Code P0352: Meaning, Causes, Fixes, FAQs

And more importantly, is it safe to drive with an active P0352 code?

In this article, we’ll answer those two questions and cover everything you need to know about error code P0352, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and fixes. We’ll also mention the easiest way to solve the P0352 code issue in your car.

Finally, we’ll answer five FAQs related to the P0352 misfire code.

This Article Contains:

What Is Code P0352?
What Does Code P0352 Mean?
What Can Trigger Code P0352?
Symptoms Associated With Code P0352
Is Code P0352 Critical?
How Is Code P0352 Diagnosed?
How Is Code P0352 Fixed?
The Easiest Way To Solve Code P0352 Issues
5 P0352 FAQs

Let’s dive in.

What Is Code P0352?

P0352 is a generic OBD-II diagnostic trouble code (DTC) that your vehicle’s powertrain control module (PCM) or engine control module (ECM) logs when there’s an issue with the ignition coil circuit.

The trouble code definition for P0352 is “Ignition Coil B Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction”.

Now, the P0352 code is a generic DTC — meaning that this trouble code indicates the same issue in all vehicles that use an OBD system. Although P0352 is a generic code, the steps for fixing this fault code will vary according to the make or model of your vehicle.

In any case, what does this trouble code mean? Let’s find out.

What Does Code P0352 Mean?

Code P0352 indicates a malfunction with the primary side (next to the onboard computer) or the secondary side (next to the spark plug) of ignition coil B. The ignition coil B (or coil number 2) is located above cylinder number 2 of your vehicle’s engine.

In simpler terms, there’s a problem with the ignition process in cylinder number 2.

Note: The last digit of the trouble code refers to the cylinder number of your engine. If there is an issue with the ignition system in cylinder number 1, code P0351 will show up on the OBD scan tool, and your Check Engine Light would usually activate.

Next, we’ll look at the different causes for code P0352:

What Can Trigger Code P0352?

Several mechanical or electrical faults can trigger the P0352 trouble code.

Here are nine possible causes of misfire code P0352:

Faulty ignition coil number 2 (from corrosion or wear)
Damaged coil driver circuit (due to loose connections, bad coil connector, an open or short wire, etc.)
Defective wiring harness between the coil pack and ECM or PCM
Faults in the ECM or PCM (including a defective ECM or PCM connector)
Malfunctioning spark plug
Vacuum leak in the intake manifold
Air passages in the throttle body getting blocked due to carbon build-up
Faulty fuel ignition system
Camshaft Position Sensor adjustment (if your engine has an adjustable cam sensor)

Now that you know what can cause the fault code, we’ll cover some of the most common symptoms associated with P0352.

Symptoms Associated With Code P0352

If your vehicle’s dealing with a P0352 DTC, you’re likely to encounter one or more of the following symptoms:

The Check Engine Light on your dashboard activates
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp on the dashboard turns on
The engine might misfire when you’re accelerating
Rough, abnormal vibrations can be felt when driving or in idle
A lack or loss of engine power (especially when the car is under heavy load)
It’s hard to start the engine at times

But should you be concerned about error code P0352? We’ll answer that question next.

Is Code P0352 Critical?

Yes — fault code P0352 is fairly critical and must be addressed ASAP.

What makes this error code critical?

For starters, a P0325 error could mean that you’ll experience engine misfire as you accelerate.

A misfire is when incomplete (or improper) combustion takes place in an engine cylinder. As a result, the cylinder’s movement gets hindered. But to compensate for a misfiring cylinder and keep your vehicle moving, your other cylinders will need to work harder. This places a lot of stress on the other cylinders. Consequently, the spark plugs, piston rings, and coil packs of the other cylinders will wear quicker.

Essentially, your engine parts would get damaged, and their performance would decline.

That’s not all.
The misfire code P0352 can also result in drivability issues such as unpleasant vibrations, loss of power, and more. Apart from contributing to an unpleasant driving experience, these drivability issues can potentially compromise your road safety.

Now that you know P0352 is a critical fault code, we’ll explain how it’s usually diagnosed.

How Is Code P0352 Diagnosed?

Several factors can trigger the P0352 misfire code, and narrowing down on the right cause requires the help of the mechanic.

Your mechanic would:

Measure the resistance and voltage of the second cylinder coil pack circuit and see if they’re within acceptable ranges
Inspect the spark plug electrodes for faults or signs of wear
Check the wiring harness between the coil pack and the PCM or ECM for signs of damage, such as fraying, corrosion, and melting
Examine the ignition coil connector, ECM or PCM connector, and other connectors for visible damage
Verify that the second cylinder coil pack has a proper ground supply
Take a look at the intake manifold and check if there’s a vacuum leak
Measure the Hertz signal in the coil pack circuit with a multimeter to check if the PCM or ECM is sending a proper signal to the coil pack

This brings us to a question: how do you fix the code P0352 error?
We’ll tell you how.

How Is Code P0352 Fixed?

How you fix the P0352 fault code would depend on what triggered it in the first place.

Generally, for fixing the DTC P0352, your mechanic might need to:

Replace the faulty ignition coil pack
Repair or replace the damaged coil pack wiring harness
Replace the defective spark plug and the spark plug wire
Repair the vacuum leak in the intake manifold
Replace the malfunctioning engine control module (ECM) or powertrain control module (PCM)

Now that you know how to fix this misfire code, we’ll tell you the easiest and best way to solve P0352 code problems.

The Easiest Way To Solve Code P0352 Issues

Diagnosing and fixing the P0352 DTC problem the right way requires the expertise of a professional mechanic.

However, when hiring a mechanic, ensure that they:

Are certified
Offer you a service warranty
Use only high-quality replacement parts

Where do you find mechanics who match these criteria?

AutoNation Mobile Service is your answer!
AutoNation Mobile Service is a convenient, affordable, and hassle-free mobile auto repair solution.

Here are some of the fantastic benefits you can get with AutoNation Mobile Service:

Online booking of OBD code diagnoses and repairs
Our expert car technicians come to your driveway for all diagnosis, inspection, service, maintenance, and repair needs
You’re guaranteed upfront and competitive pricing
We use only the latest equipment and high-quality replacement parts for our services
AutoNation Mobile Service offers a 12,000-mile | 12-month warranty on all repairs

Wondering how much it’ll cost you?
AutoNation Mobile Service generally charges between $95 and $150 for OBD code diagnosis, based on your location. And if you decide to continue with AutoNation Mobile Service for the repairs, this diagnosis fee will get added to the final repair cost.

Now, the repair cost can vary widely depending on the:

Part(s) that’ll need to be fixed or replaced
Make and model of your vehicle

To give you an idea, replacing an ignition coil can cost you between $240 and $270.
For a more accurate estimate on how much it could cost to diagnose and fix the P0352 error, just fill this online form.

Next, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions related to the P0352 code.

5 P0352 FAQs

Here are answers to five commonly asked questions associated with fault code P0352:

1. What Is An Ignition Coil?

An ignition coil (or spark coil) is an induction coil used in your vehicle’s ignition system.
It consists of two types of wire circuits:

A primary coil
A secondary coil

On the primary coil side, you’ve got the primary wire winding, battery, an ignition switch, a triggering mechanism (like crank sensor), and more.

In contrast, on the secondary coil side, you’ve got the secondary winding, the coil pack circuit, and spark plug.

The ignition coil transforms the low battery voltage (around 12 volts) in the primary coil into a high voltage (thousands of volts) in the secondary coil. And this high voltage generates an electric spark in the spark plug, igniting the air and fuel mixture in the engine.

2. What Is A Spark Plug?

A spark plug is a device that uses electrical energy to ignite the air and fuel mixture in internal combustion engines. Additionally, the spark plug functions as a heat exchanger, transferring the heat from the engine to its cooling system.

3. What Is A Coil Pack?

A coil pack is simply a pack of ignition coils the vehicle’s PCM or ECM regulates.
Its role is to build up enough electrical energy and deliver that to the spark plug via the spark plug cables.

4. What Are The PCM And ECM?

PCM is short for powertrain control module, and ECM is short for engine control module. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they play different roles.

The ECM gathers data from different parts of your vehicle and controls specific aspects of the engine, such as the fuel injection timing, ignition timing, throttle position, and more.

On the flip side, the PCM controls all vehicle functions, from the engine to the transmission — this includes the gear transmission, engine timing, fuel pump operation, etc. Its primary functions are to achieve improved power delivery and fuel economy for the vehicle.

5. What Is An Intake Manifold?

An intake manifold is the part of your engine that evenly distributes air to all the cylinders in your internal combustion engine. Moreover, the intake manifold also helps to cool down your engine, preventing engine overheating.

Closing Thoughts

When the OBD scan tool shows the P0352 code, it means that there’s a problem with the driver circuit of the second cylinder coil pack. Since an issue with the coil driver circuit can affect your engine’s functioning, it’s best if you get it resolved ASAP.

For hassle-free OBD code diagnoses and repairs, you can contact AutoNation Mobile Service, and our certified car technicians will come to your driveway for inspection, maintenance, and repair services.