P0352 on 2006-2012 Toyota RAV4 3.5L V6: Ignition Coil 'B' Circuit Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2006-2012 Toyota RAV4

On the Toyota RAV4 with the 2GR-FE 3.5L V6 engine, this code is a straightforward and common issue. The key advantage for owners is the location of the faulty coil. The V6 engine has two banks of cylinders; the rear bank (Bank 1) is buried under the intake manifold, but the front bank (Bank 2) is wide open. Code P0352 refers to cylinder #2, which is conveniently located on the front bank (closest to the radiator), making it exceptionally easy to access and replace for a DIY repair.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Flashing Check Engine Light (in cases of severe misfire)
• VSC and/or TRAC lights may also illuminate
• Rough, shaking, or vibrating idle
• Engine hesitation or stumbling during acceleration
• Noticeable loss of engine power
• Engine may shudder or misfire, especially on a 'luke warm' start after sitting for about an hour.

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Ignition Coil on Cylinder #2 🔴 High Probability → Shop Ignition Coil Ignition coils are a common wear-and-tear item that operate in a high-heat, high-vibration environment. Failures are frequent across many Toyota models using this 2GR-FE engine. Internal insulation degradation from heat cycling is a primary failure mode. Toyota later released an updated coil design to improve reliability.
   How to confirm: Swap the ignition coil from cylinder #2 with the coil from cylinder #4 or #6 (also on the front bank). Clear the codes. If the code changes to P0354 or P0356 respectively, the coil is bad.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty ignition coil. It is held in by a single 10mm bolt. While not required, many owners replace the corresponding spark plug at the same time.
   Est. part cost: $40-$75
2. Damaged Wiring or Connector ⚪ Low Probability The plastic locking tab on the coil connector can become brittle with age and break, leading to a poor connection. Wires can also be damaged by engine heat or improper servicing.
   How to confirm: After confirming the coil is good (via the swap test), visually inspect the connector for broken plastic, corrosion on the pins, or pushed-out terminals. Check the wires leading to the connector for any signs of fraying, melting, or breaks.
   Typical fix: If only the connector housing is broken, you can replace just the plastic shell (Toyota P/N: 90980-11875). If the wires are damaged, they will need to be repaired or the connector pigtail will need to be replaced.
   Est. part cost: $10-$30 for a connector housing or pigtail kit.

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM): → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) This is extremely rare. Only consider this after you have definitively proven that the ignition coil, spark plug, and all wiring between the coil and the ECM are in perfect condition. This requires professional-level diagnostics. One owner on a forum reported this as the final fix after replacing coils and plugs.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Connect an OBD-II scanner and confirm the presence of P0352. Note any other codes, especially P0302.
2. Identify cylinder #2. It is the first cylinder on the front bank (closest to the radiator), on the passenger side of the engine. The front bank cylinders are 2, 4, 6 from passenger to driver side.
3. Swap the ignition coil from cylinder #2 with the coil from cylinder #4 (the middle coil on the front bank). This only requires a 10mm socket.
4. Clear the trouble codes with the scanner.
5. Start the engine and let it idle for a minute, or until the Check Engine Light returns.
6. Re-scan for codes. If the code is now P0354 ('Ignition Coil 'D' Circuit'), the coil you moved is faulty.
7. If the code P0352 returns, the problem is not the coil. Inspect the wiring harness and connector for cylinder #2 for damage, corrosion, or loose pins. The connector housing is part number 90980-11875.
8. If the wiring appears intact, use a multimeter to check for power, ground, and the trigger signal at the connector (this may require a wiring diagram).
9. If the coil and wiring are confirmed good, consider inspecting or replacing the spark plug for cylinder #2.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Ignition Coil (OEM #90919-A2007) — This is the component that fails in over 90% of cases for this specific code. An earlier part number was superseded by a revised design.
  Trusted brands: Denso, NGK, Hitachi
  OEM price range: $80-$110
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$75
• Ignition Coil Connector Housing (OEM #90980-11875) — The locking tab on the original connector often becomes brittle and breaks, leading to a loose connection. This part allows for replacement of just the plastic housing without cutting wires.
  Trusted brands: Toyota (Genuine)
  OEM price range: $10-$15
• Iridium Spark Plug (OEM #Denso SK20HR11) — It is good practice to replace the spark plug when replacing a coil, especially if its service history is unknown. A worn plug can stress a new coil.
  Trusted brands: Denso, NGK
  OEM price range: $12-$20
  Aftermarket price range: $8-$15

