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DTC codes / Volkswagen codes / P1376

P1376 · VolkswagenCylinder 8 Ignition Circuit Open

P1376 on a Volkswagen indicates that the engine control module (ECM) has detected an open circuit in the ignition coil primary circuit for cylinder 8, meaning the coil is not receiving the command signal or ground path it needs to fire the spark plug. The ECM monitors the ignition coil driver circuit and sets this code when the expected voltage or current signature is missing, so the cylinder is effectively dead.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeVolkswagen specific
SeverityMedium
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaIgnition system and misfire

Symptoms you may notice

  • Engine misfire and rough running, especially noticeable at idle or under light load
  • Blinking or steady check engine light, sometimes accompanied by a flashing glow plug light on diesel models
  • Reduced power and poor fuel economy due to a dead cylinder
  • Shaking or vibration felt through the steering wheel and floorboards
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light if the misfire is subtle at higher speeds

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Failed ignition coil on cylinder 8 (open primary winding)
  2. Damaged or corroded electrical connector at the cylinder 8 coil
  3. Broken or chafed wire in the coil harness between the ECM and coil
  4. Faulty engine control module driver for that coil circuit (rare but possible)
  5. Spark plug with excessive gap or damage causing the coil to stress and fail open
  6. Moisture or oil intrusion into the coil connector or spark plug well

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 8 ignition coil connector for corrosion, loose pins, or oil contamination
  3. Swap the cylinder 8 coil with a known-good coil from another cylinder and see if the misfire moves
  4. Measure resistance of the cylinder 8 coil primary and secondary windings and compare to specification
  5. Check continuity and voltage drop on the coil control wire from the ECM to the coil connector
  6. Inspect the spark plug and replace if worn or damaged, then clear codes and road test
  7. If wiring and coil are good, test the ECM driver output with an oscilloscope before condemning the ECM

What a P1376 on a Volkswagen really tells you

  • A P1376 can be set by a coil that still fires intermittently, so a simple resistance check may pass while the coil fails under heat or load.
  • Volkswagen coil harnesses often rub through near the cylinder head or intake manifold, causing an open circuit that only appears when the engine moves under torque.
  • On some VW engines, a failed spark plug can stress the coil and cause an open primary circuit, so always replace plugs when replacing a coil.
  • The ECM driver for cylinder 8 can be damaged by a shorted coil, so replacing the coil without checking the driver circuit risks repeating the failure.
  • This code is often stored alongside misfire codes for the same cylinder, but the presence of P1376 alone does not confirm the coil is at fault until the circuit is tested.

Can I keep driving with P1376?

You can drive cautiously to a repair shop if the misfire is mild, but avoid heavy acceleration and long trips because unburned fuel can overheat the catalytic converter and cause costly damage. 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 Volkswagen vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.

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