Faulty ignition coil with an open or shorted primary winding; Damaged or corroded wiring in the ignitor circuit between the PCM and coil; Poor ground connection at the ignition coil or engine block; Failed ignition control module (if equipped separately from the PCM); PCM driver circuit failure (less common); Loose or damaged connector pins at the coil or PCM

DTC codes / Chrysler codes / P1300

P1300 · ChryslerIgnitor Circuit

Q: What does code P1300 mean?

Ignitor Circuit. P1300 on Chrysler vehicles indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a fault in the ignitor circuit, which is the wiring and driver stage that triggers the ignition coil to fire. The PCM monitors the circuit for expected voltage and current feedback and sets this code when the signal is out of range or missing.

P1300 on Chrysler vehicles indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a fault in the ignitor circuit, which is the wiring and driver stage that triggers the ignition coil to fire. The PCM monitors the circuit for expected voltage and current feedback and sets this code when the signal is out of range or missing.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeChrysler specific

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaIgnition system and misfire

Symptoms you may notice

Engine misfire or rough running, especially under load
Hard starting or a no-start condition
Illuminated check engine light, often with no other symptoms
Loss of power or reduced fuel economy
Occasional stalling or hesitation during acceleration

Common causes, most likely first

Faulty ignition coil with an open or shorted primary winding
Damaged or corroded wiring in the ignitor circuit between the PCM and coil
Poor ground connection at the ignition coil or engine block
Failed ignition control module (if equipped separately from the PCM)
PCM driver circuit failure (less common)
Loose or damaged connector pins at the coil or PCM

How to diagnose and fix it

Inspect the ignition coil and its connector for corrosion, loose pins, or physical damage
Check the ignition coil primary and secondary resistance with a multimeter and compare to specifications
Test the ignitor circuit wiring for continuity and shorts to ground or power
Verify the ground connection at the coil and engine block is clean and tight
Swap the ignition coil with a known-good unit to see if the code follows
Check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) or PCM software updates for this code
If all else checks out, diagnose the PCM driver circuit and replace the PCM only as a last resort

Ignitor Circuit Checks Before Replacing the PCM

A loose or corroded ground at the ignition coil is a frequent cause that is often overlooked because the coil itself tests good.
The ignitor circuit code can be set by a failing coil that still fires intermittently, so a simple resistance test may not always catch it.
On some Chrysler models, the ignition coil and ignitor are integrated into one assembly, and replacing just the coil may not solve the problem if the driver stage is internal.
Wiring harness chafing near the exhaust manifold or sharp brackets can short the ignitor circuit, so a thorough visual inspection of the harness routing is essential.
A weak battery or charging system can cause voltage spikes that mimic ignitor circuit faults, so always verify battery and charging system health first.

Can I keep driving with P1300?

If the vehicle is drivable, avoid heavy acceleration and long trips until the fault is repaired, as a misfire can damage the catalytic converter. If the engine stalls or runs very poorly, stop driving and have it towed to prevent further damage.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Guidance is general and written for Chrysler vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.