P0361 Ignition Coil K Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction

P0361 points to an ignition coil K primary or secondary circuit malfunction. The controller is detecting an abnormal coil K control or ignition output condition.

Code details

Generic OBD-II · P0

System: Ignition / Misfire
Code type: Generic (SAE / ISO controlled)
Standard: SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6

Diagnostic boundary

A diagnostic trouble code reports that a monitored test failed. It does not prove one specific part is bad, and manufacturer logic can add vehicle-specific conditions.

Do not ignore plug, boot, or secondary leakage problems that can make the primary coil K circuit appear faulty.

Symptoms of P0361

Rough idle, shaking, or a stumble under acceleration.
A flashing check-engine light during an active misfire.
Power loss and higher fuel consumption.

Common causes of P0361

Worn spark plugs, ignition coils, or plug wires.
Fuel-delivery problems — injectors, pressure, or a lean/rich mixture.
Vacuum leaks, low compression, or a mechanical fault in that cylinder.

Useful checks before replacing parts

Review coil K command, feedback, primary voltage pattern, misfire data, freeze-frame load, and whether other coils share the same feed or ground issue.
Inspect the coil K connector, harness strain points, PCM driver wiring, spark plug, boot, coil tower, and evidence of carbon tracking or arcing.
Confirm whether the fault follows the coil during a swap or remains fixed to the coil K circuit and wiring.

Related OBD-II codes

These nearby ignition / misfire entries can help compare wording and pin down the fault area.