P0361
Ignition Coil K Primary Control Circuit/Open
Ignition coil
Generic OBD-II
High
What it means
P0361 means the ECM has detected an open or fault in the primary control circuit for ignition coil "K," which fires cylinder 11. Without a proper spark that cylinder misfires, so the engine runs rough and loses power. It's usually a failed coil or its wiring, and worth fixing quickly to protect the catalytic converter.
High
Can I keep driving? The affected cylinder will misfire and run rough — drivable short-term, but unburned fuel can damage the catalytic converter, so repair it promptly.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on (may flash during an active misfire)
- Rough idle and noticeable shaking
- Misfire and reduced power under acceleration
- Increased fuel consumption
Common causes
Most likely first
- Failed ignition coil 'K' (the cylinder 11 coil)Likely
- Open or shorted coil primary control wiringCommon
- Poor or corroded connection at the coil connectorCommon
- ECM coil-driver fault (less common)Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame data and note any accompanying cylinder-misfire code.
- Inspect the coil connector and primary control wiring for damage or corrosion.
- Check the coil's primary circuit for continuity and a good ground/supply.
- Swap the coil with a known-good one to confirm before buying parts.
- Replace coil 'K' if it tests faulty; clear and re-test.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0361?+
Only briefly. A dead coil means a persistent misfire that can overheat the catalytic converter, so repair it soon and avoid driving with a flashing light.
Can I just clear P0361?+
It returns until the coil or its control circuit is repaired, since the ECM keeps monitoring that circuit.
Related codes
Often seen with P0361
Read & clear P0361 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX