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DTC codes / Volkswagen codes / P1357

P1357 · VolkswagenCylinder 1 Ignition Circuit Short To Ground

P1357 on a Volkswagen means the engine control module (ECM) has detected a short to ground on the ignition circuit for cylinder 1. The ECM commands the coil to fire but sees the control wire pulled to ground when it should be switching, indicating a wiring or component fault rather than a normal misfire.

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
  • Rough idle or misfire felt as a shake or stumble, especially when cold
  • Loss of power or hesitation during acceleration
  • Increased fuel consumption due to incomplete combustion
  • In some cases, the engine may enter limp mode or flash the check engine light

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Faulty ignition coil for cylinder 1 with an internal short to ground
  2. Chafed or damaged ignition coil control wire shorting to ground on the engine block
  3. Corroded or loose connector at the cylinder 1 ignition coil
  4. Failed spark plug causing the coil to draw excessive current and trigger a short-to-ground fault
  5. ECM internal driver failure for the cylinder 1 ignition circuit (rare but possible)
  6. Aftermarket alarm or remote start wiring tapped into the ignition circuit and shorting

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Scan all modules and record freeze-frame data to confirm the fault is current and not intermittent
  2. Inspect the cylinder 1 ignition coil connector and wiring for corrosion, chafing, or loose pins
  3. Swap the cylinder 1 ignition coil with another cylinder and see if the fault moves, confirming coil failure
  4. Measure resistance from the coil control wire to ground with the ECM disconnected to check for a short
  5. Replace the spark plug and ignition coil if the coil is found to be internally shorted
  6. Repair any damaged wiring or connector terminals and clear the fault codes
  7. If the fault persists, test the ECM driver circuit with an oscilloscope or known-good ECM

Don't overlook the coil connector and wiring

  • A shorted ignition coil often tests fine with a basic multimeter but fails under load, so swapping coils is more reliable than resistance checks alone.
  • The coil control wire can rub through on the engine cover or intake manifold, causing a short that only appears when the engine moves under torque.
  • A faulty spark plug with an excessive gap can force the coil to overheat and short internally, so always replace plugs when replacing a coil.
  • P1357 can be set by a poor ground at the engine block, which affects the coil's return path and mimics a short to ground.
  • Aftermarket wiring for alarms or remote starters is a common hidden cause of ignition circuit shorts on older Volkswagen models.

Can I keep driving with P1357?

You can usually drive short distances to a repair shop, but avoid hard acceleration and prolonged driving because a persistent misfire can damage the catalytic converter and waste fuel. If the check engine light flashes, 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 Volkswagen vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.

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