P0360: The computer found a fault in the primary or secondary circuit of ignition coil J (cylinder 10 by the usual reading)

Ignition Coil J Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction

Severity: Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected

The sources read for this code define it and list causes but do not rate how urgent it is. A coil circuit fault can cause a misfire, so have it checked rather than ignoring it.

Source: how we rate severity

P0360 in short

P0360 means the engine computer found a fault in the primary or secondary circuit of ignition coil J, which the page reads as cylinder 10 (lettering depends on the engine). A failed coil, damaged wiring or a loose connector is the usual cause, and the computer itself is rare. Expect a check engine light and possibly a misfire.

Each ignition coil turns battery voltage into the high voltage that fires a spark plug. The computer watches the coil circuit, and P0360 sets when coil J does not behave as expected.

TroubleCodes.net lists three causes: a faulty coil, wiring or connector trouble in the coil circuit, and, less often, the engine computer. It notes the code often appears with misfire codes P0300 to P0308.

The Delaware DMV list gives the same generic title, so the meaning is the same on every make. Which cylinder the letter points to depends on the engine, so check service information for your vehicle.

Most likely causes

These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.

Cause 1: Failed ignition coil
Common general cause
Why it ranks here
TroubleCodes.net lists a faulty coil first among causes of this code.
What would change this
Rises if the fault follows the coil when swapped or its resistance is out of range. Falls if it stays with the same cylinder.
How to test the ignition coil
Cause 2: Damaged wiring or loose connector at the coil
Common general cause
Why it ranks here
TroubleCodes.net lists wiring problems in the coil circuit as the second cause.
What would change this
Rises if the connector is corroded, loose or the wiring is damaged. Falls if the wiring tests fine.
Cause 3: Engine computer (PCM) fault
Possible — needs testing
Why it ranks here
TroubleCodes.net lists the computer last and says it is the least likely cause, so rule out the coil and wiring first.
What would change this
Rises only after the coil, power and wiring all test good. Falls if any of those is faulty.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

Step 1: Read all stored codes and freeze-frame data, and note whether misfire codes such as P0300 to P0308 are stored with P0360.
Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool
- IfMisfire codes are stored too
  It meansThe coil circuit fault is probably causing the misfire.
  Go to step 2
- IfOnly P0360 is stored
  It meansInspect the coil and connector.
  Go to step 2
Step 2: With the engine off and cool, look at the coil and its connector for broken wires, corrosion or damage, then swap the coil with one from another cylinder and clear the codes.
Use cautionTool: basic hand tools, scan tool
Warning:Never touch coils, plug wires or connectors while the engine is running or cranking; ignition voltage can shock you. Let the engine cool before touching parts near the exhaust.
- IfThe fault follows the coil to the other cylinder
  It meansThe coil is bad.
  Points to: Failed ignition coil
- IfThe fault stays and the connector or wiring is damaged
  It meansWiring or the connector is the fault.
  Points to: Damaged wiring or loose connector at the coil
- IfThe fault stays and the wiring looks good
  It meansTest power and the computer control signal.
  Go to step 3
Step 3: Measure coil resistance (primary about 0.4 to 2 ohms, secondary about 6,000 to 15,000 ohms, per TroubleCodes.net; confirm against your service specs), check for about 12 volts at the coil, and use an LED or noid light to see whether the computer switches the coil while cranking.
Best left to a shopTool: multimeter, noid light or LED test light
Warning:Probing coil connectors with the circuit live can short a pin and damage the computer or coil driver, and ignition voltage can shock you. Leave this to a shop unless you have the wiring diagram.
- IfResistance is out of range
  It meansThe coil is bad.
  Points to: Failed ignition coil
- IfPower or the control signal is missing
  It meansWiring is open or shorted, or the computer driver has failed.
  Points to: Damaged wiring or loose connector at the coil
- IfPower, signal and coil all test good
  It meansThe computer is the remaining suspect.
  Points to: Engine computer (PCM) fault

Symptoms

Check engine light on
Engine misfire, rough running
Misfire codes P0300 to P0308 stored with it

Compare with: Rough idle with the check engine light on

How to fix

Parts and cost context

Ignition coil:Swap the coil with another cylinder first so you replace the right one. Labor varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Ford

2000 · Crown Victoria
Supported by vehicle data
Ford bulletin 0116 covers a MIL, rough idle and codes P0350 through P0360 stored in memory on some 2000 vehicles, including the Crown Victoria. Whether it is still current is not verified.
2000 · Expedition
Supported by vehicle data
Ford bulletin 0116 covers a MIL, rough idle and codes P0350 through P0360 stored in memory on some 2000 vehicles, including the Expedition. Whether it is still current is not verified.
2000 · F-150
Supported by vehicle data
Ford bulletin 0116 covers a MIL, rough idle and codes P0350 through P0360 stored in memory on some 2000 vehicles, including the F-150. Whether it is still current is not verified.
2000 · E-Series
Supported by vehicle data
Ford bulletin 0116 covers a MIL, rough idle and codes P0350 through P0360 stored in memory on some 2000 vehicles, including the Econoline (E-Series). Whether it is still current is not verified.
2000 · Excursion
Supported by vehicle data
Ford bulletin 0116 covers a MIL, rough idle and codes P0350 through P0360 stored in memory on some 2000 vehicles, including the Excursion. Whether it is still current is not verified.

0116Status unverified
MIL, rough idle and codes P0350 to P0360 stored
2000crown-victoria, e-series, excursion, expedition, f-150 · issued January 22, 2001 · NHTSA 618072
Ford bulletin for some 2000 vehicles with the MIL on, rough idle and a check engine light, with codes P0350 through P0360 stored in memory. Only the NHTSA summary was read; it does not give the repair.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

All Ignition and engine position sensors codes

Sources and review

P0360 trouble code page — TroubleCodes.net
Ford bulletin 0116: MIL, rough idle and codes P0350 to P0360 stored — Ford Motor Company (filed with NHTSA) , January 22, 2001
On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (generic code title list) — Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles

Last reviewed: October 16, 2026
Written by: Saurabh K.
Editorial review: Pending
Technician review: Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

Severity: Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Failed ignition coil

Cause 2: Damaged wiring or loose connector at the coil

Cause 3: Engine computer (PCM) fault

What to test first

Step 1: Read all stored codes and freeze-frame data, and note whether misfire codes such as P0300 to P0308 are stored with P0360.

Step 2: With the engine off and cool, look at the coil and its connector for broken wires, corrosion or damage, then swap the coil with one from another cylinder and clear the codes.

Step 3: Measure coil resistance (primary about 0.4 to 2 ohms, secondary about 6,000 to 15,000 ohms, per TroubleCodes.net; confirm against your service specs), check for about 12 volts at the coil, and use an LED or noid light to see whether the computer switches the coil while cranking.