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P0353: Ignition coil 'C' primary/secondary circuit

Flashing light? Stop driving now. Steady light? Drive gently to a mechanic soon.

Can I drive with P0353?

Flashing light? Stop driving now. Steady light? Drive gently to a mechanic soon. If the check engine light is steady, drive gently to a mechanic soon. If the check engine light is FLASHING, stop driving. Unburned fuel can destroy the catalytic converter.

What does P0353 mean?

P0353 stands for Ignition Coil 'C' Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction (Cylinder 3).

Symptoms you may notice

  • Engine shaking or stumbling under acceleration
  • Noticeable power loss and sluggish response
  • Flashing or steady check engine light
  • Strong fuel odor from the exhaust pipe

How much does it cost to fix?

Repair costs for code P0353 depend on the specific underlying root cause, ranging from simple DIY checks to component replacement. The table below lists the most common causes and rough price ranges in USD:

  • Failed ignition coil pack on cylinder 3
    $50-$160 common
  • Loose or cracked wiring connector on coil
    $20-$60 common
  • Short to ground in coil trigger wire
    $40-$110 possible
  • Blown ignition coil driver inside PCM
    $400-$1000 rare

What to do next

  1. Observe your check engine light: if it is FLASHING, stop driving now to avoid catalytic converter damage.
  2. If the check engine light is STEADY, drive gently to a mechanic soon without hard acceleration or towing.
  3. Inspect the spark plugs, ignition coils, and fuel injector connectors for faults.
Last updated: October 2026

Related codes

General guidance only, not a professional diagnosis. If the check-engine light is flashing, or the car is running rough, overheating or losing power, stop driving and get help.

About this code

Code P0353 indicates an electrical break or short in the ignition coil circuit for cylinder 3. The coil cannot generate spark, causing a dead cylinder misfire. Follow the flashing CEL rule immediately to save the catalytic converter.