P2306 code meaning
Ignition Coil C Primary Control Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P23xx codes Check engine light
What P2306 means
With P2306 the engine module has seen the output for coil C, cylinder 3 at GM, Saab and VW, dragged down to ground. Ford explains where such a fault can sit on engines whose coils carry their own driver: the coil-driver chip in the PCM watches current and voltage at its output, so the culprit may be the PCM, the harness, the plug-in connection at the coil or the driver electronics inside the coil – but not the windings, which only the misfire monitor sees. The check is continuous, needs 200 rpm, positive torque and 11–16 V and decides within 1 s. VW's 2014 tables set the low code when the line draws more than 24 mA. Saab's Trionic 8 pairs cylinder 3 with cylinder 1 for its combustion signal. FCA lists P2306-00 for 2023 Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.0 turbo engines fixed by PCM software.
P2306 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P2306
- Check engine light on
- Misfire on cylinder 3
- Uneven idle, possibly cylinder shut-off
Common causes of P2306
- Most likelyDriver electronics inside coil C defective
- PossibleCoil C control wire grounded through chafing or a pinched harness
- PossibleCorroded or bent pins at the coil C connector
- Less likelyPCM output or software (FCA 2023 reflash)
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Ignition coilCoil driverIgnition wiring
What each part of P2306 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 3 | Area: ignition system or misfire. |
| 06 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2306 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 P2306
What does P2306 mean?
P2306 means "Ignition Coil C Primary Control Circuit Low". With P2306 the engine module has seen the output for coil C, cylinder 3 at GM, Saab and VW, dragged down to ground. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2306?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2306 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2306 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2306 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 P2306 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P2306 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.