Faulty ignition coil for cylinder 4; Open or damaged wiring in the ignition coil circuit (e.g., broken wire, corroded connector); Poor electrical connection at the coil or ECM; Failed spark plug or spark plug boot (though usually sets a misfire code, not an open circuit code); ECM internal fault (rare)

DTC codes / Volkswagen codes / P1364

P1364 · VolkswagenCylinder 4 Ignition Circuit Open

Q: What does code P1364 mean?

Cylinder 4 Ignition Circuit Open. P1364 on a Volkswagen indicates that the engine control module (ECM) has detected an open circuit in the ignition coil circuit for cylinder 4, meaning the coil is not receiving the command signal or the circuit is broken. This results in a misfire on cylinder 4 because the spark plug does not fire, and the ECM may also store a misfire code.

P1364 on a Volkswagen indicates that the engine control module (ECM) has detected an open circuit in the ignition coil circuit for cylinder 4, meaning the coil is not receiving the command signal or the circuit is broken. This results in a misfire on cylinder 4 because the spark plug does not fire, and the ECM may also store a misfire code.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeVolkswagen specific

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaIgnition system and misfire

Symptoms you may notice

Engine misfire, often felt as a shudder or hesitation, especially under acceleration
Rough idle or shaking at stoplights
Loss of power and reduced fuel economy
Check Engine Light flashing or steady, sometimes accompanied by a misfire code
Often no symptoms besides the warning light if the misfire is intermittent

Common causes, most likely first

Faulty ignition coil for cylinder 4
Open or damaged wiring in the ignition coil circuit (e.g., broken wire, corroded connector)
Poor electrical connection at the coil or ECM
Failed spark plug or spark plug boot (though usually sets a misfire code, not an open circuit code)
ECM internal fault (rare)

How to diagnose and fix it

Scan all modules for fault codes and record freeze-frame data to confirm the fault is current
Perform a visual inspection of the cylinder 4 ignition coil, connector, and wiring for damage or corrosion
Swap the cylinder 4 ignition coil with another cylinder and see if the fault moves; if it does, replace the coil
Check for continuity and resistance in the ignition coil circuit from the ECM to the coil, repairing any open or short
Inspect the spark plug and replace if worn or fouled, as a secondary check
If all else fails, test the ECM output signal with an oscilloscope or known-good ECM

Don't overlook the wiring harness

A common cause is a chafed or broken wire in the harness near the cylinder 4 coil, often due to heat or vibration, which can be missed if only the coil is replaced.
The code can set intermittently, so a wiggle test of the harness while monitoring live misfire data can reveal the open circuit.
P1364 is often accompanied by a misfire code such as P0304, but the open circuit code points to an electrical fault rather than a fuel or compression issue.
On some Volkswagen engines, the ignition coil harness connector can become loose or corroded, causing an open circuit that mimics a failed coil.
Replacing the coil without checking the circuit can lead to a repeat failure if the underlying wiring fault remains.

Can I keep driving with P1364?

Driving with a misfire can damage the catalytic converter and cause poor performance, so it is best to avoid driving until the fault is repaired, especially if the Check Engine Light is flashing.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for Volkswagen vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.