P0355

Ignition Coil E Primary Control Circuit/Open

Q: Is it safe to drive with P0355?

Only briefly. If the cylinder isn't firing the engine will misfire, and a sustained misfire can overheat and damage the catalytic converter.

Q: Can I just clear P0355?

You can, but it returns until the coil or its control circuit is repaired.

Ignition coil Generic OBD-II High

What it means

P0355 means the engine computer has detected an open or fault in the primary control circuit of ignition coil 'E' (the fifth coil). If that coil stops firing its cylinder, the engine misfires and loses power. It usually points to a wiring or connector problem at the coil, or a failed coil.

High

Can I keep driving? Usually drivable but the affected cylinder may not fire, causing a misfire — extended driving with a dead cylinder can damage the catalytic converter, so repair it promptly.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

144

scans in the past year

Found in

<0.1%

of scans

<0.1%

of scans that found faults

Appears alongside · share of P0355 scans

P0351in 42.4% of scans

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Check-engine light on (may flash if the cylinder is misfiring)
Rough idle, shaking, or a noticeable miss
Reduced power and hesitation on acceleration
Increased fuel consumption

Common causes

Most likely first

Failed ignition coil 'E'Likely
Open or shorted coil primary control (driver) circuit wiringCommon
Loose or corroded connector at the coilCommon
Faulty coil driver in the ECM/ignition module (rare)Less often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Read freeze-frame data and inspect the coil 'E' connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or a loose pin.
Swap coil 'E' with a neighbouring coil; if the fault follows the coil, replace it.
Check the primary control circuit for opens/shorts back to the ECM or ignition module.
Confirm power and ground at the coil, then clear and re-test.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0355?+

Only briefly. If the cylinder isn't firing the engine will misfire, and a sustained misfire can overheat and damage the catalytic converter.

Can I just clear P0355?+

You can, but it returns until the coil or its control circuit is repaired.

Read & clear P0355 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX