Ignition

P035E — Ignition Coil E Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P035E means

The engine control module monitors the control signal and primary circuit of ignition coil E. Normally it switches the coil's primary circuit on and off so the coil builds energy and then sends a high-voltage pulse to the spark plug. P035E sets when the circuit signal is out of range, which can come from an open, a short, or a failing coil. Which cylinder coil E serves depends on the manufacturer and engine.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on or flashing
  • Rough idle or engine vibration
  • Misfire on the affected cylinder
  • Hesitation or reduced power
  • Poor fuel economy
  • Hard starting

Possible causes

  1. Failed ignition coil E
  2. Damaged wiring: open or short in the coil circuit
  3. Poor or corroded connection at the coil connector
  4. Worn spark plug overloading the coil
  5. Blown fuse or faulty relay in the ignition supply
  6. Faulty coil driver inside the ECM (uncommon)

How to diagnose

  1. Read all codes and freeze frame data and check for cylinder misfire codes
  2. Find out from the service information which cylinder coil E feeds on your engine
  3. Inspect the coil connector and harness for heat damage, corrosion, chafing or loose locks
  4. Check the ignition fuses and relays
  5. Swap coil E with a known good coil and see whether the fault follows it
  6. Inspect the spark plug in that cylinder for wear, gap, fouling or a cracked insulator
  7. Use a multimeter or scope to check power, ground and the control signal at the coil connector
  8. If wiring and coil are good, check the ECM and for software updates

Common fixes

  • Replace ignition coil E
  • Replace worn spark plugs, preferably as a set
  • Repair or replace damaged wiring or the connector
  • Replace a blown fuse or faulty relay
  • Replace or reprogram the ECM if confirmed faulty

Questions and answers

What does P035E mean?

It is a fault in the primary or secondary circuit of ignition coil E. The engine computer sees an incorrect signal in the coil circuit, which can cause misfires.

Can I drive with P035E?

Only briefly and without heavy load. Ongoing misfires can damage the catalytic converter, and a flashing check engine light means you should stop.

Is replacing the coil enough?

Often, but check the connector, wiring and spark plug first. If the cause is there, a new coil may fail again quickly.

This is general information about the code. The meaning can differ between makes and models: a scan tool and the repair manual for your car will show the exact cause.