Ignition & misfire · Powertrain · generic (SAE-defined)
P0354: Ignition Coil "D" Primary/Secondary Circuit
P0354 means ignition coil "D", often the cylinder 4 coil, has a primary or secondary circuit problem detected by the engine computer.
Standard title per SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 · Updated 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research
How P0354 sets
The powertrain control module (PCM) checks the electrical response of coil "D" each time it fires the coil. If the circuit is open, shorted, or returns abnormal feedback, P0354 sets. Coil letter mapping is manufacturer-specific.
Common causes of P0354
Roughly most likely first; the actual cause depends on the vehicle and needs testing to confirm.
- Ignition coil "D" failure
- Open or shorted wiring
- Connector damage or corrosion
- Spark plug worn or damaged
- Power or ground supply fault
P0354 symptoms
- Check engine light on or flashing
- Misfire, often in cylinder 4
- Rough idle
- Loss of power
How P0354 is diagnosed
- Review freeze frame data and related misfire codes.
- Identify which cylinder coil "D" serves.
- Inspect the coil, boot, and connector.
- Swap coil "D" with another coil to see if the fault moves.
- Check coil wiring and power with a multimeter.
Typical fixes for P0354
- Replace ignition coil "D"
- Repair wiring or connector
- Replace spark plugs
- Repair coil power or ground circuit
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
P0354 FAQ
What does code P0354 mean?
P0354 means ignition coil "D", often the cylinder 4 coil, has a primary or secondary circuit problem detected by the engine computer. The standard definition is "Ignition Coil "D" Primary/Secondary Circuit."
Can I drive with a P0354 code?
Brief driving may be possible, but expect a misfire and rough running. Stop driving soon if the check engine light begins flashing.
Is P0354 a common code on four-cylinder engines?
It can appear on any engine with at least four coils or coil drivers. On four-cylinder engines, coil "D" usually serves cylinder 4.
Can a coil fault damage the catalytic converter?
Yes. A dead coil means unburned fuel enters the exhaust, which can overheat the catalytic converter if driving continues.
Can a coil be tested without special tools?
Swapping the suspect coil to another cylinder and seeing whether the fault follows it is the simplest test. Resistance checks with a multimeter help on some coils, but many modern coils with built-in drivers cannot be fully tested that way.
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.