What it means
Ignition Coil K 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
Ignition Coil K is the coil assigned to the K position in the vehicle's ignition system; the letter does not give a universal cylinder number. The control module monitors the K coil's primary circuit and sets this code when it detects an electrical fault, which may interrupt spark to the cylinder served by that coil.
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 live misfire counts, using the vehicle's coil map to identify the cylinder served by Coil K.
- Inspect the K coil connector, terminals, and harness for looseness, corrosion, damaged insulation, or a broken wire.
- Verify that Coil K receives the required power and ground, comparing readings with the manufacturer's specification.
- With power off and the circuit isolated as specified, check the K coil primary circuit and wiring for an open.
- If the coil and wiring pass, test the module's K-channel driver using the manufacturer's procedure.
Common fixes
- Reconnect the K coil plug or secure its connector.
- Repair an open wire or replace a damaged or corroded K-circuit terminal.
- Replace Coil K if it fails the manufacturer's primary-circuit test.
- Repair or replace the module only if its K-channel driver is confirmed faulty.
Can I keep driving?
Avoid hard acceleration if the engine is misfiring, and stop driving if the check-engine light flashes because unburned fuel can overheat the catalytic converter. If the light is steady and running is smooth, limit driving until the K circuit is checked.
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.