P0351 on 2007-2013 GMC Sierra 1500: Ignition Coil 'A' Circuit Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2007-2013 GMC Sierra 1500

The 5.3L Vortec V8 in the 2007-2013 Sierra uses a reliable coil-on-plug ignition system, with one individual coil for each cylinder. This design makes diagnosis for a code like P0351 relatively simple, as the fault is isolated to a single cylinder's components. Unlike systems with coil packs serving multiple cylinders, you can swap the suspected bad coil with a known good one from another cylinder to quickly confirm the failure. This is a common and effective diagnostic step mentioned frequently by owners.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on.
• Rough or shaking idle.
• Engine misfires, especially under load or during acceleration.
• Hesitation or loss of engine power.
• Reduced fuel economy.
• Flashing Check Engine Light, indicating a severe misfire.
• Service Stabilitrak / Traction Control warning lights may appear, as engine misfires can affect these systems.

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Ignition Coil on Cylinder #1 🔴 High Probability → Shop Ignition Coil Ignition coils are wear-and-tear components that fail over time from heat cycles and high voltage stress. It's the most common reason for a P0351 code. 🎬 Watch: Causes and fixes for the P0351 code
   How to confirm: Swap the ignition coil from cylinder #1 with the coil from another cylinder (e.g., cylinder #3). Clear the codes and run the engine. If the code changes to P0353 (for cylinder #3), the coil is faulty.
   Typical fix: Replace the failed ignition coil. It's often recommended to replace the corresponding spark plug at the same time.
   Est. part cost: $25-$75
2. Worn or Fouled Spark Plug 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Spark Plug A worn-out or damaged spark plug can't create a proper spark, which can sometimes be misinterpreted by the PCM as a coil circuit fault. It also puts extra strain on the ignition coil, potentially causing it to fail. Oil fouling from issues like excessive oil consumption can also ruin the plug.
   How to confirm: Remove the spark plug from cylinder #1 and inspect it for wear, damage, or fouling from oil or carbon. The correct gap for the OEM ACDelco 41-110 plug is 0.040 inches. Compare it to a new plug.
   Typical fix: Replace the spark plug. If one is worn, it's best practice to replace all eight, especially if their service history is unknown.
   Est. part cost: $5-$15 per plug
3. Damaged Wiring or Loose Connector ⚪ Low Probability Engine bay heat and vibrations can cause wires to become brittle and crack, or the connector to the ignition coil can become loose or corroded. The plastic locking tab on the connector is known to become brittle and break.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness and connector for the cylinder #1 ignition coil. Look for any signs of burns, corrosion, or loose pins. Wiggle the connector with the engine running to see if it affects the idle.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of wire or replace the pigtail connector. An OEM connector pigtail is available under part number PT1627.
   Est. part cost: $15-$45 for a connector pigtail

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM): → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) This is very rare. The internal driver circuit in the PCM that controls the ignition coil can fail. This should only be considered after all other possibilities (coil, plug, wiring) have been definitively ruled out.
• Leaking Valve Cover Gasket: → Shop Engine Valve Cover If the valve cover gasket fails, oil can leak into the spark plug tube, fouling the spark plug and shorting out the ignition coil. If you find oil when you remove the coil and plug, the gasket is the root cause.
• Poor Ground Connection: The ignition coils for each cylinder bank share a common ground. On LS-based engines, these are typically located on the back of the cylinder heads. A loose or corroded ground can cause intermittent issues across multiple cylinders on one bank (e.g., P0351, P0353, P0355, P0357).

