P0171 and P0174: What it Means When These Codes are Together

P0171 and P0174 both indicate that there is a lean condition present in the vehicle.  By themselves, they are some of the most common OBD II codes.  When they are together, it indicates that the entire engine is running lean. Definition Both of these codes are generic, which means they have the same meaning regardless … Read more

GM “Battery Saver Active” (Meaning + Diagnosis)

Many modern GM made vehicles have a battery saver feature.  If you are getting a “battery saver active” message, it means that your car or truck has detected that the voltage in the electrical system is less than 11.7 volts.  This is over a volt off of the normal system voltage of around 13- 14 … Read more

P0031: O2 Sensor → Heater Control Circuit → Low (B1S1)

P0031 is a fairly common OBD II trouble code. It’s generic, which means that it applies to any vehicle made since 1996. As far as trouble codes go, this is a relatively easy one to diagnose. It is usually caused by a bad oxygen sensor, or a wiring issue.     Table of Contents 1. P0031 Definition 2. P0031 … Read more

P0354: Malfunctioning Coil “D” → Diagnosis

P0354 indicates that ignition coil “D” is has is malfunctioning on the primary/secondary side.  This code is typically caused by a bad coil pack or wiring harness issue, and is a generic.  This means that it has the same meaning regardless of what vehicle throws the code.  It is typically caused by a bad coil … Read more

P0352 Ignition Coil B – Primary/Secondary → Malfunction

P0352 is a generic OBD2 code.  it indicates that ignition coil “B” is has is malfunctioning on its primary or secondary side.  It is typically caused by a bad coil pack or wiring harness issue.  The first thing that you need to do when diagnosing it is to figure out if the issue is coming from the primary or secondary wiring.

The primary wiring is the wiring harness leading from the PCM to the ignition system itself.  A short, open, or poorly ground wiring harness is almost always what causes P0352 when it is the primary wiring side that has thrown the code.

The secondary side of the equation is the spark side.  Which means that plugs, plug wires (if so equipped) or the spark plug itself are causing the code.  Ignition Coil “B” indicates the problem is in cylinder 2.  You’ll need to look up which cylinder is number one on your engine.  Different manufacturers use different methods.  Here’s a pretty good explanation of how how to locate the second cylinder .  

See Also:  https://www.700r4transmissionhq.com/p0351

 

P0352 Diagnosis

 

 

P0352 Symptoms

  • Service Engine Light– The check engine light may be all that you notice when you have this code, particularly if it is caused by an intermittent wiring issue.
  • Misfiring– P0352 might be accompanied by P0302.  P0302 indicates that there is a misfire in cylinder 2.  Resolving P0352 will typically clear P0302.  A misfire can lead to a lack of power, and/or engine hesitation.
  • Rough Idle– You vehicle may idle rough if the second cylinder isn’t getting enough spark.  You  may smell raw fuel as the engine runs as well, since the second cylinder is no longer igniting fuel efficiently.

 

 

Causes

  • Wiring Issues (short, open, or bad ground)
  • Bad Coil Pack
  • Loose Connection at the coil
  • Bad PCM

 

 

P0352 Diagnosis

 

Voltage Test (Optional, but time saving)

The first place that you would want to start looking for what could be causing P0352 in your vehicle would be the wiring harness.  You can use a digital voltmeter to check if the coil pack “B” is getting the proper signal.  You would want to set it for A/C hertz and check to see if it is between 5-20hz. 

If it was between 5-20hz, it’s highly likely that the coil pack has gone bad.  Although, it could also be a bad plug or plug wire as well.  If you don’t have a voltmeter, no problem.  Just check out the parts swap method below .

 

 

Parts Swap

A great way to determine if it is an ignition related component, and not a wiring issue, is to reset the trouble code and swap the coil, plug, and plug wire (if equipped) with another cylinder.  If the misfire returns in the cylinder that you’ve just swapped your ignition components into, then you know that you are looking at is a coil, plug wire, or (most likely) coil pack failure.

If the misfire did move cylinders, you can go ahead and replace the plug, plug wire, and coil pack.  If you are on a tight budget, you can keep resetting the code and swap the ignition parts back one at a time until the misfire returns to cylinder one.  Start with the coil pack.

 

 

Wiring

If the misfire failed to move from cylinder one, then you know that you most likely have an issue with the wiring harness going from the coil pack to the PCM.  Take a look at where the harness plugs into the coil pack.  Is it damaged or loose feeling in relation to the other cylinder’s connections?  If so it may need to be replaced.

If the misfire is intermittent, go ahead and jiggle the wiring harness and see if it has an impact on the way the engine is running.  If it does start or stop misfiring, you know you’ve found your problem.  Look anywhere that the harness bends or touches anything sharp.  Check for damage and repair the wiring accordingly.

Make sure that it has a solid ground.

 

 

PCM/ECM

If you still can’t find the problem, it’s time to take a look at the PCM.  This is the least likely answer.

 

 

Conclusion:  P0352

P0352 is usually pretty easy to diagnose through the swap test, even if you don’t have any specialty diagnostic tools.  Good luck!

Saturn SW: Black Exhaust Smoke → Symptoms & Diagnosis

Black smoke coming from your Saturn SW’s exhaust is definitely a concerning problem.  Different colored exhaust can mean different things.  Black smoke is typically of greater concern than white smoke. Dark black smoke coming from the exhaust of your SW indicates that there could be a serious engine problem, and indicates that the air/fuel mixture … Read more

Cadillac ATS P0455: Meaning, Causes, + How to Fix

P0455 in the Cadillac ATS is a trouble code that indicates your truck has a LARGE evaporative emissions leak. With this code, you shouldn’t notice any symptoms besides perhaps a noticeable fuel smell. P0455 usually is not an immediate threat to the driveability of your ATS. But, whenever the check engine light is on, it’s … Read more

Oldsmobile Bravada White Exhaust Smoke: Causes, Diagnosis, How to Fix

If you own a Oldsmobile Bravada, you may have noticed white exhaust smoke coming from your vehicle on occasion. This can be concerning, and it’s essential to understand the possible causes behind this phenomenon to address the issue promptly and efficiently. Several factors can contribute to white smoke emanating from your vehicle’s exhaust pipe, and … Read more