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0302 — P0302 means 'Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected'. Since P0352 indicates a fault in the spark delivery system for cylinder 2, the cylinder cannot fire correctly, which directly causes a misfire. These two codes almost always appear together.
• P0300 — P0300 means 'Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire'. In some cases, the initial fault in one cylinder can cause timing disruptions that lead the ECM to briefly detect misfires on other cylinders, though P0352 remains the root cause.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• T-SB-0047-10 - Some sources reference this TSB for ignition coil problems on Toyota vehicles, suggesting it's a known issue. However, its direct applicability to every P0352 case on a RAV4 is not confirmed, and it is less frequently cited than the existence of the revised coil part itself.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Ignition Coil Primary Resistance — expected: 0.5 Ω ± 0.1 Ω (when cold). Failure: A reading significantly outside this range, or an open circuit (infinite resistance).
• Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance — expected: ~12 kΩ. Failure: A reading significantly outside this range.
• Ignition Coil Connector Pin 1 (+B) Voltage — expected: 12V (Battery Voltage) with Ignition Switch ON.. Failure: No voltage indicates a problem with the power supply circuit, potentially a fuse (IG2, EFI NO.1) or relay (EFI MAIN).
• Ignition Coil Connector Pin 4 (GND) to Chassis Ground — expected: Continuity (near 0 Ω).. Failure: High resistance or an open circuit indicates a bad ground connection.
• IGT (Ignition Trigger) Signal Waveform — expected: A square wave pulse from the ECM when the engine is cranking or running. This requires an oscilloscope.. Failure: A missing or distorted signal points to a wiring issue between the ECM and coil, or a faulty ECM driver.
• IGF (Ignition Confirmation) Signal Waveform — expected: A square wave pulse from the igniter back to the ECM shortly after the IGT signal. This requires an oscilloscope.. Failure: A missing IGF signal, despite a present IGT signal, is the direct trigger for the P035x codes.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Toyota Techstream: Active Test -> Control the Spark — This function allows a technician to command a spark from a specific cylinder's ignition coil with the engine off. If the tool can command a spark from cylinder #2, it suggests the coil and wiring are likely functional, pointing towards an intermittent issue or a problem with the ECM's monitoring circuit. If it cannot command a spark, it confirms a hard fault in the coil, wiring, or driver.
• Toyota Techstream: Data List -> Misfire RPM (for each cylinder) — While a generic scanner shows P0302, Techstream can provide more detailed live data on misfire counts per cylinder. This is useful to confirm that the misfire is isolated to cylinder #2 and not randomly occurring elsewhere, which might suggest a different root cause (e.g., fuel delivery).