Diagnosis Steps

1. Verify the code with an OBD-II scanner. Note any other codes present, especially P0301.
2. Locate cylinder #1. On the 5.3L V8, it is the front-most cylinder on the driver's side.
3. Inspect the wiring and connector for the cylinder #1 ignition coil. Look for any obvious damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Ensure the connector clicks securely into place.
4. Swap the ignition coil from cylinder #1 with another easily accessible coil, such as cylinder #3 (the next one back on the driver's side).
5. Clear the trouble codes with the scanner.
6. Start the engine and let it run for a minute. Re-scan for codes.
7. If the code has moved to P0353, the ignition coil is confirmed to be faulty and needs replacement.
8. If the code P0351 returns, the problem is likely with the spark plug or the wiring. Remove and inspect the spark plug. Check for wear, fouling, and correct gap (0.040"). If it is worn or fouled, replace it.
9. If the plug and coil are good, the next step is to test the wiring between the PCM and the coil connector for continuity and shorts. Check for a solid ground connection at the rear of the driver's side cylinder head.
10. If all wiring and components test good, the final and least likely possibility is a failed PCM driver circuit.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Ignition Coil (OEM #12611424) — This is the most frequent point of failure for a P0351 code on this engine. The ACDelco part number is D510C, which corresponds to GM OE #12611424.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco (OEM), Delphi, NGK, MSD
  OEM price range: $50-$75
  Aftermarket price range: $25-$50
• Spark Plug (OEM #41-110) — Often replaced as a pair with the ignition coil, or as the cause of the fault if it's worn or fouled. The OEM plug is an ACDelco Iridium plug.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco (OEM), NGK
  OEM price range: $8-$15
  Aftermarket price range: $5-$10
• Ignition Coil Connector Pigtail (OEM #PT1627) — Needed if the original connector is broken, corroded, or has damaged wires. This is a 4-wire female connector.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco (OEM), Dorman, Standard Motor Products
  OEM price range: $30-$45
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$30

