P0352 on 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4: Ignition Coil 'B' Circuit Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2013-2018 Toyota RAV4

The 2013-2018 RAV4 uses the highly reliable 2AR-FE engine, which has a straightforward coil-on-plug ignition system. There are no widespread defects or TSBs for this specific issue, as ignition coil failure is considered a normal wear-and-tear item, typically occurring after 100,000 miles. The fix is identical across the entire 2013-2018 (XA40) generation and its platform mates like the Camry and Scion tC, making diagnosis simple and consistent.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Rough or shaky idle
• Engine hesitation or stumbling during acceleration.
• Noticeable loss of engine power.
• Solid or flashing Check Engine Light.
• Reduced fuel economy.
• Engine may have trouble starting.

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Ignition Coil on Cylinder #2 🔴 High Probability → Shop Ignition Coil Ignition coils are a common wear item on most modern engines, including the 2AR-FE, with failures often occurring after 100,000 miles due to heat cycles and vibration.
   How to confirm: Swap the ignition coil from cylinder #2 with another cylinder (e.g., #3). Clear the codes. If the code changes to P0353, the coil is confirmed bad. If P0352 returns, the problem is likely in the wiring or connector.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty ignition coil. 🎬 See this quick walkthrough on replacing your ignition coils. It is held in by a single 10mm bolt. Many owners choose to replace all four coils and spark plugs at the same time if the vehicle has high mileage.
   Est. part cost: $40-$120
2. Worn or Fouled Spark Plug in Cylinder #2 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Spark Plug Spark plugs have a finite service life. A worn plug can increase the electrical resistance, straining the ignition coil and potentially causing it to fail or mimic a coil failure.
   How to confirm: After ruling out the coil, remove the spark plug from cylinder #2. Inspect it for heavy carbon buildup, oil fouling, or a worn-out electrode. Compare it to a plug from a healthy cylinder.
   Typical fix: Replace the spark plug. It's recommended to replace all four spark plugs as a set to maintain even performance. Use high-quality Iridium plugs as specified by the manufacturer. 🎬 Watch: How to properly replace spark plugs on your RAV4.
   Est. part cost: $8-$20 per plug
3. Damaged Wiring or Connector ⚪ Low Probability
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness and the plastic connector going to the cylinder #2 ignition coil. Look for any signs of cracked or brittle wires from heat exposure, corrosion on the pins (green or white crust), or a broken locking tab on the connector that prevents a secure fit. Wiggle the connector with the engine running to see if it induces a misfire.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of wire or replace the connector pigtail if it's broken. Ensure the connector clicks securely onto the new coil. Applying dielectric grease to the new connector can help prevent future moisture intrusion.
   Est. part cost: $10-$30 for a connector pigtail

