Ignition & misfire · Powertrain · generic (SAE-defined)
P0353: Ignition Coil "C" Primary/Secondary Circuit
P0353 means the engine computer detected an electrical fault in ignition coil "C", which commonly serves cylinder 3 on coil-on-plug engines.
Standard title per SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 · Updated 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research
How P0353 sets
Each time the powertrain control module (PCM) triggers coil "C", it monitors the control circuit for the expected electrical behavior. An open, short, or abnormal feedback from coil "C" sets P0353. The coil letter assigned to each cylinder varies by manufacturer.
Common causes of P0353
Roughly most likely first; the actual cause depends on the vehicle and needs testing to confirm.
- Failed ignition coil "C"
- Oil or water in the coil well damaging the boot
- Damaged coil control wiring
- Corroded connector terminals
- Worn spark plug increasing coil load
P0353 symptoms
- Check engine light on or flashing
- Misfire, often in cylinder 3
- Engine shake at idle
- Hesitation
How P0353 is diagnosed
- Check freeze frame data and look for P0303.
- Confirm coil "C" cylinder assignment in service information.
- Inspect the coil well for oil or water and the boot for damage.
- Swap coil "C" with another coil and retest.
- Test the coil supply and control circuits.
Typical fixes for P0353
- Replace ignition coil "C"
- Repair valve cover or tube seal leaks
- Repair wiring or connector
- Replace spark plugs
Replace parts only after testing confirms the cause — a code names the circuit or condition that failed a check, not necessarily the faulty part. We don’t publish per-repair prices; for what households actually spend on upkeep, see car repair costs.
Related codes & warning lights
P0353 FAQ
What does code P0353 mean?
P0353 means the engine computer detected an electrical fault in ignition coil "C", which commonly serves cylinder 3 on coil-on-plug engines. The standard definition is "Ignition Coil "C" Primary/Secondary Circuit."
Can I drive with a P0353 code?
Short trips are usually possible, though the engine will likely misfire. If the check engine light is flashing, pull over and stop driving soon.
Can water in the spark plug well cause P0353?
Yes. Water from washing or a blocked cowl drain can collect in the coil well and cause arcing or coil failure.
Will clearing the code fix P0353?
Clearing the code only resets the light. If the coil circuit fault remains, the code will return.
Can P0353 set without a noticeable misfire?
Occasionally. An intermittent wiring or connector fault can trigger the circuit code briefly before a steady misfire develops, so the connector and harness deserve close inspection.
Keep researching
Engine guides by brand (known issues, specs)
More ignition & misfire codes
Sources
- SAE J2012 — Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (standard code titles)
- ISO 15031-6 — Road vehicles: communication between vehicle and external equipment for emissions-related diagnostics, Part 6: Diagnostic trouble code definitions
- U.S. EPA — Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs
- U.S. EPA, 40 CFR 86.1806-17 — Federal onboard diagnostics requirements for light-duty vehicles
General information written by CarWhere Research, not a diagnosis of your vehicle. Manufacturers can add their own sub-definitions and test conditions; confirm with the factory service information for your year, make and model. Before paying for a repair, check NHTSA for open recalls and your warranty booklet: federal law requires an emissions warranty on major emission-control parts such as the catalytic converter and engine computer.