How do I fix P0353?

Question

hello

2012 Camry hybrid LE. Got code P0353 started in 2015, at 150 000 km.

Dealer swapped t2 coils, but I never went back, because the problem happens so intermittently.

Engine light comes on, car shakes, but what I don't understand is that it goes away right after I turn the car off and back on.

Worst case, it take an hour of being turned off. About 3 times a year. And now car has 250 000 kms.

Just had the spark plugs changed for OEM plugs, and the problem just re happened, and the car ran fine just after turning the car off and on.

I read (I think) all the relevant questions on this site. Followed a good link to definitions, causes and fixes for code P0353.

But I still do not understand how the problem could be so intermittent and be solved so fast by turning off the car and back on right away !

Really, the car runs great and no shaking.

Your opinion is much appreciated !

jack62 · Accepted Answer

I'm thinking that you have an issue with the wires/wiring connector on the #3 ignition coil. Maybe corrosion in the connector/loose connector/ or a damaged/loose wire causing an intermittent problem. I'm also thinking when the computer sets the P0353 code it's going to disable the fuel injector for cylinder #3 to protect the catalytic converter resulting in the engine running poorly.

The computer isn't designating this as a "misfire" issue. It's designating this as a cylinder #3 ignition coil circuit problem.

But remember, with this code the computer isn't going to "hold a grudge" from one drive cycle to the next. If the #3 ignition coil circuit integrity is good after a restart, even though the code is stored, the computer won't shut off the #3 fuel injector.

So,

Your mechanic just replaced the spark plugs so he had to disconnect the cylinder #3 ignition coil wiring connector to do that. He didn't see any oil on the coil or in the spark plug tube or he would have been happy to sell you a valve cover gasket/spark plug tube gaskets job.

You've already replaced that ignition coil and spark plug. The only thing that caused the return of this code being set is him messing with that wiring connector.