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Ignition Coil #2 Connector (C13) — Front bank of the engine (closest to radiator), on the passenger side cylinder. It is a 4-pin connector.. This is the primary connection point for all signals to the coil. A broken locking tab, corrosion, or pushed-out pins at this connector are common causes of P0352.
• Engine Harness Grounds — The 2GR-FE has critical harness grounds bolted directly to the valve covers. One is on the front (Bank 2) valve cover, and another is on the rear (Bank 1) valve cover. These ground straps then typically attach to the chassis near the strut tower.. A loose or corroded main engine ground can introduce electrical noise and voltage drops, potentially causing spurious ignition codes and other sensor-related DTCs. While not the most likely cause for a single-cylinder code, it's a critical check for persistent, hard-to-diagnose electrical issues.
• Ignition Coil Connector Pinout — Pin 1: +B (12V Power), Pin 2: IGF (Confirmation Signal), Pin 3: IGT (Trigger Signal), Pin 4: GND (Ground).. Knowing the specific function of each pin is essential for performing accurate voltage and continuity tests with a multimeter to isolate the fault between the coil, wiring, and ECM.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 90919-02251 → 90919-A2002 -> 90919-A2004 -> 90919-A2007 -> 90919-A2013 — Toyota periodically updates part designs to improve reliability and address known failure modes. The ignition coils for the 2GR-FE have gone through several revisions.
  Heads up: All listed part numbers are generally interchangeable for this application. When replacing, it is best to use the latest available part number (90919-A2013).
• 90919-A2001 → 90919-02260 — Part number revision for design or manufacturing changes.
  Heads up: This part number is also associated with the 2GR-FE and other Toyota engines. It is important to verify fitment with the vehicle's VIN, but it is often cross-compatible.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

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

• Rupturing VVT-i Oil Line (Rubber Section) 🔴 High — Very common on 2006-2009 models with the original rubber/metal hose. Failure can be catastrophic, leading to rapid oil loss and engine seizure. (Ref: Limited Service Campaign (LSC) 90K was issued to replace the rubber hose with an all-metal version (P/N 15772-31030).)
• Premature Water Pump Failure 🟠 Medium — Commonly fails by leaking/weeping coolant, often between 80,000 and 130,000 miles. Can cause overheating if not addressed. (Ref: No official recall, but it is a widely documented failure. The official replacement procedure is labor-intensive, though mechanics have found shortcuts.)
• Clunking Intermediate Steering Shaft 🟡 Low — Common on 2006-2008 models, causing a clunk or pop noise when turning the steering wheel. It is considered a nuisance rather than a safety failure. (Ref: T-SB-0318-08 was issued, detailing the replacement of the steering intermediate shaft to resolve the noise.)
• Rear Differential Coupling Growl/Whine 🟡 Low — Affects 4WD models, causing a growl or whining noise from the rear of the vehicle due to bearing contamination in the differential coupling. (Ref: T-SB-0080-13 addresses this issue.)

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: For the ignition coil on cylinder #2, using a part from a reputable junkyard is a very reasonable and cost-effective option. Because the coil is so easy to access and replace (under 30 minutes with one tool), the risk of a used part failing early is low-impact. The cost savings can be significant (e.g., $10-$20 for a used coil vs. $50-$80 for a new aftermarket or OEM part).

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 120000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Look for a donor vehicle with lower mileage if possible.
• Inspect the plastic housing of the coil for any cracks, melting, or signs of oil contamination.
• Check the electrical connector pins to ensure they are straight and free of corrosion.
• Ask the salvage yard for a short warranty (e.g., 30 days) to protect against a dead-on-arrival part.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• Engine Control Module (ECM) — Due to programming and security requirements, an ECM should be sourced new or from a specialist remanufacturer.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• Denso (Original Equipment Manufacturer)
• NGK
• Hitachi

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Unbranded, no-name ignition coils from online marketplaces. While they may be cheap, their failure rate is notoriously high, and they can fail in a way that damages other components.

Real Owner Stories

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

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0302 — This is the specific cylinder #2 misfire code that often accompanies P0352 when the ignition coil circuit fails.
• P0354 — Ignition Coil 'D' (Cylinder #4) circuit code; often appears during diagnosis if you swap the suspect coil from cylinder #2 to #4 to confirm a failure.
• P0356 — Ignition Coil 'F' (Cylinder #6) circuit code; may appear if the coil from cylinder #2 is moved to cylinder #6 during troubleshooting.
• P0351 — Related ignition coil circuit code for other cylinders on the 2GR-FE engine, which share the same failure modes and updated part designs.

Frequently Asked Questions