Faulty ignition coil with an internally shorted primary winding; Chafed or shorted ignition coil control wire to ground; Corroded or loose ignition coil connector terminals; Failed ignition coil driver inside the Powertrain Control Module (PCM); Open circuit in the coil power feed or ground circuit; Damaged wiring harness near hot exhaust components

DTC codes / Chrysler codes / P1361

P1361 · ChryslerIC Circuit Low Voltage

Q: What does code P1361 mean?

IC Circuit Low Voltage. P1361 on Chrysler vehicles means the ignition coil circuit for the primary side has been detected at a voltage lower than expected by the engine controller. The computer monitors the coil control wire and sets this code when the voltage on that circuit stays below its threshold for a calibrated period, indicating a short to ground or an open driver.

P1361 on Chrysler vehicles means the ignition coil circuit for the primary side has been detected at a voltage lower than expected by the engine controller. The computer monitors the coil control wire and sets this code when the voltage on that circuit stays below its threshold for a calibrated period, indicating a short to ground or an open driver.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeChrysler specific

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaIgnition system and misfire

Symptoms you may notice

Engine misfire or rough running, especially under load
Check Engine Light illuminated, often with no other noticeable symptoms
Reduced engine power or limp mode in some Chrysler models
Hard starting or intermittent no-start condition
Poor fuel economy and increased emissions

Common causes, most likely first

Faulty ignition coil with an internally shorted primary winding
Chafed or shorted ignition coil control wire to ground
Corroded or loose ignition coil connector terminals
Failed ignition coil driver inside the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
Open circuit in the coil power feed or ground circuit
Damaged wiring harness near hot exhaust components

How to diagnose and fix it

Inspect the ignition coil connector and wiring for corrosion, chafing, or loose pins
Measure resistance of the ignition coil primary winding and compare to specification
Check for battery voltage at the coil power feed with the key on
Disconnect the PCM and check the coil control wire for a short to ground
Swap the suspect coil with a known-good one to see if the code moves
Test the PCM driver output with a noid light or oscilloscope if the circuit tests good
Replace the faulty ignition coil or repair the wiring, then clear the code and verify

What the coil circuit test reveals

A shorted ignition coil primary winding is the most common cause, but technicians often replace the coil without checking the control wire for a rub-through against the engine block.
The PCM driver can fail from heat or age, and a coil with low resistance can stress the driver over time, so replacing only the coil may lead to a repeat failure.
Chrysler coil-on-plug connectors are prone to oil contamination from a leaking spark plug tube seal, which can cause intermittent low-voltage signals.
This code can set intermittently from vibration-related wiring faults that only appear on rough roads, so wiggle-testing the harness while monitoring live data is essential.
Do not confuse P1361 with a misfire code; a misfire code indicates combustion quality, while P1361 specifically flags the coil control circuit voltage.

Can I keep driving with P1361?

You can drive cautiously to a repair shop if the engine runs smoothly, but avoid heavy acceleration or towing because a misfire can overheat the catalytic converter. If the engine is misfiring badly or stalls, stop driving and have the vehicle towed.

Tools that help

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