P0354 on 2011-2020 Toyota Sienna: Ignition Coil 'D' Circuit Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2011-2020 Toyota Sienna

On the Sienna's 2GR-FE V6 engine, the cylinders are divided into two banks. The rear bank (cylinders 1, 3, 5), against the firewall, is notoriously difficult to access, requiring removal of the upper intake manifold. However, cylinder #4 is located in the front bank (cylinders 2, 4, 6), which is right at the front of the engine bay and fully exposed. This makes diagnosing and replacing the coil for P0354 a surprisingly simple job compared to the same fault on the rear cylinders (P0351, P0353, P0355).

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on solid
• Flashing Check Engine Light if the misfire is severe
• VSC and/or TRAC OFF lights may also illuminate on the dashboard
• Rough, shaking, or vibrating idle
• Engine hesitation or stumbling during acceleration
• Noticeable loss of engine power
• Audible popping or sputtering from the engine bay or exhaust

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Ignition Coil on Cylinder #4 🔴 High Probability → Shop Ignition Coil Ignition coils are a common wear item on all modern engines. While the 2GR-FE coils are generally reliable, they fail from age and millions of heat cycles. Toyota issued a TSB (T-SB-0077-11) for some 2GR-FE vehicles regarding MIL ON with P035x codes, indicating it's a known issue.
   How to confirm: Swap the ignition coil from cylinder #4 (front bank, middle) with the coil from cylinder #2 (front bank, passenger side) or #6 (front bank, driver side). Clear the codes. If the code returns as P0352 or P0356 respectively, the coil is faulty. This is the most definitive and cost-free diagnostic step.
   Typical fix: Replace the ignition coil for cylinder #4. It is held in by a single 10mm bolt. 🎬 See this walkthrough for replacing the Sienna's ignition coils.
   Est. part cost: $50-$100
2. Worn or Fouled Spark Plug in Cylinder #4 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Spark Plug A spark plug with an excessive gap from wear forces the ignition coil to generate a higher voltage to jump the gap, increasing stress and heat on the coil, which can lead to premature failure. It's common for a bad plug to be the root cause or a contributing factor.
   How to confirm: After removing the ignition coil, remove the spark plug (requires a 5/8" spark plug socket). Inspect it for heavy carbon buildup, oil fouling, or a visibly worn-down electrode. The center electrode should be sharp, not rounded.
   Typical fix: Replace the spark plug. It is highly recommended to replace the spark plug anytime you replace an ignition coil.
   Est. part cost: $10-$25
3. Damaged Wiring or Connector ⚪ Low Probability The plastic locking tabs on the coil connectors can become brittle with age and break, leading to a loose connection that vibrates with the engine. Rodents are also known to chew on the soy-based wiring harnesses used in many modern vehicles, causing an open or short in the circuit. In some cases, a dealer may suggest a full engine wire harness replacement for a P0354 code, as noted in NHTSA ODI #11052055 regarding a similar Toyota model.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness and the connector going to the cylinder #4 ignition coil. Look for any signs of frayed wires, chew marks, or corrosion on the pins. Gently wiggle the connector with the engine running to see if it induces a misfire or causes the engine note to change.
   Typical fix: If the connector is broken, it can be replaced with a new pigtail (e.g., part number 90980-11885). Damaged wires can be repaired with solder and heat shrink tubing.
   Est. part cost: $15-$40

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM): → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) This is very uncommon. Before condemning the ECM, you must exhaustively rule out the coil, spark plug, and wiring. An ECM fault would typically be diagnosed by a professional using an oscilloscope to check the driver signal (IGT) to the coil and look for a missing confirmation signal (IGF).

