01 Sounds Like Trouble: A Quick Guide to Diagnosing Common Eng… • 02 Is Using Sport Mode All the Time Bad for the Engine or Just… • 03 Exploring the Inner Workings of Engine Pistons: A Complete … • 04 How to Avoid and Handle a Hydroplaning Vehicle: A Complete … • 05 P0078, P0079 and P0080: Exhaust valve control solenoid circ… • 06 P0102 and P0103: Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Circuit Low & H… • 07 The Hidden Pattern Behind Intermittent Dashboard Warnings • 08 C0090 & C0095: Right Rear ABS Solenoid #1&#2 Circuit Malfun… • 09 Why the 2025 Audi SQ5 Sportback Is a Serious AMG Rival • 10 Why Resetting ECU Without Fixing Root Cause Always Backfires •

DTC codes / P03xx · Ignition system and misfire / P035E

P035EIgnition F Control Signal Circuit Low

P035E means the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a low-voltage condition on the ignition coil control circuit for cylinder F, which is the sixth cylinder in the engine's firing order. The PCM commands the coil to fire by pulling the control wire low, but the voltage on that circuit stays lower than expected, indicating a short to ground or a failed coil driver.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeGeneric (all makes)
SeverityMedium
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaIgnition system and misfire

Symptoms you may notice

  • Illuminated check engine light, often with no other noticeable symptoms
  • Engine misfire that may be felt as a stumble, rough idle, or hesitation during acceleration
  • Reduced engine power or limp mode in some vehicles
  • Shaking or vibration from the engine, especially under load
  • Poor fuel economy or increased emissions
  • In rare cases, a no-start condition if the affected cylinder is critical

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Faulty ignition coil on cylinder F with an internally shorted control circuit
  2. Chafed or shorted wire in the ignition coil control circuit (short to ground)
  3. Corroded or loose electrical connector at the ignition coil or PCM
  4. Failed PCM driver for the ignition coil control circuit
  5. Aftermarket or damaged spark plug causing excessive coil load and driver failure
  6. Moisture intrusion into the coil or connector causing a short

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Inspect the ignition coil connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or looseness
  2. Swap the ignition coil from cylinder F with a known-good coil from another cylinder and see if the code moves
  3. Use a digital multimeter to check the control circuit for a short to ground with the key off and PCM disconnected
  4. Check for continuity and resistance in the control wire between the PCM and the coil connector
  5. Test the PCM driver output with an oscilloscope or a noid light designed for ignition coils
  6. Replace the faulty ignition coil if the circuit tests good but the coil is defective
  7. Repair or replace damaged wiring or connectors, and if the PCM driver is confirmed failed, replace or reprogram the PCM

What P035E really tells you about the coil circuit

  • A low control signal code often means the coil's internal driver has failed shorted, which can mimic a wiring short and lead to unnecessary PCM replacement.
  • The PCM may set P035E intermittently if the coil connector is loose or corroded, so always wiggle-test the harness while monitoring live misfire data.
  • Cylinder F is not always the sixth cylinder from the front; confirm the firing order and cylinder numbering for the specific engine before swapping parts.
  • A shorted ignition coil can back-feed the control circuit and damage the PCM driver, so replacing only the coil without checking the driver may lead to a repeat failure.
  • This code can be set by a faulty spark plug that causes the coil to draw excessive current, so inspect the plug and gap before condemning the coil.

Can I keep driving with P035E?

You can usually drive the vehicle with P035E, but expect reduced performance and possible misfire that can damage the catalytic converter over time. Avoid heavy acceleration or towing, and have the fault diagnosed promptly 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 all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.

Running on fumes Free guides aren't free to make. Top up the tank. Any amount, one time. Fuel the Garage