Corroded, loose, or damaged ground strap between the engine block and chassis; Faulty ignition coil or ignition module ground wire connection; Broken or chafed ground wire in the ignition circuit harness; Poor connection at the PCM ground terminal; Failed ignition coil or ignition module internal ground; Corrosion at the ground junction point on the engine or firewall

DTC codes / Chrysler codes / P1376

P1376 · ChryslerIgnition Ground Circuit

Q: What does code P1376 mean?

Ignition Ground Circuit. P1376 on Chrysler vehicles indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an abnormal condition on the ignition system's ground circuit, which provides the return path for the ignition coil or ignition module. The PCM monitors this circuit and sets the code when the ground path shows excessive resistance or an unexpected voltage drop, meaning the ignition system may not be receiving a solid ground reference.

P1376 on Chrysler vehicles indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an abnormal condition on the ignition system's ground circuit, which provides the return path for the ignition coil or ignition module. The PCM monitors this circuit and sets the code when the ground path shows excessive resistance or an unexpected voltage drop, meaning the ignition system may not be receiving a solid ground reference.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeChrysler specific

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaIgnition system and misfire

Symptoms you may notice

Engine may crank but fail to start, or start and immediately stall
Intermittent misfire or rough running, especially under load
Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminated, often with no other noticeable symptoms
Loss of power or hesitation during acceleration
In some cases, the engine may run normally and only the warning light is present

Common causes, most likely first

Corroded, loose, or damaged ground strap between the engine block and chassis
Faulty ignition coil or ignition module ground wire connection
Broken or chafed ground wire in the ignition circuit harness
Poor connection at the PCM ground terminal
Failed ignition coil or ignition module internal ground
Corrosion at the ground junction point on the engine or firewall

How to diagnose and fix it

Inspect and clean all engine and chassis ground connections, especially the main ground strap
Check the ignition coil and module ground wires for tightness and corrosion; clean or tighten as needed
Perform a voltage drop test on the ground circuit to identify excessive resistance
Inspect the wiring harness for chafed or broken ground wires and repair as necessary
Test the ignition coil and module for internal ground faults; replace if faulty
Clear the code and test-drive the vehicle to verify the repair

Ground faults that mimic ignition failures

A bad engine ground strap can cause P1376 without any ignition component being faulty, so always verify ground integrity before replacing parts.
The code can be set by a poor connection at the PCM ground, which is often overlooked because the PCM is not directly part of the ignition circuit.
Intermittent ground faults may only appear when the engine is hot or vibrating, so wiggle-test the harness while monitoring live data.
Some Chrysler models share the ignition ground with other circuits, so a fault in an unrelated accessory can trigger this code.
Do not assume the ignition coil is bad; a voltage drop test on the ground side is the definitive check.

Can I keep driving with P1376?

If the engine runs normally and only the warning light is on, you can drive cautiously to a repair shop, but avoid heavy acceleration or long trips. If the engine misfires, stalls, or fails to start, stop driving and have the vehicle towed to prevent further damage or safety risk.

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.