P0362
Ignition Coil L Primary/Secondary Circuit
If your code reader dashboard displays the generic DTC error code P0362, your vehicle is currently experiencing an active failure related to "Ignition Coil L Primary/Secondary Circuit". Proper system troubleshooting is required to safely clear this warning.
Driver's Summary
P0362 is triggered when the PCM detects an abnormal condition associated with ignition coil l primary/secondary circuit. Drivers typically experience severe misfire, raw fuel smell from exhaust when this code is active. This is a serious fault — avoid extended driving and have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Symptoms
Severe misfire, raw fuel smell from exhaust
Common Causes
- Dead ignition coil L (Cylinder 12)
- Wiring damage due to exhaust heat
- Fouled spark plug
- Failed coil driver in PCM
How to Fix
- 1 Replace ignition coil L
- 2 Repair and heat-shield wiring
- 3 Replace spark plug
- 4 Replace PCM
Technical Explanation
Detection of P0362 occurs when the ECM cross-references multiple sensor inputs and determines that the reported values are physically inconsistent or out-of-range. Misfire rate is counted per cylinder over rolling windows and compared against two thresholds: a catalyst-damaging rate (triggers flashing MIL) and an emissions-exceeding rate (triggers solid MIL). The PCM logs which cylinder is misfiring based on crankshaft position at the time of each detected event. The fault remains stored in memory even after the MIL is cleared; it becomes a confirmed DTC after failing two consecutive drive cycles, and the PCM logs a freeze frame record of the engine's exact operating state at the moment of detection.
Is It Safe to Drive?
With P0362 active, your engine or transmission is not operating within design parameters. Short-term driving may seem fine, but internal damage is accumulating — particularly to dead ignition coil l (cylinder 12).
Mechanic's Pro Tip
The fastest isolation technique for P0362 is the coil swap test: move the ignition coil from the affected cylinder to a neighboring cylinder and clear the code. If the misfire follows the coil, it's the coil. If it stays on the same cylinder, focus on the spark plug, injector, or compression. Never replace coils without also replacing the spark plug in that cylinder — a fouled plug will kill a new coil within weeks.
Ignition coil replacement: 100 - 200