AutoCodes – Pontiac – P0356 Pontiac

P0356 Pontiac Code - Ignition Coil 6 Control Circuit

Quick Answer

The ignition system on this engine uses ignition coils with integrated power transistors. Common causes include Faulty Ignition Coil 6, Ignition Coil 6 harness is open or shorted, Ignition Coil 6 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
P0356 Pontiac indicates Ignition Coil 6 Control Circuit.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Ignition Coil 6, Ignition Coil 6 harness is open or shorted, Ignition Coil 6 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.
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Code Popularity 2,776
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 17, 2022
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Code P0356 Pontiac 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 P0356 Pontiac - Ignition Coil 6 Control Circuit - AutoCodes.com
P0356 Pontiac Code - Ignition Coil 6 Control Circuit

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0356 Pontiac?

  • Faulty Ignition Coil 6
  • Ignition Coil 6 harness is open or shorted
  • Ignition Coil 6 circuit poor electrical connection
  • Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P0356 Pontiac?

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 P0356 Pontiac 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 P0356 Pontiac code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0356 Pontiac code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

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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 P0356 Pontiac Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0356 in a Pontiac related to the ignition coil 6 control circuit?

- Common symptoms include engine misfires, rough idling, loss of power, and illuminated check engine light.

2. What are the possible causes of the P0356 code in a Pontiac?

- The code may be triggered by a faulty ignition coil, damaged wiring or connectors in the ignition coil circuit, or a problem with the Engine Control Module (ECM).

3. How can I diagnose the issue causing the P0356 code in my Pontiac?

- You can start by inspecting the wiring and connectors for any visible damage, testing the ignition coil's resistance, and using a scan tool to check for other related codes or data parameters.

4. Can a bad spark plug cause the P0356 code to appear in a Pontiac?

- Yes, a faulty spark plug can lead to irregular voltage signals to the ignition coil, which may trigger the P0356 code.

5. What is the recommended repair for OBDII code P0356 in a Pontiac?

- The common repair involves replacing the faulty ignition coil, repairing any damaged wiring or connectors, and clearing the code from the ECM memory.

6. Is it safe to continue driving my Pontiac with the P0356 code present?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with the P0356 code active, as it can lead to further engine damage and potential safety hazards.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair the ignition coil 6 control circuit issue in a Pontiac?

- The cost can vary depending on the specific problem, but on average, the repair can range from $100 to $300, including parts and labor.

8. Can I reset the P0356 code in my Pontiac without fixing the underlying issue?

- While you can clear the code using a scan tool, it is important to address the root cause of the problem to prevent further issues down the road.

9. Are there any preventive measures I can take to avoid the P0356 code in my Pontiac?

- Regular maintenance, such as checking and replacing spark plugs and ignition coils as needed, can help prevent issues that may trigger the P0356 code.

10. How long does it typically take to repair the ignition coil 6 control circuit issue in a Pontiac?

- The repair can usually be completed within a few hours, but it may take longer depending on the extent of the damage and availability of parts.

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