Powertrain, generic · Ignition system or misfire

P0361 Ignition Coil K Primary Control Circuit/Open

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

P0361 monitors the primary control circuit of ignition coil K – the line from the engine module to the coil or to its built-in output stage – for an open circuit or high resistance. Coil K usually serves cylinder 11, so the code only occurs on engines with at least 11 cylinders; in practice these are V12 or W12 engines. No manufacturer document available to us uses the code: GM goes up to coil H, Ford's descriptions end at coil J (P0360). CARB requires the ignition outputs to be monitored for open and short circuits. Ford's description of the same check for coils A to J shows how it works: it runs continuously between 200 and about 3,200 rpm at 11–16 V, judges either the current confirmation from the coil driver or the current and voltage at the driver output, and after a coil fault shuts off that cylinder's injector for 30 s at a time to protect the catalyst. Coil K's control circuit low and high are P2330 and P2331, its secondary circuit P2332.

Likely causes

Ignition coil K faulty (output stage in the coil or primary winding open)
Connector at the coil corroded, wet or with a loose pin
Control, supply or ground wire open or chafed
Driver in the engine module faulty or software (permanent dwell)

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Misfire and rough running on cylinder 11, often also P0311
  • Loss of power, jerking under load
  • Cylinder shut off (injection off), risk to the catalyst if driven on

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumDIY possible
Parts and labour€60–350
Time0.5–2 h

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

Parts involved

ignition coil kignition wiringengine control module

Related codes

P2330P2331P2332P0350P0311P0300

References: law.cornell.edu, newtonnet.co.uk.