P0357 code meaning
Ignition Coil G Primary Control Circuit/Open
Powertrain system Generic code P03xx codes Check engine light
What P0357 means
P0357 monitors the primary control circuit of ignition coil G – the line from the engine module to the coil or to its built-in output stage – for an open circuit or high resistance. Coil G usually serves cylinder 7, so the code only occurs on engines with at least 7 cylinders. GM's 6.2-litre V8s (LT4, LT5) flag an open circuit above 30 kΩ with the driver off in 50 of 63 samples, after two trips. Ford checks continuously from 200 rpm within 1 s, expecting a primary-current feedback for every ignition command, and then shuts off injection to that cylinder for 30 s at a time to protect the catalyst. GM bulletin PIP5147 for 2014 Silverado and Sierra trucks advises checking the coil connectors for water and discoloration and swapping the coil to another cylinder to see whether the fault follows. Short circuits have their own codes (P2318 ff).
P0357 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 1.5 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0357
- Check engine light on
- Misfire and rough running on cylinder 7, often also P0307
- Loss of power, jerking under load
- Cylinder shut off (injection off), risk to the catalyst if driven on
Common causes of P0357
- Most likelyIgnition coil G faulty (output stage in the coil or primary winding open)
- Most likelyConnector at the coil corroded, wet or with a loose pin
- PossibleControl, supply or ground wire open or chafed
- Less likelyDriver in the engine module faulty or software (permanent dwell)
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Ignition coil gIgnition wiringEngine control module
What each part of P0357 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 3 | Area: ignition system or misfire. |
| 57 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0357 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0357
What does P0357 mean?
P0357 means "Ignition Coil G Primary Control Circuit/Open". P0357 monitors the primary control circuit of ignition coil G – the line from the engine module to the coil or to its built-in output stage – for an open circuit or high resistance. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0357?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0357 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0357 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0357 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0357 to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 1.5 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0357 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.