Rare But Worth Checking

• Failed Engine Control Module (ECM): → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) This is extremely rare. The ECM's internal driver for the ignition coil can fail. This should only be considered after all other possibilities (coil, plug, wiring) have been exhaustively ruled out by a professional.
• Leaking Valve Cover Gasket / Spark Plug Tube Seal: → Shop Engine Valve Cover If the spark plug tube seal fails, engine oil can leak into the spark plug well, submerging the bottom of the ignition coil and spark plug. This can cause the coil to short out and fail. When you remove the coil, check for liquid oil in the tube.
• Intermittent Heat-Related Failure: In some forum-documented cases, a coil or wiring connection can fail only when the engine is 'luke-warm'. The issue may not appear on a cold start or when fully hot, but only after a short soak time. This can make diagnosis difficult and may point to a component on the verge of complete failure.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the code with an OBD-II scanner and confirm P0352 is present.
2. Turn off the engine and remove the plastic engine cover (it pulls straight off).
3. Locate the ignition coils. On the 2AR-FE engine, the cylinders are numbered 1-2-3-4 from the passenger side (accessory belt side) to the driver's side. Cylinder #2 is the second coil from the passenger side.
4. Disconnect the electrical connector and remove the 10mm bolt holding the coil for cylinder #2. Pull the coil straight out.
5. Perform a 'coil swap'. Remove the coil from an adjacent cylinder (e.g., cylinder #3).
6. Install the suspected bad coil from cylinder #2 into cylinder #3's location. Install the good coil from cylinder #3 into cylinder #2's location. Reinstall the bolts and connectors.
7. Clear the fault codes with the scanner. Start the engine and let it run for a minute or two.
8. Re-scan for codes. If the code has moved to P0353 ('Ignition Coil C'), the ignition coil is faulty and needs to be replaced.
9. If code P0352 returns, the problem is not the coil. Inspect the wiring and connector for cylinder #2 for damage. If the wiring is good, consider replacing the spark plug.
10. If the coil was oily upon removal, inspect the spark plug tube for a leaking valve cover gasket seal.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Ignition Coil (OEM #90919-A2013 (also 90919-02258, which supersedes 90919-02252)) — This is the most common cause of code P0352. The coil is responsible for generating the spark, and it is a primary wear item.
  Trusted brands: Denso (673-1310), NGK (48944), Delphi (GN10352)
  OEM price range: $90-$120
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$75
• Iridium Spark Plug (OEM #90919-01233) — A worn spark plug can cause a misfire and put extra strain on the ignition coil. It is best practice to replace them when replacing coils, especially on a high-mileage vehicle.
  Trusted brands: Denso (IKH20TT), NGK (LFR6AIX-11)
  OEM price range: $15-$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 ignition circuit for cylinder 2, a misfire is the direct result. These two codes almost always appear together.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• T-SB-0023-15: Addresses torque converter shudder on 2013-2014 RAV4s.
• T-TT-0578-19: Pertains to Bluetooth connectivity issues with the infotainment system.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Ignition Coil Connector Pin 4 (B+) to Ground — expected: 12-14V with ignition ON. Failure: No voltage indicates a problem with the EFI relay, fuse, or power supply harness.
• Ignition Coil Connector Pin 3 (Ground) to Battery Negative — expected: 0-1 ohms of resistance. Failure: High resistance or an open circuit (OL) indicates a bad ground connection.
• IGT (Ignition Trigger) Signal Waveform — expected: A square wave signal when the engine is running, viewable with an oscilloscope. This signal from the ECM commands the coil to fire.. Failure: A missing or erratic waveform points to a wiring issue between the ECM and coil, or a faulty ECM driver.
• IGF (Ignition Confirmation) Signal Waveform — expected: A square wave signal sent from the coil back to the ECM immediately after the IGT signal. This confirms the coil has fired.. Failure: A missing IGF signal, despite a present IGT signal, is the direct trigger for code P0352 and confirms a fault in the coil's internal igniter or the IGF wire.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Toyota Techstream: Active Test: Control the Spark — After a coil swap fails to isolate the problem, this bidirectional command allows a technician to command a spark on a specific cylinder without the engine running. If the coil clicks but there's no spark, it points to the coil itself. If it doesn't click, it suggests a wiring or ECM driver issue for that specific cylinder's IGT signal.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Ignition Coil #2 Connector — On top of the engine, second from the passenger side.. This 4-pin connector is the direct interface for the coil. A poor connection, corrosion, or wire damage here is a primary cause of P0352 if the coil itself is good.
• Ignition Coil #2 Pinout — At the coil connector.. Pin 1: IGF (Ignition Confirmation), Pin 2: IGT (Ignition Trigger), Pin 3: Ground, Pin 4: B+ (12V Power). Knowing the pinout is essential for performing voltage and continuity tests to diagnose a wiring fault.
• ECM Connector A, Pin A12 — At the Engine Control Module (ECM).. This is the origin of the IGT2 (Ignition Trigger for cylinder #2) signal. A continuity test from this pin to Pin 2 of the coil connector can verify the trigger wire's integrity.
• ECM Connector B, Pin B27 — At the Engine Control Module (ECM).. This is the destination for the IGF2 (Ignition Confirmation from cylinder #2) signal. A continuity test from this pin to Pin 1 of the coil connector can verify the feedback wire's integrity.
• Engine Ground Points — Various points on the engine block and cylinder head, typically where a harness is bolted directly to the metal.. The ignition coils share a common ground. While a bad ground would likely cause multiple coil codes (P0351, P0352, etc.), a corroded or loose ground point can sometimes cause intermittent issues on a single cylinder first.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube user comment (Toyota Corolla with P0352) — Persistent P0352 code and misfire on cylinder 2.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replaced ignition coil, Replaced spark plug
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user found a broken wire in the harness leading to the ignition coil connector. After repairing the wire, the code was resolved. This highlights the importance of checking wiring after a coil swap doesn't move the code.
• NHTSA ODI #10393827 — An owner reported an engine coil failure resulting in error code P0352, noting that research suggests this is a common problem with these ignition systems.

