Ignition and misfires code
P0353: Ignition coil C circuit problem
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $30 | $120 |
| Labor: 0.4 to 1.2 hours × $125 to $175 an hour | $50 | $210 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $15 |
| Total, rounded | $80 | $350 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in Boston, $31.54 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
This is the range for the most common fix, ignition coil replacement (one coil). Which repair your car needs depends on a proper diagnosis.
The computer found an electrical fault in the control wiring for coil C, the third coil in the engine maker's lettering. The cylinder it feeds may not get a proper spark, so it can misfire and run rough, especially under load or on acceleration.
- Safe to drive?
- Short trips only
- Most common cause
- Failed ignition coil (most common)
A steady light means you can drive gently to a shop. If the light flashes, pull over and stop, because raw fuel can overheat the catalytic converter.
What you may notice
- Rough idle
- Shaking or hesitation under load
- Lower fuel economy
- Check-engine light, possibly flashing
Common causes, most likely first
- Failed ignition coil (most common)
- Loose or corroded coil connector
- Worn spark plug overworking the coil
- Broken wire between the coil and the computer
Check this first
Swap coil C with a neighbor coil and clear the code. If the code follows the coil, the coil is the problem.
Other repairs that sometimes fix P0353
| Repair | Typical range, Boston |
|---|---|
| Spark plug replacement | $95 to $580 |
| Diagnostic scan (check engine light) | $60 to $290 |
Before you pay
- Ask the shop what test showed this part is the cause, not just that the code appeared.
- Ask for parts and labor listed separately, and for the hours.
- Ask for a written OK before any extra work. Massachusetts rules require written authorization before repairs.
Got a quote already? Check it against the range. Want to see if your car has a recall tied to this problem? Check recalls by VIN.
Need to read a code yourself? OBD-II scanners on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure).
P0353 questions
Does coil C always mean cylinder 3?
Not always. The letter follows the engine maker's own coil numbering, so coil C is the third coil in that scheme, which may or may not be cylinder 3. A shop checks the manual or a scan tool to be sure.
Should I replace the plugs with the coil?
If they are near their service interval, it saves a second visit, since worn plugs are a common reason coils fail. If they were changed recently, replacing only the coil is fine.
Can I keep driving with a steady light?
Short and gentle trips are usually fine with a steady light, but fix it soon so the misfire does not damage the converter. If the light starts to flash, stop and arrange a tow.
How much does it cost to fix P0353?
The most common fix, ignition coil replacement (one coil), has a typical range of $80 to $350 in Boston. It is an estimate built from parts prices and local labor wages, not a quote. Your car and shop change it.
Related codes
- P0352: Ignition coil B circuit problem
- P0354: Ignition coil D circuit problem
- P0303: Cylinder 3 misfire
More ignition and misfires codes
Code meaning written in our own words. Some codes mean different things on different makes, so check your scan tool or manual. Not a repair shop, estimates only.