What it means
Ignition Coil I Primary Control Circuit/Open: the control circuit is open. This affects the spark on the cylinder driven by this coil; a misfire results.
At a glance
- Usually lights the check-engine light
- Affects emissions; the car can fail an emissions test
How it works
Coil I's primary control circuit carries the command that lets the ignition system produce spark for the cylinder assigned to that coil. P0359 indicates the module sees an open in this control circuit, which can prevent the coil from firing and cause that cylinder to misfire.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Primary winding open
- Pin pushed back out of connector body
- Cracked solder joint inside the module or sensor
Symptoms
- Check engine light on or flashing
- Engine misfire or rough running
- Power loss or hesitation
- Hard starting
How to diagnose it
- Save freeze-frame data and check misfire counts with a scan tool to identify the cylinder served by coil I and the conditions when the open is detected.
- Inspect the coil I connector for a loose or pushed-back terminal and check the harness for breaks, chafing, or heat damage.
- Check continuity through the coil I primary control wire and its connections using the wiring diagram and manufacturer's specification.
- Test the coil I primary winding to determine whether the open is internal to the coil.
- If the circuit and coil pass, check the ignition module connector and coil I driver according to the manufacturer's procedure.
Common fixes
- Seat the pushed-back or loose coil I connector terminal correctly.
- Repair an open or damaged section of the coil I control wire.
- Replace coil I if its primary winding is open.
- Repair the module connection or replace the ignition driver if testing confirms the fault is there.
Can I keep driving?
Avoid driving if the affected cylinder is misfiring heavily or the check-engine light flashes, since raw fuel can damage the catalytic converter. With a steady light and smooth running, minimize driving and have the open coil I circuit repaired soon.
A code shows where the control module detected a fault, not always which part failed. Check the causes in order and confirm with a test before replacing parts. Have several codes? Check them together
This is a generic code: it means the same on every make. The car’s maker may add more detail in its own service information.