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2001 Dodge Ram 1500 318ci Engine: P0351 DTC - Ignition Coil A Fault Diagnosis & Troubleshooting

Model: 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Fault Code: P0351 Posted: 2014-03-08 07:06

While driving, I noticed the RPM suddenly dropped and failed to increase upon acceleration. I pulled over, and the engine sputtered before shutting off completely. Attempting to restart resulted in a brief sputter (about 5 seconds) followed by another shutdown. After performing the 'Key Dance' procedure, the diagnostic trouble code displayed was P0351 — 'Ignition Coil A Primary or Secondary Circuit Malfunction'. The vehicle will now only turn over and will not start. I've reviewed my repair manual, which confirms that P0351 indicates a fault in either the primary or secondary circuit of Ignition Coil A. I have previously performed several engine-related maintenance tasks: - Replaced plug wires, distributor cap, and rotor (July 2012) - Replaced ignition pick-up (in distributor) (November 2012) - Replaced the single ignition coil (October 2012) - Replaced crankshaft position sensor (in bell housing) (November 2012) Given that I've already replaced the ignition coil, I'm concerned about whether this code could be due to a faulty connection, wiring issue, or internal failure. What are the most effective troubleshooting steps for this specific P0351 fault on a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 with a 318ci engine? Any guidance on testing spark, voltage, or control circuit operation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, MoesMan

Related fault codes
P0351
Comments (5)
Anonymous 2014-03-08 09:32

Check for spark at the ignition coil. Verify battery voltage with the key ON and engine OFF on the DG/O wire (from the ASD relay). Test primary and secondary resistance of the coil. Ignition Coil Resistance Specifications: - Primary (Ohms): 0.96–1.18 (Diamond) or 0.95–1.20 (Toyodenso) - Secondary (Ohms): 11.3–15.3 kΩ (Diamond) or 11.3–13.3 kΩ (Toyodenso)

Anonymous 2014-03-22 06:10

Thank you for the prompt response! Could you please clarify what 'DG/O' refers to? I'm in Ohio where temperatures are still cold, and since my truck is currently outside, I plan to wait until a warmer day before beginning troubleshooting. MoesMan

Anonymous 2014-03-22 06:38

The dark green/orange wire at the ignition coil connector.

Anonymous 2014-03-22 08:46

Thank you, Mowhawkmtrs! This is very helpful. MoesMan

Anonymous 2014-03-22 11:21

Additional tip: Check the coil's control circuit. The PCM uses a grounded, switch-mode transistor driver to activate the ignition coil primary. Use a test light connected to the battery positive terminal. First, touch the negative terminal of the test light to the battery ground — it should illuminate. Then, probe the dark green/orange wire at the coil connector with the key ON and engine cranking; the test light should light up. Next, back-probe the black/gray wire connected to the crankshaft position sensor — the test light should flicker. This confirms that power is reaching the coil and that the control circuit is functioning properly.