Diagnosis Steps

1. Confirm the code P0354 is present using an OBD-II scanner. Note any other codes, especially P0304.
2. Open the hood and remove the plastic engine cover by pulling it straight up.
3. Locate the front bank of cylinders. From the passenger side to the driver side, they are cylinders 2, 4, and 6. Cylinder 4 is the one in the middle.
4. Carefully inspect the electrical connector and wiring going to the #4 ignition coil for any visible damage, such as cracks, fraying, or rodent chew marks.
5. Perform the 'Coil Swap Test': Disconnect the electrical connectors from coil #4 and coil #2 (the one closest to the passenger side).
6. Use a 10mm socket to remove the single bolt holding each coil in place.
7. Pull both coils straight out. You may need to gently twist them to break the seal. Swap their positions: install the coil that was in cylinder #4 into cylinder #2, and the coil from #2 into cylinder #4. Reinstall the bolts and reconnect the electrical connectors.
8. Clear the trouble codes with your scanner.
9. Start the engine and let it run for a minute or take a short drive. Re-scan for codes.
10. If code P0352 appears, the ignition coil you moved is bad and needs to be replaced.
11. If code P0354 reappears, the coil is good, and the problem is in the wiring or, rarely, the ECM.
12. If the coil was the problem, it's best practice to also replace the spark plug in cylinder #4 while you have everything apart.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Ignition Coil (OEM #90919-A2007 (may be superseded by 90919-A2013)) — This is the most frequent point of failure for a P0354 code.
  Trusted brands: Denso (OEM supplier), NGK, Genuine Toyota
  OEM price range: $90-$120
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$75 (Denso 673-1309)
• Iridium Spark Plug (OEM #Denso FK20HR11) — It is best practice to replace the spark plug when replacing a coil, as a worn plug can cause the new coil to fail prematurely.
  Trusted brands: Denso (OEM), NGK
  OEM price range: $15-$25
  Aftermarket price range: $10-$18
• Ignition Coil Connector Pigtail (OEM #90980-11885) — Needed if the locking tab on the original connector is broken or if the wiring is damaged near the connector.
  Trusted brands: Dorman, Standard Motor Products, Genuine Toyota
  OEM price range: $25-$40
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$25

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0304 — P0304 means 'Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected'. The P0354 circuit fault directly prevents the coil from firing the spark plug, which causes the misfire. P0354 is the cause, and P0304 is the effect.
🎬 Watch: How to diagnose and fix a cylinder 4 misfire.
• P0300 — This code for 'Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire' might appear if the coil is failing intermittently before the ECM isolates the fault to a single cylinder.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• T-SB-0077-11: Some 2GR-FE equipped vehicles may exhibit a MIL ON condition with DTCs P0351 – P0356. This TSB acknowledges the fault and provides diagnostic procedures.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• source — A user on SiennaChat.com with a 2011 Sienna experienced a P0354 code along with P0304. They followed the standard advice, swapped the coil from cylinder 4 to 2, and the code followed (P0352). Replacing the single ignition coil (Denso 673-1309) and the spark plug resolved the issue completely. This confirms the diagnostic process and the accessibility of cylinder 4.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Ignition Coil Primary Resistance — expected: 0.5 Ω ± 0.1 Ω. Failure: A reading significantly outside this range, especially an open circuit (infinite resistance), indicates a failed coil.
• Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance — expected: ~12 kΩ. Failure: A reading far from this value suggests an internal break in the secondary winding.
• Ignition Coil Connector Pin 1 (+B) — expected: Battery Voltage (~12.6V with key on, ~14V with engine running). Failure: Low or no voltage indicates a problem with the power supply circuit, not the coil itself.
• Ignition Coil Connector Pin 4 (Ground) — expected: Near 0V with good continuity to chassis ground.. Failure: Voltage present on this pin or high resistance to ground indicates a bad ground connection, which can cause erratic coil operation.
• Ignition Coil Connector Pin 2 (IGT - Trigger) — expected: Pulsing square wave signal (requires oscilloscope). Voltage will fluctuate rapidly when the engine is cranking or running.. Failure: No signal from the ECM indicates a wiring or ECM driver issue.
• Ignition Coil Connector Pin 3 (IGF - Confirmation) — expected: Pulsing square wave signal sent from the coil back to the ECM (requires oscilloscope).. Failure: No signal despite a present IGT signal strongly suggests a faulty igniter within the coil assembly.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• Mode $06, Test ID $53: Mode $06 provides access to non-continuous monitor test results. For many manufacturers, Test ID (TID) $53 tracks the misfire count per cylinder for the last/current driving cycle. The Component ID (CID) will correspond to the cylinder number (e.g., CID $04 for cylinder 4). (see via A professional scan tool with Mode $06 capability. This can reveal incipient misfires on a cylinder before the count is high enough to set a P030x trouble code.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Toyota Techstream: Active Test -> Control the Injection/Ignition -> Select Cylinder — This bidirectional command allows a technician to manually command a specific ignition coil to fire. If the coil fires during the active test, it confirms the wiring and the ECM driver circuit are functional, pointing towards an intermittent coil failure or an issue with the crankshaft position sensor signal under normal operation.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Ignition Coil Connector (90980-11885) — Directly on top of each ignition coil.. This 4-pin connector provides power, ground, and communication (IGT/IGF) to the coil. The plastic locking tab can become brittle and break, causing a poor connection that sets a P0354. The pins are: Pin 1 (Power), Pin 2 (IGT), Pin 3 (IGF), Pin 4 (Ground).
• Engine Ground Strap — Typically a braided metal strap connecting the engine block (often near the alternator or a lift point) to the chassis/firewall.. A corroded or loose main engine ground can cause a host of intermittent electrical problems, including weak spark or erratic ignition coil behavior that may trigger a P035x code. While not a direct cause, it can create phantom issues that are hard to diagnose.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Reddit r/askcarguys (2009 Toyota Sienna) — Car began to shake at a red light, RPMs dropped to 500, and Check Engine, VSC, and TRAC OFF lights illuminated. Scanned code P0354.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The owner discovered a wire on the cylinder 4 ignition coil connector had its insulation chewed through, exposing the copper wire. The suspected cause was rodent damage or rubbing. The fix was to replace the connector pigtail.
• NHTSA ODI #10969044 — An owner of a similar Toyota model reported that ignition coils had failed multiple times; specifically, engine code P0354 was thrown and the coil on cylinder 4 was replaced, followed by a P0356 code for cylinder 6 later on.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 90919-A2002 → 90919-A2004, then 90919-A2007, then 90919-A2013 — Standard part evolution for improved reliability, material changes, or manufacturing process updates.
  Heads up: All listed part numbers are generally interchangeable for the 2GR-FE engine. However, it is always best to use the latest available revision (90919-A2013) when replacing.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2017-2020: For the 2017 model year, Toyota replaced the 2GR-FE engine with the 2GR-FKS. While architecturally similar, the 2GR-FKS features D4-S direct and port injection and is paired with an 8-speed transmission instead of the 6-speed. Although the P0354 code is still relevant, ignition coils and other engine management components may have different part numbers and diagnostic procedures. This guide primarily focuses on the 2011-2016 2GR-FE models.

