P2308 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil C Secondary Circuit

P2308 code definition

The P2308 diagnostic trouble code is an indication that there is an issue with the ignition coil C secondary circuit.

Related Trouble Codes:

• P2300 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil A Primary Control Circuit Low
• P2301 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil A Primary Control Circuit High
• P2302 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil A Secondary Circuit
• P2303 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil B Primary Control Circuit Low
• P2304 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil B Primary Control Circuit High
• P2305 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil B Secondary Circuit
• P2306 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil C Primary Control Circuit Low
• P2307 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil C Primary Control Circuit High
• P2309 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil D Primary Control Circuit Low
• P2310 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil D Primary Control Circuit High
• P2311 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil D Secondary Circuit
• P2312 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil E Primary Control Circuit Low
• P2313 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil E Primary Control Circuit High
• P2314 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil E Secondary Circuit
• P2315 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil F Primary Control Circuit Low
• P2316 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil F Primary Control Circuit High
• P2317 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil F Secondary Circuit
• P2318 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil G Primary Control Circuit Low
• P2319 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil G Primary Control Circuit High
• P2320 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil G Secondary Circuit
• P2321 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil H Primary Control Circuit Low
• P2322 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil H Primary Control Circuit High
• P2323 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil H Secondary Circuit
• P2324 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil I Primary Control Circuit Low
• P2325 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil I Primary Control Circuit High
• P2326 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil I Secondary Circuit
• P2327 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil J Primary Control Circuit Low
• P2328 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil J Primary Control Circuit High
• P2329 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil J Secondary Circuit
• P2330 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil K Primary Control Circuit Low
• P2331 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil K Primary Control Circuit High
• P2332 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil K Secondary Circuit
• P2333 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil L Primary Control Circuit Low
• P2334 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil L Primary Control Circuit High
• P2335 OBD-II Trouble Code: Ignition Coil L Secondary Circuit

What the P2308 code means

The ignition coil is a coil that is positioned on top of the ignition plug and is electronically powered by the powertrain control module (PCM). Its purpose is to give spark to the spark plug.

Ignition spark and ignition timing is activated and controlled by a voltage signal from the battery and a ground signal. The P2308 diagnostic trouble code indicates a problem with the ignition coil(s) circuitry.

When the ignition coil control voltage does not remain within the predetermined range of reference voltage, the PCM will store the P2308 diagnostic trouble code and the Check Engine Light will come on.

What causes the P2308 code?

• A faulty spark plug
• A faulty ignition coil
• A faulty fuel injector
• Ignition coil wiring that is frayed, broken, or shorted
• Ignition coil connector that is damaged or corroded
• Faulty PCM

What are the symptoms of the P2308 code?

• Check Engine Light on
• Poor engine performance
• Misfire when idling
• Poor acceleration
• Camshaft sensor codes stored in the PCM
• Crankshaft sensor codes stored in the PCM
• Misfire codes stored in the PCM

How does a mechanic diagnose the P2308 code?

• Diagnostic trouble codes should be diagnosed in the order that they appear in the PCM.

• If any camshaft sensor trouble codes, crankshaft sensor trouble codes, or misfire trouble codes, have been stored in the PCM these should be diagnosed and repaired before diagnosing the P2308 diagnostic trouble code.

• Use an OBD-II scanner to collect all trouble codes that have been stored by the PCM as well as freeze frame data.

• Inspect the ignition coil wiring for frays, breaks and shorted wiring.

• Inspect the ignition coil connectors for damage, corrosion and bent pins.

• Repair or replace wiring that is frayed, broken, or shorted.

• Repair or replace connectors that damaged, corroded, or has bent pins.

• Clear all diagnostic trouble codes from the PCM and run the engine or complete a test drive to see if the P2308 diagnostic trouble code comes back.

• If the P2308 trouble code comes back, inspect the ignition coils looking for those that are damaged or faulty. It may be helpful to disconnect the ignition coils separately to see if which one is faulty.

• If the ignition coils pass inspection, check the spark plugs for possible damage or failure and repair or replace as necessary.

• Clear all diagnostic trouble codes from the PCM and run the engine or complete a test drive to see if the P2308 diagnostic trouble code comes back.

• If the P2308 trouble code comes back, test for proper cylinder compression.

• Clear all diagnostic trouble codes from the PCM and run the engine or complete a test drive to see if the P2308 diagnostic trouble code comes back.

• If the P2308 trouble code comes back, then PCM failure is possible.

• If the PCM needs to be replaced it will need to be reprogrammed as well.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P2308 code

Often the ignition coils and spark plugs are changed and the wiring and connectors are overlooked as a possible cause of this code. When/if there is faulty wiring and connectors the P2308 diagnostic trouble code will not be resolved even if the spark plugs and ignition coils are replaced. It is important to pay attention to detail when diagnosing this trouble code in order for a diagnosis to be successful.

How serious is the P2308 code?

A diagnostic trouble code is normally considered serious when it causes driveability issues or a change in performance. There are some symptoms associated with the P2308 diagnostic trouble code that present driveability issues and/or a change in engine performance, such as sluggish acceleration, a rough running engine, and intermittent shut off of the engine.

For this reason, the P2308 diagnostic trouble code is considered serious and should be diagnosed and repaired as soon as the PCM stores the code and the Check Engine Light comes on.

What repairs can fix the P2308 code?

• If there are camshaft, crankshaft, or misfire trouble codes stored by the PCM, these should be diagnosed and repaired first.

• Replace faulty spark plug

• Replace faulty ignition coil

• Repair or replace ignition coil wiring that is frayed, broken, or shorted

• Repair or replace ignition coil connector that is damaged or corroded

• Replace fuel injector

• Replace or rebuild engine

• Replace and reprogram faulty PCM

Additional comments for consideration regarding the P2308 code

When diagnosing the P2308 diagnostic trouble code be sure to take time and be thorough. Before making a determination that the spark plugs and ignition coils are the cause of this code, inspect the ignition coil wiring and connectors for damage.

It is also important to diagnose trouble codes in the order that they have been stored by the PCM. When diagnosing the P2308 trouble code it is important to diagnose and repair camshaft trouble codes, crankshaft trouble codes, and misfire trouble codes before diagnosing this one.

Need help with a P2308 code?

YourMechanic offers certified mechanics who will come to your home or office to diagnose and repair your vehicle. Get a quote and book an appointment online or speak to a service advisor at 1-800-701-6230.