 5, often also P0305
  • Loss of power, jerking under load
  • Cylinder shut off (injection off), risk to the catalyst if driven on

Repair estimate

DifficultyEasyDIY possible
Parts and labour€40–250
Time0.3–1.5 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

ignition coil eignition wiringengine control module

Related codes

P2312P2313P2314P0350P0305P0300

References: gsi.ext.gm.com, gsi.ext.gm.com, newtonnet.co.uk, fordservicecontent.com.