AutoCodes – Saturn – P0351 Saturn

P0351 Saturn Code - Ignition Coil 1 Control Circuit

Quick Answer

The ignition system on this engine uses ignition coils with integrated power transistors. Common causes include Faulty Ignition Coil 1, Ignition Coil 1 harness is open or shorted, Ignition Coil 1 circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P0351 Saturn indicates Ignition Coil 1 Control Circuit.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Ignition Coil 1, Ignition Coil 1 harness is open or shorted, Ignition Coil 1 circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

Save to My Repairs Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 5,212

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 16, 2022

Description
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P0351 Saturn Description

The ignition system on this engine uses ignition coils with integrated power transistors. The Engine Control Module (ECM) controls the spark event for each cylinder through individual ignition coil control circuits. When the ECM commands the ignition control circuit On, electrical current flows through the primary winding of the ignition coil, creating a magnetic field. When a spark event is requested, the ECM commands the ignition control circuit Off, interrupting current flow through the primary winding. The collapsing magnetic field created by the primary winding induces a high voltage in the secondary winding, which is connected to the spark plugs. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the control circuit commanded by the ECM state does not match the actual state.

OBDII Code P0351 Saturn - Ignition Coil 1 Control Circuit - AutoCodes.com — P0351 Saturn Code - Ignition Coil 1 Control Circuit

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0351 Saturn?

Faulty Ignition Coil 1
Ignition Coil 1 harness is open or shorted
Ignition Coil 1 circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P0351 Saturn?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0351 Saturn code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P0351 Saturn code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0351 Saturn code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0351 Saturn code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0351 Saturn Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0351 on a Saturn related to Ignition Coil 1 Control Circuit?

- Common symptoms include engine misfires, rough idling, loss of power, and in some cases, the Check Engine light may illuminate.

2. What can cause the OBDII code P0351 on a Saturn related to Ignition Coil 1 Control Circuit?

- The code P0351 is typically caused by a faulty ignition coil, a poor electrical connection to the ignition coil, or issues with the wiring harness.

3. How can I diagnose the OBDII code P0351 on my Saturn related to Ignition Coil 1 Control Circuit?

- You can diagnose the code by using an OBDII scanner to read the code, checking the ignition coil and its connections for any visible damage, and testing the wiring harness for continuity.

4. Can a bad spark plug trigger the OBDII code P0351 on a Saturn related to Ignition Coil 1 Control Circuit?

- Yes, a faulty spark plug can cause the ignition coil to malfunction, triggering the code P0351. It is recommended to check and replace spark plugs if needed during diagnosis.

5. How can I repair the OBDII code P0351 on my Saturn related to Ignition Coil 1 Control Circuit?

- The repair typically involves replacing the faulty ignition coil, ensuring all electrical connections are secure, and fixing any damaged wiring harness. Clearing the code with an OBDII scanner is also necessary.

6. Are there any preventative measures to avoid OBDII code P0351 on a Saturn related to Ignition Coil 1 Control Circuit?

- Regular maintenance, such as inspecting and replacing ignition components at recommended intervals, can help prevent issues that lead to code P0351. Ensuring a clean and secure electrical connection is also important.

7. Can a DIY enthusiast fix the OBDII code P0351 on a Saturn related to Ignition Coil 1 Control Circuit?

- Yes, a DIY enthusiast with the right tools and knowledge can often replace the ignition coil and address wiring issues causing the code P0351. However, if unsure, it's best to consult a professional mechanic.

8. Will driving with the OBDII code P0351 on a Saturn related to Ignition Coil 1 Control Circuit cause further damage?

- Continuing to drive with code P0351 may lead to further issues such as catalytic converter damage due to unburned fuel. It is recommended to address the problem promptly to avoid potential costly repairs.

9. Can extreme weather conditions contribute to triggering the OBDII code P0351 on a Saturn related to Ignition Coil 1 Control Circuit?

- Yes, extreme temperatures or moisture can impact the performance of ignition components, potentially leading to code P0351. It is advisable to keep the vehicle well maintained to prevent weather-related issues.

10. Is it necessary to reset the ECU after repairing the OBDII code P0351 on a Saturn related to Ignition Coil 1 Control Circuit?

- Yes, resetting the ECU after repairing the code P0351 allows the system to relearn and adapt to the new components, ensuring proper operation and accurate diagnostics in the future.