GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provide an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptors

DTC P0351: Ignition Coil 1 Control Circuit

DTC P0352: Ignition Coil 2 Control Circuit

DTC P0353: Ignition Coil 3 Control Circuit

DTC P0354: Ignition Coil 4 Control Circuit

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

High Resistance

Open

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Ignition Coil 1 Control Circuit

P0351

P0351

P0351

P0351

P0351

Ignition Coil 2 Control Circuit

P0352

P0352

P0352

P0352

P0352

Ignition Coil 3 Control Circuit

P0353

P0353

P0353

P0353

P0353

Ignition Coil 4 Control Circuit

P0354

P0354

P0354

P0354

P0354

Circuit/System Description

The ignition system uses individual ignition coil/module assemblies for each cylinder. The engine control module (ECM) controls the individual coils by transmitting timing pulses on the ignition control (IC) circuit of each ignition coil/module to enable a spark event. The ECM monitors each IC circuit for improper voltage levels. Each ignition coil/module has the following circuits:

    • An ignition voltage circuit
    • A ground
    • An IC control circuit
    • A low reference circuit

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The engine is running.
    • DTCs P0351-P0354 runs continuously when the above condition is met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The ECM detects an open on the circuit or the ignition coil/module for less than 1 second.
        OR
    • The ECM detects a short to ground on the circuit or the ignition coil/module for less than 1 second.
        OR
    • The ECM detects a short to voltage on the circuit or the ignition coil/module for less than 1 second.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTCs P0351-P0354 are Type B DTCs.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTCs P0351-P0354 are Type B DTCs.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Engine Controls Connector End Views
    •  Engine Control Module Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Output Controls

Circuit/System Verification

    • Start and idle the engine.
    • Observe the scan tool DTC Information and the Misfire Current Cylinder parameters. This will indicate the affected ignition coil/modules, and if the condition is current.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the ECM.
  3. Important: A high resistance on any IC circuit can cause a misfire before the DTC sets.

  4. Test the affected IC circuit for an open, a high resistance, a short to ground and for a short to voltage.
  5. If a fault is found, repair the circuit as needed.
  6. Connect the ECM.
  7. Exchange the affected ignition coil/module with the ignition/coil module of a good cylinder.
  8. Start the engine and observe the scan tool.
  9. If the DTC or the misfire transfers with the suspect ignition/coil module, replace as needed.
    If the DTC or the misfire does not transfer with the suspect ignition/coil module, replace the ECM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Ignition Coil Replacement
    •  Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming