Ignition coils are an integral part of modern engine systems, providing the spark for the spark plugs.
Like other engine components, they can malfunction after long usage, leading to poor engine performance.
Ignition coil F Primary/secondary circuit malfunction is one of the typical cases. It’s time to know the ignition coil F location – P00356 error code.
We will clarify the symptoms and the causes of this error. Surf to the end to get some suggestions!
What Is Ignition Coil F In Car Operation? – Ignition Coil F Location
Where is ignition coil F located? Ignition coil F location is identified on the P0356 trouble code.
In detail, it is the failure of the ignition system. You need to understand the working process of the ignition coil before detecting its error.
Using electromagnetic induction, the ignition coil converts a 12V current into several thousand Volts (V) to create a spark strong enough to shoot through the spark plug gap.
Despite the simple operation, it is indispensable in the car engine system. When the spark is weak, the ignition efficiency becomes poor, thereby hindering the engine performance.
An ignition coil will accumulate energy to create the most powerful spark.
To ensure that the maximum amount of fuel is burned in the engine’s cylinders, the flame which creates a spark must be generated from a high voltage source.
By accumulating power to 50,000 – 75,000 V, 1 ignition coil will work more efficiently than a splitter. After reaching the spark plug, the spark will explode the fuel mixture in the cylinder.
What Does The P0356 Ignition Coil F Location Mean?
Most cars today are engineered with the Coil On Plug (COP). The coil of the ignition system is controlled by the powertrain control module (PCM), also known as the engine control module (ECM).
A couple of wires are in charge of connecting the coil driver to this PCM. One supplies a battery source to the power distribution center while the other links the coil driver and the PCM together.
This control module is responsible for detecting errors by tracking the coil driver.
The code P0356 applies to ignition failures in vehicles equipped with the OBD-II tool.
It signals a hole or short circuit in the driver circuitry in line 6. Other minor ignition-related problems are also coded under the name P0356.
However, each vehicle model manifests differently in error detection and repair. We record some cases in which the cylinder cannot receive and burn the fuel mixture due to the prevention of PCM.
What Are The Symptoms Of the P0356 Error Code?
Check Engine Light Is On
Symptoms of a short circuit in the ignition coil f are usually not very specific. They are somehow easily confused with other engine problems. Here are a few typical symptoms that you should consider
When a component of the electrical ignition system fails, it causes false ignition. Fuel is not fully burned, reducing the vehicle’s performance and potentially damaging the exhaust filter.
The check engine light now blinks to generally indicate the problem is taking place in the car engine.
Poor Engine Performance
The ignition coil’s performance is not capable of supplying power to the spark plugs to operate the vehicle.
The fuel mixture, which is considered the engine’s blood, can also not be utilized effectively, as we mentioned above. Therefore, the vehicle’s performance is definitely significantly degraded.
Engine Misfire
PCM prevents injectors from pumping fuel to the cylinder, reducing the efficiency of the engine’s combustion procedure.
Cylinders cannot fully ignite or produce more energy, resulting in the engine misfire. A misfire can also originate from an oil fouled spark plug.
Poor Fuel Mileage
A malfunctioning ignition coil can cause incomplete combustion. When a spark plug, plug wire, or ignition coil is damaged, the fuel in cylinders may not burn completely.
The amount of unsolved gas reduces fuel economy.
Clogged fuel injectors are also to blame. The fuel system can not deliver the proper amount of fuel when needed, resulting in inconsistent combustion and poor fuel mileage.
That’s why you should regularly check the vehicle’s fuel usage.
What Causes Error P0356
P0356 often results from the defective ignition coil or the failed operation of the PCM. Other cases can relate to the wiring issue, such as loose connections, but this is not as popular as the two above.
You can have a specialized technician detect the cause correctly. This way, you can also avoid other further engine errors.
Suggestions For P0356 Error Code
You can follow the instructions to check your ignition coil F basically.
Ensure all components have been completely neutralized by turning off the engine and ignition coil system.
After identifying the ignition coil F primary/secondary circuit location (usually near the front fender, directly above the engine, bolted directly to the spark plug, or mounted somewhere on top of the engine), unplug the power plug and remove the bolts.
You need to step by step check 2 ignition coil circuits of the ignition coil (coil primary circuit and secondary circuit). You can pay attention to the parameters on the technical meter.
The 0 figure is an error message. It indicates a short circuit in the coil.
Meanwhile, the beyond-average number indicates that the coil is open. Replacement is needed for both two cases.
If possible, replace the old coil with a new ignition coil. Let’s add insulating grease to coils and brackets to prevent corrosion.
The final step is to tighten the bolts to secure the new coil and put the electrical connector back on.
A fine ignition coil generates blue sparks. Orange sparks signal the shortage of electricity supply. In the absence of sparks, none of the power is created.
If you have difficulty checking and troubleshooting the ignition coil at home, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a qualified technician for prompt inspection and auto repair.
Conclusion
We believe you already know more about the ignition coil F location and also the P0356 error code.
Undoubtedly, it is a complex error, affecting many other components as well as the car’s overall performance. Therefore, you should take your car to a professional repair shop as soon as possible.
Our advice is to keep the maintenance on a regular basis.
As a result, problems can be rectified in time before they actually damage the vehicle.