Ignition & misfire · Powertrain · generic (SAE-defined)
P0355: Ignition Coil "E" Primary/Secondary Circuit
P0355 means the engine computer found a fault in the ignition coil "E" circuit, which on many engines is the coil for cylinder 5.
Standard title per SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 · Updated 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research
How P0355 sets
The powertrain control module (PCM) monitors coil "E" for the expected current flow or feedback signal when it fires. Detection of an open, short, or abnormal response sets P0355. Coil letter assignments vary by manufacturer.
Common causes of P0355
Roughly most likely first; the actual cause depends on the vehicle and needs testing to confirm.
- Failed ignition coil "E"
- Wiring damaged by heat or chafing
- Corroded or loose connector
- Worn spark plug
- Fault in coil power or ground
P0355 symptoms
- Check engine light on or flashing
- Misfire, often in cylinder 5
- Rough running
- Reduced power
How P0355 is diagnosed
- Check freeze frame data and any P0305 code.
- Confirm coil "E" cylinder assignment.
- Inspect coil, wiring, and connector.
- Swap coil "E" with another and retest.
- Test power, ground, and control circuits.
Typical fixes for P0355
- Replace ignition coil "E"
- Repair wiring or connector
- Replace spark plugs
- Restore coil power or ground
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
P0355 FAQ
What does code P0355 mean?
P0355 means the engine computer found a fault in the ignition coil "E" circuit, which on many engines is the coil for cylinder 5. The standard definition is "Ignition Coil "E" Primary/Secondary Circuit."
Can I drive with a P0355 code?
Only cautiously and briefly. A coil circuit fault typically causes a misfire, and a flashing check engine light means stop driving soon.
Does P0355 apply to four-cylinder engines?
Typically not, since most four-cylinder engines do not have a coil "E". It usually applies to engines with five or more cylinders.
Why did P0355 appear after a tune-up?
A coil connector left loose, a damaged boot, or a pinched wire during spark plug replacement can trigger coil circuit codes.
Should the spark plug be replaced along with coil E?
If the plug is worn or near its service interval, replacing it with the coil is sensible, since a worn plug raises the voltage the coil must produce and can shorten the new coil's life.
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.