When the Usual Fixes Don't Work

• While a bad ignition coil is the cause of P0352 in over 90% of cases, there are documented instances where the coil swap test does not resolve the issue. If the code P0352 returns on cylinder #2 after swapping the coil with cylinder #3 (and P0353 does not appear), the fault is definitively in the circuit, not the coil. Technicians should then immediately proceed to test the connector and wiring harness for cylinder #2. This involves checking for 12V power at pin 4, continuity to ground at pin 3, and continuity of the IGT (pin 2) and IGF (pin 1) wires back to the ECM. A broken wire, corroded pin, or damaged connector is the most likely culprit in this scenario.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 90919-02252 → 90919-02258 — Standard part revision, likely for improved durability, materials, or manufacturing process.
  Heads up: These parts are generally interchangeable, but 90919-02258 is the currently recommended service part.
• 90919-02258 → 90919-A2013 — Further part revision and consolidation.
  Heads up: 90919-A2013 is the latest part number and is backward compatible with the previous versions.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2013-2018: While the 2AR-FE engine was used throughout, some vehicles were built in Japan and others in North America. A YouTube mechanic noted that the ignition coils for Japan-built models (VIN starting with 'J') can be physically different from those for US-built models. Always verify fitment using the VIN.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

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

• Torque Converter Shudder 🔴 High — Common on 2013-2015 models, typically between 25-50 mph under light load, feeling like driving over rumble strips. Can occur at various mileages, but becomes more noticeable over time. (Ref: T-SB-0023-15 (for 2013-2014) and an extended warranty program (POL17-01) addressed this. The fix involves replacing the torque converter and/or reprogramming the ECM.)
• Infotainment System Glitches (Rebooting/Freezing) 🟡 Low — Widespread reports of the Entune infotainment system freezing, becoming unresponsive, or spontaneously rebooting. This can happen intermittently at any time. (Ref: Software updates were released to address some issues. T-TT-0578-19 deals with Bluetooth connectivity problems. In many cases, a hard reset (holding the power button) or checking the radio fuse can temporarily fix it.)
• VVT-i Cam Gear Rattle on Cold Start 🟠 Medium — A brief, 1-2 second rattle or grinding noise upon starting the engine after it has sat for several hours. It's caused by the VVT-i actuator's locking pin not engaging immediately due to oil drain-back. While common across the 2AR-FE engine family, many owners report driving for tens of thousands of miles with the noise without catastrophic failure. (Ref: There was a TSB for the 2011 RAV4, but the issue persists across many model years. The definitive fix is replacing the intake VVT-i cam gear assembly, which is a labor-intensive repair.)
• Soy-Based Wiring Insulation Attracting Rodents 🟡 Low — An industry-wide issue, not specific to just Toyota, where the eco-friendly soy-based wire coating can attract rodents, leading to chewed wires and potential electrical problems. This is situational and depends on where the vehicle is parked.
• Potential for Battery Hold-Down to Cause Short Circuit 🔴 High — A recall was issued because certain replacement 12-volt batteries have a top design that could allow the battery hold-down bracket to contact a terminal and cause a short circuit, increasing fire risk. (Ref: NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V723000)

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: For ignition coils, buying used is generally not recommended. They are wear-and-tear items with a finite lifespan, and a new, quality aftermarket coil is inexpensive. A used coil from a junkyard carries unknown history and could fail soon after installation, wasting time and effort.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 50000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Check for cracks in the plastic housing.
• Inspect the boot for tears, swelling, or signs of oil contamination.
• Ensure the electrical connector pins are clean and free of corrosion.
• Ask for the mileage of the donor vehicle if possible; a low-mileage donor is always preferable.

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

• Engine Control Module (ECM)

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• Denso (often the original OEM supplier)
• NGK
• Delphi

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Unnamed, no-brand 'white box' parts from online marketplaces.
• Some forum users and mechanics have reported poor longevity with store-brand coils or brands like Bosch on Toyota applications.

Real Owner Stories

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

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0353 — This code indicates a fault in Ignition Coil C (Cylinder #3). It often appears during diagnosis if a technician swaps the suspected bad coil from cylinder #2 to cylinder #3 to confirm a failure.
• P0351 — Ignition Coil A (Cylinder #1) circuit malfunction; part of the same coil-on-plug ignition system on the 2AR-FE engine.
• P0354 — Ignition Coil D (Cylinder #4) circuit malfunction; frequently discussed alongside P0352 as these coils are common wear items that often fail around the same mileage.
• P0302 — Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected. This code often accompanies P0352 when a failed coil, fouled spark plug, or damaged wiring prevents proper combustion in that cylinder.

Frequently Asked Questions