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DTC codes / Volkswagen codes / P1350

P1350 · VolkswagenIgnition Coil Power Output Stage 3 Open

P1350 on Volkswagen vehicles means the engine control module (ECM) has detected an open circuit in the power output stage for ignition coil 3, which is the final transistor inside the ECM that switches ground to that coil. The ECM commands the coil to fire but sees no current flow or feedback, so it flags the circuit as open and may disable that cylinder's ignition to protect the catalytic converter.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeVolkswagen specific
SeverityMedium
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaIgnition system and misfire

Symptoms you may notice

  • Check engine light illuminated, often with no other noticeable symptoms at first
  • Rough idle or misfire felt as a shake or stumble, especially when cold
  • Noticeable loss of power and poor acceleration under load
  • Engine may enter limp mode with reduced performance
  • Occasional backfire or popping from the exhaust
  • Increased fuel consumption due to unburned fuel

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Failed ignition coil 3 (open primary winding or internal connection)
  2. Open or damaged wiring between the ECM and ignition coil 3 connector
  3. Corroded or loose electrical connector at ignition coil 3
  4. Failed output stage transistor inside the ECM (internal open circuit)
  5. Faulty ignition coil harness ground or power supply connection
  6. Damaged engine wiring harness from heat, chafing, or rodent damage

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Scan all modules and record freeze-frame data to confirm P1350 is active and not intermittent
  2. Visually inspect ignition coil 3, its connector, and the wiring harness for damage or corrosion
  3. Swap ignition coil 3 with a known-good coil from another cylinder and see if the misfire moves
  4. Measure resistance of the primary and secondary windings of coil 3 and compare to specifications
  5. Check for battery voltage and ground at the coil 3 connector with the key on, then inspect the control wire for continuity to the ECM
  6. If wiring and coil test good, test the ECM output stage with an oscilloscope or substitute a known-good ECM
  7. Repair or replace the faulty component (coil, wiring, connector, or ECM) and clear codes to verify the repair

What a P1350 Really Tells You About Coil 3

  • A P1350 can be set by a completely failed coil, but it also appears when the coil's primary circuit is open only intermittently, so always wiggle-test the harness while watching live misfire data.
  • Many technicians replace the ignition coil first, but on Volkswagen engines the output stage inside the ECM fails just as often, especially if the coil has already been replaced once.
  • The ECM may disable the injector for cylinder 3 when this code is active, so a no-start or dead-cylinder complaint can be caused by the code itself rather than a separate fuel fault.
  • Corrosion inside the coil connector pins is a common hidden cause that a simple visual inspection misses; always back-probe the connector under load.
  • This code is often stored alongside misfire codes for cylinder 3, but the presence of P1350 means the ECM has already identified the circuit as the problem, not just the combustion event.

Can I keep driving with P1350?

You can usually drive the vehicle short distances to a repair shop, but avoid heavy acceleration or sustained high speeds because unburned fuel can overheat and damage the catalytic converter. If the engine is running very rough or lacks power, stop driving and have it 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 Volkswagen vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.

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