Tech Tip: Chrysler's MIL is On, with DTCs P0351, P0352 & P0353

Tech Tip: Chrysler’s MIL is On, with DTCs P0351, P0352 & P0353

You may find that the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is illuminating with one or more of these codes: P0351, P0352 and P0353. This can be the result of several different conditions. Read on to find out what problems you may encounter and how to test for and then fix the condition ....

Vehicles affected: 1996-’96 Chrysler Concorde 3.3L and 1996-’97 Chrysler Concorde 3.5L and LHS 3.5L, Dodge Intrepid 3.3L and 3.5L,  and Eagle Vision 3.3L and 3.5L

Symptom: Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is illuminating with one or more of these codes: P0351, P0352 and P0353.


Problem 1 of 5: Intermittent crankshaft position (CKP) sensor signal is causing erroneous primary circuit codes and misfires.

Test & Fix: Monitor freeze-frame data to tell when it acts up, then using a labscope, check the CKP sensor pattern under the same conditions. If the CKP sensor is found to be defective, replace it.


Problem 2 of 5: Ignition coil primary resistance is too high.

Test & Fix: Check primary resistance of the coil. Replace the coil if resistance is higher than specification. Normal resistance is 0.51 to 0.61 ohms at 70-80° F. Replace the ignition coil if it’s found to be defective.


Problem 3 of 5: Intermittent camshaft position (CMP) sensor signal is causing erroneous primary circuit codes and misfires.

Test & Fix: Monitor freeze-frame data to tell when it acts up, then using a labscope, check the CMP sensor pattern under the same conditions. If the CMP sensor is found to be defective, replace it.


Problem 4 of 5: The ignition coil has high voltage drop on the power supply circuit.

Test & Fix: Verify when the problem occurs by looking at the freeze-frame data. Drive the vehicle under the same conditions while monitoring the power supply to the coil. If the voltage to the coil is lower than normal charging system voltage, check splice number (S-129) in the dark green/orange wire from the auto shutdown (ASD) relay. Repair the splice as needed.


Problem 5 of 5: There is corrosion in one or more ignition coil driver wires.

Test & Fix: Visually inspect the harness from the ignition coil to the powertrain control module (PCM) for spots that the insulation may have been damaged. Once the wires have been inspected, jump the ASD relay and with a test light, backprobe each of the coil driver pins at the PCM. The test light should be bright at all coil driver terminals. If any terminal is dimmer then the others, the wire may be shorted to ground. Run a new wire and retest.

Courtesy of Identifix.

For more information, visit www.identifix.com.

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