P0352 Malfunction of a primary / secondary circuit of the ignition coil B
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OBD-II Trouble Code P0352 - Datasheet
Ignition Coil B Primary / Secondary Circuit Malfunction
What does trouble code P0352 mean?
This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is a generic transmission code, which means it applies to OBD-II equipped vehicles. Although general, specific repair steps may differ depending on the brand / model.
The COP (coil on plug) ignition system is what is used in most modern engines. Each cylinder has a separate coil controlled by the PCM (Powertrain Control Module).
This eliminates the need for spark plug wires by placing the coil directly above the spark plug. Each coil has two wires. One is battery power, usually from a power distribution center. The other wire is the coil driver circuitry from the PCM. The PCM grounds/disconnects this circuit to activate or deactivate the coil. The coil driver circuit is monitored by the PCM for faults.
If an open or short is detected in the coil driver circuit number 2, the P0352 code may occur. In addition, depending on the vehicle, the PCM may also disable the fuel injector going to the cylinder.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a P0352 trouble code may include:
- MIL Illumination (Malfunction Indicator Lamp)
- Engine misfires may be present or intermittent
- Abnormal vibrations may be felt at idle or while driving
- Loss of acceleration
Causes of the P0352 code
Possible causes of a P0352 code include:
- Short to voltage or ground in the COP driver circuit
- Open in COP driver circuit
- Bad connection on coil or broken connector locks
- Bad coil (COP)
- Defective transmission control module
- Damaged or corroded wiring to the second cylinder battery
- Damage or corrosion of the wires connecting the coil of the second cylinder to the engine control module
- Open or short circuit in the wiring harness of the second cylinder battery circuit.
- Faulty engine control module
- Faulty coil pack
- Spark, faulty headlights
Possible solutions
Is the engine experiencing a malfunction now? Otherwise, the problem is most likely temporary. Try wiggling and checking the wiring on spool # 2 and along the wire harness to the PCM. If tampering with the wiring causes misfires on the surface, fix the wiring problem. Check for poor connections at the coil connector. Make sure the harness is not knocked out of place or chafing. Repair if necessary
If the engine is currently malfunctioning, stop the engine and disconnect the No. 2 coil harness connector. Then start the engine and check for a control signal on coil # 2. Using the scope will give you a visual reference to observe, but since most people don't have access to it, there is an easier way. Use a voltmeter on the AC hertz scale and see if there is a reading in the range of 5 to 20 Hz or so, indicating that the driver is working. If there is a Hertz signal, replace the # 2 ignition coil. This is most likely bad. If you do not detect any frequency signal from the PCM on the ignition coil driver circuit indicating that the PCM is grounding / disconnecting the circuit (or there is no visible pattern on the scope if you have one), leave the coil disconnected and check the DC voltage on the circuit driver on the ignition coil connector. If there is any significant voltage on this wire, then there is a short to voltage somewhere. Find the short circuit and repair it.
If there is no voltage in the driver circuit, turn off the ignition. Disconnect the PCM connector and check the integrity of the driver between the PCM and the coil. If there is no continuity, repair the open circuit or short to ground. If open, check the resistance between ground and the ignition coil connector. There must be endless resistance. If not, repair the short to ground in the coil driver circuit.
NOTE. If the signal wire of the ignition coil driver is not open or shorted to voltage or ground and there is no trigger signal to the coil, then a faulty PCM coil driver is suspected. Also be aware that if the PCM driver is defective, there might be a wiring issue that caused the PCM to fail. It is recommended that you perform the above check after replacing the PCM to ensure that it does not fail again. If you find that the engine is not skipping ignition, the coil is firing correctly, but the P0352 is reset continuously, there is a possibility that the PCM coil monitoring system may be malfunctioning.
HOW DOES A MECHANIC DIAGNOSTIC CODE P0352?
- Performs a strength test on an intended group of coils.
- Inspect the condition of the spark plug electrodes.
- Measures the voltage present in the coil pack
- Inspect the wires that connect to the coil packs for wear, corrosion, and sometimes melting.
- Inspects the battery circuit for proper grounding.
- Inspects intake manifold for vacuum leaks
- Use a multimeter to measure the Hertz signal being sent to the coil pack (helps to check if the ECM is sending the correct signal to the coil pack)
COMMON ERRORS WHEN DIAGNOSING CODE P0352
Some may overlook the fact that a vacuum leak can also trigger this code. Also, some may neglect to measure the hertz signal that needs to be sent from the ECM to the coil. Measuring the Hertz signal helps determine if the engine control module is faulty or if there is an abnormality in the coil pack circuit, such as corrosion buildup or damaged wiring.
HOW SERIOUS CODE P0352 IS?
This is pretty serious because you can't legally pass a vehicle inspection with the Check Engine light on. Misfire driving is bad for the engine because if one cylinder is blocked, the other cylinders will have to work twice as hard to turn the car over. This will put stress on other cylinders and cause parts such as piston rings, spark plugs and other coil packs to wear faster. This code has been known to cause engine misfiring, resulting in catalytic converter damage or plugging if not corrected quickly enough.
WHAT REPAIRS CAN FIX CODE P0352?
- Replacing the battery
- Replacing spark plugs
- Fixing a vacuum leak, such as a leaking intake manifold gasket or a broken vacuum line
- Replacing the engine control unit
- Repair or replace any damaged battery wiring.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS TO BE AWARE OF CODE P0352
It is highly recommended to check the Hertz signal from the ECM to the battery. It is also recommended to check the intake manifold for vacuum leaks.
Need more help with your p0352 code?
If you still need help with DTC P0352, post a question in the comments below this article.
NOTE. This information is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as a repair recommendation and we are not responsible for any action you take on any vehicle. All information on this site is protected by copyright.
