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DTC codes / Ford codes / P1362

P1362 · FordIgnition Coil C Secondary Circuit Malfunction

P1362 on Ford vehicles indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an abnormal condition in the secondary circuit of ignition coil C, which typically serves one specific cylinder. The PCM monitors the coil's secondary firing event and sets this code when the feedback signal falls outside the expected range, pointing to a fault in the coil, its wiring, or the spark plug circuit.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeFord specific
SeverityMedium
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaIgnition system and misfire

Symptoms you may notice

  • Illuminated check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
  • Rough idle or misfire felt as a shake or stumble, especially when the engine is cold
  • Reduced engine power or hesitation during acceleration
  • Poor fuel economy due to incomplete combustion in the affected cylinder
  • Flashing check engine light if the misfire is severe enough to damage the catalytic converter
  • Slight increase in exhaust emissions noticed during state inspection

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Faulty ignition coil C (secondary winding open or shorted)
  2. Worn or fouled spark plug on the affected cylinder
  3. Damaged or corroded connector at coil C
  4. Open or shorted secondary circuit wiring between the coil and PCM
  5. PCM internal driver fault for coil C (rare)
  6. Engine mechanical issue such as low compression or a sticking valve that mimics a coil fault

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Inspect the connector and wiring at coil C for corrosion, loose pins, or chafing
  2. Swap coil C with a known-good coil from another cylinder and see if the misfire moves
  3. Replace the spark plug on the affected cylinder and check the gap
  4. Perform a resistance test on the coil's secondary winding and compare to specification
  5. Check for continuity and shorts in the secondary circuit wiring between coil C and the PCM
  6. If the misfire persists after ignition components are ruled out, perform a compression test and cylinder leak-down test
  7. Clear the code and verify repair with a test drive that includes idle and acceleration under load

What Ford Coil C Codes Really Tell You

  • A P1362 can be set by a spark plug that is worn or has the wrong gap, so always replace the plug before condemning the coil.
  • Ford coil-on-plug (COP) coils often fail intermittently when hot, so a coil that tests good cold may still be the culprit after the engine reaches operating temperature.
  • The secondary circuit includes the coil boot and spring; a carbon-tracked boot can short the spark to ground and set this code without any visible damage to the coil body.
  • A misfire from a bad coil C can cause the PCM to set companion codes like P0300 or P0301, so check for those before assuming the coil is the only problem.
  • On some Ford engines, a failing PCM driver for coil C will set P1362 repeatedly even after the coil and plug are replaced, so a noid light test at the coil connector is a quick way to confirm driver operation.

Can I keep driving with P1362?

You can drive short distances to a repair shop, but avoid heavy acceleration or sustained highway speeds because a persistent misfire can overheat and damage the catalytic converter. If the check engine light is flashing, stop driving and have the vehicle towed.

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 Ford vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.

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