P2356 code meaning
Cylinder 10 Pressure Sensor Circuit Intermittent/Erratic
Powertrain system Generic code P23xx codes Check engine light
What P2356 means
P2356 points to a cylinder 10 pressure signal that drops out or jumps for moments instead of failing permanently. No manufacturer covers cylinder 10 publicly. For four-cylinder TDI engines, a 2014 Volkswagen bulletin lays out a sensible order: first push and pull the glow plug connector – a felt click or a plug that comes off easily is already the fault – then swap the plug with a neighbouring cylinder to see whether the code moves with it, and finally move the harness while watching the maximum cylinder pressure value. On a V10 with bank-wise numbering the obvious swap partner is cylinder 9 in the same bank. According to VW, the MIL can need a second drive cycle. In Saab's GM-built diesel, the erratic codes react after only 0.2 s out of range.
P2356 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P2356
- Warning lamp that comes and goes
- Fault hard to reproduce in the workshop
Common causes of P2356
- Most likelyConnector not fully seated, contact lost under vibration
- PossibleWire break inside the insulation or chafe point that opens intermittently
- PossibleGlow plug sensor electronics failing intermittently
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Cylinder pressure sensor glow plugSensor wiringEngine control module
What each part of P2356 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. |
| 56 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2356 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 P2356
What does P2356 mean?
P2356 means "Cylinder 10 Pressure Sensor Circuit Intermittent/Erratic". P2356 points to a cylinder 10 pressure signal that drops out or jumps for moments instead of failing permanently. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2356?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P2356 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2356 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 P2356 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P2356 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.