Got a P0355 code popping up? That’s your car’s way of saying there’s trouble with the ignition coil for cylinder 5—aka "Coil E." Over at iCarsoft US, we’ve got your back with the iCarsoft CR MAX and CR Eagle—badass OBD2 scanners with Bluetooth and bidirectional tricks. More than 1.78 million folks across 250+ countries swear by ‘em, whether you’re a DIY gearhead or a pro wrench-turner.
1. What’s P0355 All About?
The P0355 code fires off when your Engine Control Module (ECM) spots a glitch in the primary or secondary circuit of the ignition coil for cylinder 5. These coils are the unsung heroes that juice up your spark plugs, turning battery power into the high-voltage zap that keeps your engine humming. When Coil E craps out, you’re looking at misfires and a ride that’s anything but smooth.

2. What’s Messing It Up?
- Bum Ignition Coil: Coil E’s toast—maybe it’s old or just a dud.
- Wiring Woes: Frayed, shorted, or rusty wires screwing with the juice.
- ECM Hiccups: Your car’s brain’s acting up—could be software or hardware.
- Spark Plug Trouble: A worn-out or gunked-up plug stressing the coil.
- Wet Mess: Water or corrosion sneaking into the coil or connectors.
3. How’s It Feel?
You’ll know something’s off with P0355—think check engine light glaring at you, engine sputtering like it’s got the hiccups (especially cylinder 5), shaky idling, sluggish pickup, or even a whiff of gas from half-burnt fuel. Worst case? Your rig might just quit on you.
4. Which Rides Get Hit?
P0355 loves to crash the party on cars with coil-on-plug setups, especially ones racking up miles or battling rough weather. Here’s the usual suspects:
- Ford: F-150, Explorer (2015-2023) – coils burn out fast, per truck forums.
- Chevy: Silverado, Camaro (2016-2023) – wiring harnesses take a beating.
- Toyota: Camry, RAV4 (2014-2022) – spark plugs wear out and drag coils down.
- Honda: Accord, Civic (2015-2023) – water loves messing with these.
- Dodge: Charger, Ram 1500 (2017-2023) – ECM gremlins pop up now and then.
Car buffs online blame it on skimping on tune-ups or Mother Nature throwing curveballs.

5. How Bad Is It?
P0355’s no joke—it’s a solid “get on it” warning. A misfiring cylinder can trash your catalytic converter, tank your gas mileage, and make driving a headache. Ignoring it could mean big bucks down the road, so don’t sleep on this one.
6. Can I Keep Rollin’?
You can limp along with P0355 for a quick trip, but don’t push your luck—stalling or frying your cat ain’t worth it. Grab a Bluetooth OBD2 scanner like CR MAX or CR Eagle to keep tabs on misfires and fix it ASAP.
7. How Do I Track It Down?
Fire up the iCarsoft CR MAX or CR Eagle—these beasts of OBD2 scanners make it a breeze:
- Scan for P0355 and any sidekicks (like P0305 for cylinder 5 misfire).
- Peek at live data—check coil action and misfire counts.
- Swap Coil E with, say, Coil D—see if the problem tags along.
- Bust out a multimeter to test coil resistance and circuit voltage.
- Use bidirectional magic to ping Coil E and see if the ECM’s listening.

8. Rookie Mistakes to Dodge
- Swapping Coils Blind: Don’t skip checking wires or the ECM first.
- Forgetting Plugs: Spark plugs can be the real culprit—look there too.
- Blowing Off the ECM: Software bugs or busts can sneak by if you’re not thorough.
9. How Do I Fix This Thing?
Here’s the game plan once you’ve nailed the issue:
- Swap out the bum ignition coil for cylinder 5 (go OEM for the win).
- Patch up or replace any janky wires or connectors.
- Toss in a fresh spark plug for cylinder 5 if it’s shot.
- Reflash the ECM if it’s throwing a fit—software updates can work wonders.
- Replace the ECM if it’s truly kaput (rare, but it happens).
10. How Tough Is the Hunt?
Finding P0355 ain’t rocket science with the right gear. Swapping coils and scoping live data with iCarsoft CR MAX or CR Eagle is a walk in the park, but wiring fixes might need a steady hand.
11. What’s It Gonna Cost Me?
Fix | Cost (Parts + Labor, USD) |
---|---|
Ignition Coil Swap | $100 - $250 |
Spark Plug Refresh | $50 - $150 |
Wiring Fix | $75 - $200 |
ECM Update | $100 - $300 |
ECM Replacement | $500 - $1,200 |
Heads-Up: Let misfires fester, and your catalytic converter might croak—add $1,000+ to the tab.
12. How Do I Wipe P0355?
Once it’s fixed, zap the code with CR MAX or CR Eagle—follow the manual. Yanking the battery might do the trick for a minute, but double-check with an OBD2 scanner with live data to make sure it’s gone for good.
13. Keep It From Coming Back
- Stay on Top of Tune-Ups: Swap plugs and coils when the manual says.
- Eyeball the Wires: Look for wear or rust in the ignition setup.
- Keep It Dry: Don’t let water crash the coil party—watch out in rain or washes.
14. Why Roll with iCarsoft?
With 15+ years in the game and 500+ patents, iCarsoft’s got 1.78 million+ fans worldwide. Snag the iCarsoft CR MAX or CR Eagle at iCarsoft-US.com—free shipping, easy payments, and all this:
- Solid Rep: Loved by DIYers and pros in 250+ countries.
- Next-Level Tech: Live data, bidirectional control, 49+ functions.
- Wallet-Friendly: Pro-grade diagnostics without breaking the bank.
- Backup: Free updates and support that’s got your back for life.
