P0353

Ignition Coil C Primary/Secondary Circuit

Car Fault Codes Ignition & misfire

Can you still drive? With care, short trips only

Who can fix it? DIY with some experience

Typical repair time 15 minutes – 1.5 hours

Typical cost SAR 100 to 900

What it means

The engine computer has detected an electrical fault in the circuit of ignition coil C. On most engines with a separate coil per cylinder, coil C serves cylinder 3, which should be confirmed in the service manual, and a misfire in that cylinder usually comes with it.

Symptoms4

Check engine light on, possibly flashing during misfires.
Shaking and uneven idle.
A misfire code for the cylinder served by coil C, often P0303.
Loss of power on hills or under acceleration.

Possible causes6

Failed ignition coil C.
Loose, corroded or broken-latch coil C connector.
Open or shorted coil C control wire.
Fault in the shared coil supply, such as a fuse or relay.
Damaged spark plug, or oil in the plug well damaging the coil boot.
Failed driver circuit inside the engine computer (rare).

How to diagnose5

Identify the cylinder coil C serves from the service manual.
Check the plug well for oil and the coil boot for cracks or burn marks.
Swap coil C with another cylinder's coil, clear the codes and see whether the code or misfire follows it.
Measure supply and ground at the coil connector and check the control signal from the computer.
If the fault stays in place after the swap, check control wire continuity back to the engine computer.

How to fix5

Clean the connector and repair the latch or loose terminals.
Repair the damaged control or supply wire.
Replace ignition coil C if the fault follows it.
Replace the damaged plug and fix any oil leak into the plug well.
Clear the codes and road test to confirm the code does not return.

Repair cost

0–500

500–2,000

2,000–5,000

5,000+

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

The cost is low for a connector or wire fault, rises with a new coil and plug, and can increase if an oil leak into the plug well must be fixed.

Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions

I found oil in the cylinder 3 plug well. Is it related?

Usually yes. Oil damages the coil boot and lets spark leak, so fix the leaking cover gasket along with replacing the coil or boot.

Can I drive with this code?

Only a short distance and gently, because cylinder 3 is likely not firing well and unburned fuel can damage the catalytic converter.

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This guide is for information only and does not replace an inspection by a qualified technician. If the fault involves brakes, steering, engine temperature, electrics or refrigerant, do not attempt the repair yourself.

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