P0359: Ignition Coil I Primary Control Circuit/Open

P0359 monitors the primary control circuit of ignition coil I – the line from the engine module to the coil or to its built-in output stage – for an open circuit or high resistance. Coil I usually serves cylinder 9, so the code only occurs on engines with at least 9 cylinders. GM does not use the code (at most eight cylinders). Ford uses coils I and J on its 6.8-litre V10 in vans, pickups and motorhome chassis. Ford checks continuously from 200 rpm within 1 s, expecting a primary-current feedback for every ignition command, and then shuts off injection to that cylinder for 30 s at a time to protect the catalyst. Ford's PCM code list (Roush workshop manual for the V10) shows the code with check engine light. Short circuits have their own codes (P2324 ff).

Symptoms

• Check engine light on
• Misfire and rough running on cylinder 9, often also P0309
• Loss of power, jerking under load
• Cylinder shut off (injection off), risk to the catalyst if driven on

Most likely causes

• Ignition coil I faulty (output stage in the coil or primary winding open)
• Connector at the coil corroded, wet or with a loose pin
• Control, supply or ground wire open or chafed
• Driver in the engine module faulty or software (permanent dwell)

What to check, in order

Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.

1. Check the connector and wiring of the coil indicated
2. Check the continuity of the wire between the component and the control module.
3. Check the condition of the spark plug
4. Swap the coil with another cylinder and see if the code changes
5. Measure the power supply and control signal using the manufacturer's wiring diagram

Good to know

• Repair difficulty: medium
• It can trigger limp mode.
• It affects emissions.

What each character of P0359 means

• P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
• 0: Generic code: same on every make
• 3: Ignition and misfires
• 59: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P0359?

Drive as little as possible. If you feel jerking or the light flashes, stop: a misfire can damage the catalytic converter.

What causes code P0359?

The most common causes are: ignition coil I faulty (output stage in the coil or primary winding open); connector at the coil corroded, wet or with a loose pin; control, supply or ground wire open or chafed.

Related codes

• P2324Ignition Coil I Primary Control Circuit Low
• P2325Ignition Coil I Primary Control Circuit High
• P2326Ignition Coil I Secondary Circuit
• P0350Ignition Coil Primary/Secondary Circuit/Open
• P0309Cylinder 9 Misfire Detected
• P0300Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected

Sources

• newtonnet.co.uk: fordobd2012
• fordservicecontent.com: OBD Operations Summary Gasoline 2020 2023
• roushcleantech.com: Roush CleanTech Diagnostics Manual DA 8.5.18
• law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2

Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.