Ignition Coil E Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction (Cylinder 5)
What does P0355 mean?
The P0355 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Ignition Coil E Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction (Cylinder 5). This is a moderate severity code.
Common Symptoms
- Engine misfire on cylinder 5
- Rough idle on V6 or V8 engine
- Check Engine Light illuminated or flashing
- Reduced power
- Exhaust smells of unburned fuel
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Faulty ignition coil on cylinder 5 Very High
- Worn or fouled spark plug on cylinder 5 High
- Damaged coil connector or wiring High
- PCM coil driver circuit failure for cylinder 5 Moderate
- Cracked coil boot causing spark leak Low
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
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Swap cylinder 5 ignition coil with another cylinder and clear codes to test
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Inspect the spark plug on cylinder 5 for wear or damage
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Measure coil resistance values and compare to specification
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Check coil connector and spark plug well for contamination or damage
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Test PCM coil driver signal at the connector
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with code P0355?
You can drive short distances. On V6 and V8 engines, one dead cylinder is less noticeable than on a 4-cylinder, but repair is still needed to prevent catalytic converter damage.
Is cylinder 5 hard to reach on V-engines?
On many V-engines, cylinder 5 is on the rear bank near the firewall, which can make coil and plug replacement more challenging. Some vehicles require removing the intake manifold or other components.
Can I use aftermarket ignition coils?
Quality aftermarket coils work fine for most applications. However, some vehicles (particularly European makes) are sensitive to coil quality. OEM or premium aftermarket coils are recommended for these vehicles.