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 provides 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

DTC P0355: Ignition Coil 5 Control Circuit

DTC P0356: Ignition Coil 6 Control Circuit

DTC P0357: Ignition Coil 7 Control Circuit

DTC P0358: Ignition Coil 8 Control Circuit

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Ignition Coil 1 Control Circuit

P0351

P0351

P0351

--

Ignition Coil 2 Control Circuit

P0352

P0352

P0352

--

Ignition Coil 3 Control Circuit

P0353

P0353

P0353

--

Ignition Coil 4 Control Circuit

P0354

P0354

P0354

--

Ignition Coil 5 Control Circuit

P0355

P0355

P0355

--

Ignition Coil 6 Control Circuit

P0356

P0356

P0356

--

Ignition Coil 7 Control Circuit

P0357

P0357

P0357

--

Ignition Coil 8 Control Circuit

P0358

P0358

P0358

--

Circuit/System Description

The ignition system on this engine uses an individual module/coil for each cylinder. The engine control module (ECM) controls the spark event for each cylinder through the 8 individual ignition control (IC) circuits. When the ECM commands the IC circuit ON, electrical current will flow through the primary winding of the ignition coil, creating a magnetic field. When a spark event is requested, the ECM will command the IC circuit OFF, interrupting current flow through the primary winding. The magnetic field created by the primary winding will collapse across the secondary coil windings, producing a high voltage across the spark plug electrodes. The ECM uses information from the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor, and the camshaft position (CMP) sensor for sequencing and timing of the spark events. The ECM monitors each IC circuit for improper voltage levels. Each ignition module/coil assembly has the following electrical circuits attached:

    • An ignition 1 voltage circuit
    • A ground circuit
    • An IC circuit
    • A low reference circuit

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The engine is cranking or running.
    • DTCs P0351-P0358 runs continuously when the above condition is met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM detects one of the following failures on the IC circuit for up to 6 seconds:

    • An open
    • A short to ground
    • A short to voltage

Actions Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0351-P0358 are Type B DTCs.

Conditions For Clearing the DTC

DTC P0351-P0358 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 Data Definitions
    •  Scan Tool Output Controls

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Start and run the engine.
  2. Observe the Misfire Current counters using the scan tool. The counters should not be incrementing
  3. If the counters are incrementing for any of the cylinders, continue with Circuit/System Testing
  4. If the vehicle passes the Circuit/System Verification Test, then operate the vehicle within the conditions for running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that are captured in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records Data List.
  5. Engine running, observe the DTC information with a scan tool. DTCs P0351-P0358 should not set.
  6. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

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 the following.
  5. • Short to voltage
    • Short to ground
    • Open/high resistance
    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 the ignition/coil.
    If the DTC or the misfire does not transfer with the suspect ignition/coil module, replace the ECM.

Repair Instructions

    •  Ignition Coil Replacement - Bank 1 , Ignition Coil Replacement - Bank 2
    •  Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming

Repair Verification

Important: An ignition system misfire condition can cause the 3-way catalytic converter to overheat under certain driving conditions.

If the customer concern was a flashing MIL, perform the following procedure:

  1. Install any components or connectors that have been removed or replaced during diagnosis.
  2. Perform any adjustment, programming, or setup procedures that are required when a component or module is removed or replaced.
  3. Clear the DTCs.
  4. Turn OFF the ignition for 60 seconds.
  5. If the repair was related to a DTC, duplicate the Conditions for Running the DTC and use the Freeze Frame/Failure Records, if applicable, in order to verify the DTC does not reset. If the DTC resets or another DTC is present, refer to the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle and perform the appropriate diagnostic procedure.
  6. To verify that the performance of the catalytic converter has not been affected by the condition that set this DTC, perform the Repair Verification for DTC P0420 or P0430. Refer to DTC P0420 or P0430.