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0301 — P0301 indicates a misfire detected on cylinder #1. Since P0351 points to a fault in the ignition system for that same cylinder, these two codes almost always appear together.
• P0300 — P0300 indicates a random or multiple cylinder misfire. 🎬 See: Diagnosing random misfires and no spark issues You might see this if the issue is intermittent or if a related problem, like a bad ground, is affecting multiple coils.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• While no TSB is specific to only P0351 on this exact vehicle, TSBs for similar GM vehicles and codes (like P0351-P0356) generally instruct technicians to inspect wiring and connectors first, and if no issues are found, to replace the affected ignition coil.
• Manufacturer TSB Bulletin #PIP5147A provides information to technicians regarding engine misfires and specifically mentions that technicians may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0351-P0358, noting that they will need to inspect the electrical system.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Owner Experience with P0351 and P0353: An owner of a 2007 GMC Yukon XL Denali (a platform mate) reported experiencing P0351 and P0353 codes during cold starts, which caused a severe misfire until the engine warmed up. Replacing the faulty ignition coils resolved the issue.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Ignition Coil Primary Resistance — expected: 0.5–0.7 ohms. Failure: A reading outside this range indicates a faulty coil winding.
• Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance — expected: 9.0k–12.0k ohms. Failure: A reading outside this range, especially an open circuit (infinite resistance), points to a failed secondary winding.
• Coil Connector - Power Supply Voltage (Pink wire) — expected: 12V+ (Battery Voltage) with Key On, Engine Off. Failure: No voltage indicates a problem with the ignition power feed, potentially a blown fuse (e.g., 'IGN E' fuse).
• Coil Connector - Ground Circuit (Black wire) — expected: Near 0 ohms of resistance to a known good chassis ground.. Failure: High resistance or an open circuit indicates a bad ground connection, which is a common issue.
• Coil Connector - Ignition Control (IC) Signal (Varies by color, e.g., D-GN) — expected: Pulsing ground signal from the PCM when cranking the engine. Can be observed with a noid light or oscilloscope.. Failure: No pulse indicates a wiring issue between the PCM and coil, or a failed PCM driver.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Tech2 / GDS2: Ignition System Diagnosis / Misfire Graphic — A professional GM scan tool can display live misfire counters for each cylinder. While diagnosing P0351, a technician would watch the counter for cylinder #1 to see if it increments rapidly during a rough idle or under load, confirming the misfire is active on that specific cylinder.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Bank 1 Ignition Coil Ground — On the rear of the driver's side (Bank 1) cylinder head. This ground serves cylinders 1, 3, 5, and 7.. A loose or corroded ground connection at this location is a known cause for multiple ignition coil codes on the driver's side bank (P0351, P0353, P0355, P0357). If you have more than just P0351, this ground should be the first place you inspect.
• Bank 2 Ignition Coil Ground — On the rear of the passenger's side (Bank 2) cylinder head. This ground serves cylinders 2, 4, 6, and 8.. While not directly related to P0351, knowing this location is crucial for overall ignition system diagnosis. A problem here would affect the even-numbered cylinders.
• Ignition Coil 4-Pin Connector — Directly on the ignition coil for cylinder #1.. This is the primary point for electrical testing. The four pins are typically: Pin A (Pink) - 12V+ Ignition Feed, Pin B (Black) - Ground, Pin C (Varies) - Ignition Control (IC) signal from PCM, Pin D (Varies) - Reference Low.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Tahoe Yukon Forum (2007 Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L) — Rough running in the rain, soft shaking at the steering wheel for a few minutes after starting.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The owner planned to replace all eight ignition coils as a preventative measure.
  ✅ What actually fixed it Forum members advised against replacing all coils, stating that OEM coils are extremely reliable (one user reported 350,000 km on originals). They recommended sticking with ACDelco, Genuine GM, or Denso if a replacement is truly needed, and suggested the issue might be something else, like the MAF sensor, rather than the coils.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 12570616 → 12611424 (ACDelco D510C) — Standard part evolution and supplier changes (original was often marked Melco-Mitsubishi).
  Heads up: The parts are physically and functionally interchangeable. The 12570616 part number is often found stamped on the original square-shaped coils. The D510C / 12611424 is the correct and current GM/ACDelco service replacement.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2007-2014: While the primary ignition coil design for the 5.3L in this generation is the square-shaped 'D510C' style, there can be visual differences in coils from different suppliers (e.g., Melco-Mitsubishi vs. others). However, the form factor and 4-pin connector remain consistent. It is always best to visually confirm the coil shape before ordering.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure 🔴 High — Common, especially on engines over 100,000 miles. Can occur earlier. Affects cylinders 1, 4, 6, and 7. (Ref: Multiple TSBs exist. Can lead to misfires (P030X codes), ticking noises, and eventually camshaft damage.)
• Excessive Oil Consumption 🟠 Medium — Widespread issue, particularly in 2007-2011 models. Often 1 quart consumed per 1,000-2,000 miles. (Ref: Linked to AFM system, PCV valve design, and low-tension piston rings. Can lead to fouled spark plugs.)
• Cracked Dashboard 🟡 Low — Extremely common across all GMT900 trucks, especially in warmer climates. Cracks typically appear above the instrument cluster and on the passenger side near the airbag. (Ref: No recall was ever issued. Considered a cosmetic flaw by GM, though lawsuits alleged safety concerns regarding airbag deployment.)
• Instrument Cluster Failure 🟡 Low — Common issue where gauges (speedometer, tachometer, etc.) become erratic or stop working. Often occurs between 100,000 and 150,000 miles. (Ref: Related to faulty stepper motors on the cluster's circuit board.)
• Body Control Module (BCM) / Grounding Issues 🟠 Medium — Can occur at any mileage, causing a wide range of strange electrical problems like flickering lights, dead battery, and false warning messages. (Ref: Often traced to poor ground connections on the frame under the driver's side door or a failing BCM.)

