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P1371

Cylinder 6 Ignition Circuit Short To B+.

  • Volkswagen
  • Powertrain
  • Manufacturer code
  • Medium severity

How this code is built

P
SystemPowertrain
1
Defined byThe manufacturer
3
AreaIgnition system or misfire
71
FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

P1371 on a Volkswagen means the engine control unit has detected a short to battery positive (B+) in the ignition circuit for cylinder 6. The control unit monitors the coil driver circuit and saw a voltage where it expected the circuit to be switched or at a low level. This only applies to engines with at least six cylinders, and the exact circuit layout depends on the model and engine.

Symptoms

  • Engine management light on
  • Misfire or rough running, particularly on cylinder 6
  • Loss of power or hesitant acceleration
  • Difficult starting or intermittent no-start
  • Engine running in a reduced-power or limp mode
  • Raised fuel consumption

Possible causes

  • Damaged or chafed wiring between the engine control unit and the cylinder 6 ignition coil, shorting to a live feedlikely
  • Faulty cylinder 6 ignition coil or its integrated driver stagelikely
  • Corroded, wet or damaged connector at the cylinder 6 coil or control unitpossible
  • Wiring harness fault where it passes close to a live supply, such as after previous repair workpossible
  • Faulty engine control unit output stagerare
  • Fault in the shared power supply to the coils (model and engine dependent)rare

How to diagnose

  1. Read all stored codes and freeze frame data, and note whether other cylinders' ignition or misfire codes are present.
  2. Clear the code and see if it returns immediately or only under certain conditions such as when wet, hot or on load.
  3. Visually inspect the cylinder 6 coil connector and the harness along its route for chafing, melting, corrosion or moisture.
  4. Check the coil's power supply and earth connections against the wiring diagram for your model and engine.
  5. With the ignition off and the control unit disconnected, test the signal wire for continuity and for any short to a live feed.
  6. Swap the cylinder 6 coil with a known good one from another cylinder and see if the fault follows the coil.
  7. Check the spark plug condition on cylinder 6, as it can show a coil or misfire problem.
  8. If wiring and coil are proven good, have the control unit output checked following the manufacturer's procedure.

How to fix

  • Repair or replace the damaged wiring section, using proper soldered or crimped and sealed repairs.
  • Replace the faulty ignition coil and fit new spark plugs if they are worn or fouled.
  • Clean, dry or replace corroded or damaged connectors and terminals.
  • Re-route and secure the harness away from live feeds and sharp edges.
  • Replace or repair the engine control unit only after all other causes are ruled out.

Can I keep driving?

Medium severity

The car can usually be driven a short distance to a workshop, but avoid heavy loads and long journeys. A continuing misfire can overheat and damage the catalytic converter, so get it checked soon.

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

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