P0351 is a generic OBD II trouble code, which means that it means the same thing for the Volkswagen Transporter as it would any other vehicle. It indicates that ignition coil “A” is malfunctioning. It is typically caused by a bad coil pack or wiring harness issue, although there can be other causes as well.
The primary wiring is the wiring harness leading from your Transporter’s ECM/PCM to the ignition system itself. A short, open, or poorly ground wiring harness is almost always what causes P0351 when it is the primary wiring side that has thrown the code.
The secondary side of the equation is the spark side. Which means that plugs, plug wires (if so equipped) or the spark plug itself is causing your Transporter to throw P0351. Ignition Coil “A” indicates the problem is in cylinder 1. You’ll need to look up which cylinder is number one on your engine. Different manufacturers use different methods. Here’s a pretty good explanation of how how to locate cylinder 1.
There is a really easy test to determine if it is the primary or secondary wiring that has thrown this code in your Transporter. You move the ignition components (coil pack, plug wire, plug) from one cylinder to another, and clear the codes. If the code “moves” you know that it’s a secondary issue. If it stays, it’s a primary. We go into this in greater detail below.
P0351 Symptoms: Volkswagen Transporter
- Check Engine Light– The check engine light may be all that you notice when you have this code, particularly if it is caused by an intermittent wiring issue with your Transporter.
- Misfiring– P0351 might be accompanied by P0301. P0301 indicates that there is a misfire in cylinder 1. Resolving P0351 will typically clear P0301. Misfiring can lead to a lack of power, and/or engine hesitation.
- Rough Idle– You vehicle may idle rough if cylinder 1 isn’t getting enough spark. You very well may smell raw fuel as your Transporter’s engine runs as well.
P0351 Causes: Volkswagen Transporter
- Wiring Issues (short, open, or bad ground)
- Bad Coil Pack
- Loose Connection at the coil
- Bad PCM
Diagnosis
Voltage Test (Optional, but time saving)
The first place that you would want to start looking for what could be causing P0351 in your vehicle would be the wiring harness. You can use a digital voltmeter to check if the coil pack is getting the proper signal. You would want to set it for A/C hertz and check to see if it is between 5-20hz.
If it was between 5-20hz, it’s highly likely that the coil pack has gone bad. Although, it could also be a bad plug or plug wire as well. If it has no signal, it’s time to look at the wiring harness. If you don’t have a voltmeter, you can use the parts swap method to help you determine if it’s the primary or secondary side causing your problems. See directly below ↓.
Parts Swap
A great way to determine if it is an ignition related component, and not a wiring issue, is to reset the trouble code and swap the coil, plug, and plug wire (if equipped) with another cylinder. If the misfire jumps to the cylinder that you’ve just swapped your Transporter’s ignition components into, then you know that you are looking at is a coil, plug wire, or (most likely) coil pack failure.
If the misfire did move cylinders, you can go ahead and replace the plug, plug wire, and coil pack. If you are on a tight budget, you can keep resetting the code and swap the ignition parts back one at a time until the misfire returns to cylinder one. Start with the coil pack.
Wiring
If the misfire failed to move from cylinder one, then you know that you most likely have an issue with the wiring harness going from the coil pack to the Transporter’s PCM. Take a look at where the harness plugs into the coil pack. Is it damaged or loose feeling in relation to the other cylinder’s connections? If so it may need to be replaced.
If the misfire is intermittent, go ahead and jiggle the wiring harness and see if it has an impact on the way the engine is running. If it does start or stop misfiring, you know you’ve found your problem. Look anywhere that the harness bends or touches anything sharp. Look to see if it looks burnt anywhere. Check for damage and repair the wiring accordingly.
Make sure that it has a solid ground.
PCM/ECM
If you still can’t find the problem, it’s time to take a look at the PCM. This is the least likely answer, and an area where it may be time to call in the pro’s.
Conclusion: P0351 Volkswagen Transporter
P0351 is usually pretty easy to diagnose through the swap test, even if you don’t have any specialty diagnostic tools. If there is anything you can add, please leave a comment below. Good luck fixing your Transporter!