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P1353

IC Output High/Pulse Detected When Grounded Cyl.3.

  • Chevrolet
  • Powertrain
  • Manufacturer code
  • Medium severity

How this code is built

P
SystemPowertrain
1
Defined byThe manufacturer
3
AreaIgnition system or misfire
53
FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

On Chevrolet, P1353 means the ignition control (IC) output for cylinder 3 was seen high, or a pulse was detected when the circuit should have been grounded. The control module monitors the ignition control circuit for cylinder 3 and found a signal that did not match what it commanded. This points to a fault in the ignition control circuit, coil driver or module rather than a simple fuel or mechanical problem.

Symptoms

  • Engine misfire or rough running, especially on cylinder 3
  • Malfunction indicator lamp on, possibly flashing under load
  • Hesitation or loss of power when accelerating
  • Rough or unstable idle
  • Hard starting or occasional no-start
  • Poor fuel economy

Possible causes

  • Faulty ignition coil or coil driver for cylinder 3likely
  • Damaged wiring, shorted or open circuit in the cylinder 3 ignition control wirelikely
  • Corroded, loose or damaged connector at the coil or ignition modulelikely
  • Faulty ignition control module or coil pack assembly (depends on engine and ignition layout)possible
  • Poor power or earth supply to the ignition systempossible
  • Fault within the engine control module driver circuitrare

How to diagnose

  1. Read all stored codes and freeze frame data, noting engine load, speed and temperature when the fault set, and check for any misfire codes
  2. Visually inspect the cylinder 3 coil, connector and harness for chafing, heat damage, corrosion, moisture or oil contamination
  3. Check the ignition system power and earth supplies and related fuses
  4. Check the spark plug for cylinder 3 for wear, fouling or wrong gap, as it can stress the coil
  5. Swap the cylinder 3 coil with another cylinder where the design allows and see whether the fault or misfire follows
  6. Test the ignition control wire between the module and the coil for continuity, short to earth and short to voltage, following the wiring diagram for the specific model and engine
  7. Scope the ignition control signal at the coil to compare commanded and actual pulses
  8. Check the ignition module or control module only after wiring and coil faults are ruled out

How to fix

  • Replace the faulty cylinder 3 ignition coil or coil assembly
  • Repair or replace damaged wiring in the cylinder 3 ignition control circuit
  • Clean, repair or replace corroded or loose connectors and terminals
  • Replace the ignition control module where testing shows it is faulty
  • Restore poor power or earth connections to the ignition system
  • Fit new spark plugs of the correct specification if worn, as part of the repair

Can I keep driving?

Medium severity

Short, gentle journeys are usually possible, but get it checked soon. Avoid heavy loads and stop if the warning lamp flashes, as a persistent misfire can overheat and damage the catalytic converter.

Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.

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