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 — Common on earlier 2GR-FE engines (approx. 2005-2010). Less common on the 2011+ Sienna but worth inspecting, as a failure leads to rapid oil loss and catastrophic engine damage. Toyota issued a Limited Service Campaign (LSC) for this. (Ref: LSC (Not a full recall))
• Power Sliding Door Cable Failure 🟠 Medium — Very common across the 3rd generation. The steel cable inside the door mechanism frays and eventually snaps, making the power sliding function inoperative. (Ref: T-SB-0141-18)
• Torque Converter Shudder/Vibration 🟠 Medium — Some owners report a shudder or vibration under light acceleration between 25-50 mph. This can be caused by issues with the torque converter lock-up clutch. A software update for the ECM/TCM often resolves it. (Ref: T-SB-0070-20)
• Carbon Buildup on Throttle Body 🟡 Low — Over time, carbon can accumulate on the throttle plate, causing a slightly rough idle or hesitation. This is a maintenance item and can be cleaned.
• Front Door Glass Run Channel Comes Loose 🟡 Low — The rubber channel that guides the front door windows can become loose, causing the window to operate poorly or get stuck. (Ref: T-SB-0004-21)

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: A used ignition coil connector pigtail (part # 90980-11885) from a junkyard is a perfectly acceptable and cost-effective solution if your original connector's locking tab is broken or the wiring is damaged near the plug. The connector itself is a simple plastic and metal component that does not wear out electronically.

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

What to inspect on the donor part:

• For a connector pigtail, ensure the plastic is not brittle or cracked.
• Check that the locking tab is intact and functional.
• Ensure you get at least 4-6 inches of wire attached to make splicing easy.
• Avoid connectors from engine bays that show signs of extreme heat (discoloration) or rodent infestation.

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

• Ignition Coil: While not strictly 'OEM-only', using the OEM supplier (Denso) is highly recommended. Many forum users and professional mechanics report premature failure from no-name or budget aftermarket coils. Counterfeit Denso coils are also common on auction sites, so purchase from a reputable auto parts store.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• Denso (OEM supplier for the ignition coil)
• NGK (A reliable alternative for ignition coils and spark plugs)

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Unbranded or 'white-box' ignition coils from online marketplaces. Users report high failure rates, sometimes within months of installation.

Real Owner Stories

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

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0304 — Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected — often appears alongside P0354 when the ignition coil or spark plug fails to ignite the fuel mixture in that specific cylinder.
• P0351 — Ignition Coil 'A' Primary/Secondary Circuit — related code for cylinder #1, part of the same T-SB-0077-11 diagnostic group for the 2GR-FE engine.
• P0352 — Ignition Coil 'B' Primary/Secondary Circuit — the code that will appear if you swap a faulty cylinder #4 coil into cylinder #2 during diagnostics.
• P0356 — Ignition Coil 'F' Primary/Secondary Circuit — the code that will appear if you swap a faulty cylinder #4 coil into cylinder #6 during diagnostics.
• P0353 — Ignition Coil 'C' Primary/Secondary Circuit — part of the P035x series of ignition circuit faults covered under Toyota TSBs for this engine.
• P0355 — Ignition Coil 'E' Primary/Secondary Circuit — part of the P035x series of ignition circuit faults covered under Toyota TSBs for this engine.

Frequently Asked Questions