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: A used OEM ignition coil from a reputable auto recycler can be a smart choice to fix a single failed coil, especially for a budget-conscious repair. OEM coils are known for their extreme longevity, often lasting over 200,000 miles, making a used one a potentially more reliable option than a cheap, new aftermarket part.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 150000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Check for cracks or damage to the plastic housing.
• Ensure the electrical connector pins are clean and not corroded.
• Look for signs of oil saturation on the boot, which could indicate it came from an engine with leaking valve cover gaskets.
• If possible, get the mileage of the donor vehicle.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• ACDelco (OEM)
• Delphi
• NGK
• Denso

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Unnamed or 'no-brand' ignition coils from online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon are frequently cited as unreliable.
• While some high-performance brands like MSD exist, forum users report minimal to no performance gain on a stock or lightly modified 5.3L engine, making them not worth the extra cost.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0301 — A cylinder #1 misfire code that often accompanies P0351 when the coil circuit failure prevents the cylinder from firing.
• P0353 — The ignition coil circuit code for cylinder #3; it often appears with P0351 if there is a shared power/ground issue on the driver's side bank or if a coil is swapped for diagnostic purposes.
• P030X — General misfire codes that can be triggered by Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifter failures, which are common on this 5.3L engine.
• P0351-P0358 — A sequence of codes representing ignition coil circuit faults for cylinders 1 through 8; multiple codes in this range often point to a loose ground wire on the cylinder head.

Frequently Asked Questions

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure 🔴 High — Common, especially on engines over 100,000 miles. Can occur earlier. Affects cylinders 1, 4, 6, and 7. (Ref: Multiple TSBs exist. Can lead to misfires (P030X codes), ticking noises, and eventually camshaft damage.)
• Excessive Oil Consumption 🟠 Medium — Widespread issue, particularly in 2007-2011 models. Often 1 quart consumed per 1,000-2,000 miles. (Ref: Linked to AFM system, PCV valve design, and low-tension piston rings. Can lead to fouled spark plugs.)
• Cracked Dashboard 🟡 Low — Extremely common across all GMT900 trucks, especially in warmer climates. Cracks typically appear above the instrument cluster and on the passenger side near the airbag. (Ref: No recall was ever issued. Considered a cosmetic flaw by GM, though lawsuits alleged safety concerns regarding airbag deployment.)
• Instrument Cluster Failure 🟡 Low — Common issue where gauges (speedometer, tachometer, etc.) become erratic or stop working. Often occurs between 100,000 and 150,000 miles. (Ref: Related to faulty stepper motors on the cluster's circuit board.)
• Body Control Module (BCM) / Grounding Issues 🟠 Medium — Can occur at any mileage, causing a wide range of strange electrical problems like flickering lights, dead battery, and false warning messages. (Ref: Often traced to poor ground connections on the frame under the driver's side door or a failing BCM.)

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: A used OEM ignition coil from a reputable auto recycler can be a smart choice to fix a single failed coil, especially for a budget-conscious repair. OEM coils are known for their extreme longevity, often lasting over 200,000 miles, making a used one a potentially more reliable option than a cheap, new aftermarket part.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 150000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Check for cracks or damage to the plastic housing.
• Ensure the electrical connector pins are clean and not corroded.
• Look for signs of oil saturation on the boot, which could indicate it came from an engine with leaking valve cover gaskets.
• If possible, get the mileage of the donor vehicle.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• ACDelco (OEM)
• Delphi
• NGK
• Denso

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Unnamed or 'no-brand' ignition coils from online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon are frequently cited as unreliable.
• While some high-performance brands like MSD exist, forum users report minimal to no performance gain on a stock or lightly modified 5.3L engine, making them not worth the extra cost.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0301 — A cylinder #1 misfire code that often accompanies P0351 when the coil circuit failure prevents the cylinder from firing.
• P0353 — The ignition coil circuit code for cylinder #3; it often appears with P0351 if there is a shared power/ground issue on the driver's side bank or if a coil is swapped for diagnostic purposes.
• P030X — General misfire codes that can be triggered by Active Fuel Management (AFM) lifter failures, which are common on this 5.3L engine.
• P0351-P0358 — A sequence of codes representing ignition coil circuit faults for cylinders 1 through 8; multiple codes in this range often point to a loose ground wire on the cylinder head.

Frequently Asked Questions