P0355 on 2005-2013 Chevrolet Corvette: Ignition Coil 'E' (Cylinder 5) Circuit Fixes

What's Unique About the 2005-2013 Chevrolet Corvette

The 2005-2013 (C6) Corvette uses the highly reliable LS-family of V8 engines (LS2, LS3, LS7). These engines feature a robust coil-on-plug ignition system, where each cylinder has its own dedicated coil mounted on the valve cover. While generally durable, heat and age can cause individual coils or the short spark plug wires to fail. The diagnostic process is straightforward due to the easy accessibility of these components. A specific issue to be aware of is the main coil pack ground wire, located on the back of the driver's side cylinder head, which can sometimes become loose or frayed, potentially causing multiple ignition codes.

Generation note: This guide covers the entire C6 generation of the Chevrolet Corvette (2005-2013). This includes models with the LS2 (2005-2007), LS3 (2008-2013), and LS7 (2006-2013 Z06) engines. The ignition system design and diagnostic procedure for this code are identical across these engines, as they use very similar, and often interchangeable, ignition coils.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Rough idle or engine shaking
• Noticeable loss of engine power and hesitation during acceleration
• Solid or flashing Check Engine Light
• Audible backfire or popping from the exhaust
• Engine stumbling or stalling
• Smell of unburned fuel from the exhaust

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Ignition Coil (Cylinder #5) 🔴 High Probability → Shop Ignition Coil Ignition coils are wear items that operate in a high-heat environment. Over time, the internal windings can break down from heat cycles and vibration, leading to failure. This is the most common cause for a P035x code.
   How to confirm: Swap the ignition coil from cylinder #5 with another cylinder on the same bank (e.g., #3 or #7). Clear the codes and run the engine. If the code changes to P0353 or P0357 respectively, the coil is confirmed bad. This is the most definitive DIY test.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty ignition coil. It is often recommended to apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the inside of the new coil's boot to seal it from moisture and aid future removal.
   Est. part cost: $40-$80
2. Damaged Spark Plug Wire (Cylinder #5) 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Spark Plug The spark plug wires on LS engines are short, but they are still subject to intense heat degradation from the exhaust manifolds. This can cause them to become brittle, increase internal resistance, or for the boots to fit loosely, causing a poor connection.
   How to confirm: After confirming the coil is good, swap the spark plug wire from cylinder #5 with another cylinder. If the misfire code follows the wire, the wire is faulty. Visually inspect for any cracks, burns, or loose-fitting boots. A loose boot at the coil or plug is a common finding.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty spark plug wire. It's good practice to replace them as a set if they are original or very old, as others are likely near failure.
   Est. part cost: $5-$15 for a single wire, $45-$80 for a full set.
3. Worn or Fouled Spark Plug (Cylinder #5) ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Spark Plug While a bad spark plug typically sets a misfire code (P0305) rather than a circuit code (P0355), a severely worn, damaged, or oil-fouled plug can increase the resistance in the secondary ignition circuit, potentially stressing the coil and contributing to a circuit fault. A cracked porcelain insulator is a known, though less common, cause.
   How to confirm: Remove and inspect the spark plug from cylinder #5. Look for a cracked porcelain insulator, excessive wear on the electrode, or heavy fouling from oil or carbon.
   Typical fix: Replace the spark plug. If one is worn, it's best to replace all 8 to maintain consistent performance and engine balance.
   Est. part cost: $8-$15 per plug
4. Damaged Wiring or Connector ⚪ Low Probability
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness connector at the #5 ignition coil. Look for pushed-out pins, corrosion, or broken/chafed wires. On LS engines, the harness can sometimes rub against the fuel rail or the back of the cylinder head. A user on Reddit with a similar LS engine fixed their P0355 by replacing a bad coil wiring harness. Use a multimeter to verify 12v power (pink wire), good ground, and the control signal from the PCM at the connector.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the wiring harness or replace the connector pigtail. GM part number for the pigtail lead is 88987184.
   Est. part cost: $15-$30 for a new pigtail connector.

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM): → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) This is extremely rare. The internal driver circuit for the #5 coil within the PCM can fail. This should only be considered after all other possibilities (coil, plug, wire, and harness) have been definitively ruled out.
• Loose or Corroded Coil Pack Ground: → Shop Ignition Coil A single P0355 is unlikely to be the ground, but if you see multiple codes for one bank (e.g., P0351, P0353, P0355, P0357), the common ground for that bank of coils is a primary suspect. On the C6, these grounds are located on the rear of each cylinder head. A user on CorvetteForum found this to be the cause after a new motor install.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

Manufacturer records for related GM platforms highlight that P0355 can often appear as part of a larger electrical fault. A manufacturer service bulletin, TSB Bulletin #PIP5038B, notes that technicians may find P0355 alongside a range of misfire and coil circuit codes (P0300-P0306 and P0351-P0356), leading to a Malfunction Indicator Lamp. Furthermore, TSB Bulletin #PIT5677 and TSB Bulletin #PIT5677E describe scenarios where P0355 is found in various combinations with other electrical and sensor codes, indicating that complex wiring or communication issues can sometimes trigger this specific ignition circuit fault.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the trouble codes with an OBD-II scanner to confirm P0355 and any other related codes like P0305.
2. Locate cylinder #5. On Chevrolet V8s, cylinders are numbered 1-3-5-7 on the driver's side (front to back) and 2-4-6-8 on the passenger side. Cylinder #5 is the third cylinder back on the driver's side.
3. Swap the ignition coil from cylinder #5 with the coil from cylinder #3 (an easily accessible coil on the same bank). Clear the codes, start the engine, and let it idle or drive it briefly.
4. Re-scan for codes. If the code is now P0353 ('Ignition Coil C...'), the ignition coil you moved is faulty and needs to be replaced. This is the most common outcome.
5. If the code remains P0355, the coil is likely good. The next step is to test the spark plug wire. Swap the wire from cylinder #5 with the wire from cylinder #3. Clear codes and re-test. If the code moves to P0353, the wire is bad.
6. If the code still remains P0355, inspect the spark plug in cylinder #5 for damage, wear, or fouling. Replace if necessary.
7. If the coil, wire, and plug are all confirmed to be good, carefully inspect the wiring harness and connector for the #5 coil. Pay close attention to where the harness runs near the back of the cylinder head and fuel rail for any signs of chafing or melting. Check for loose pins, corrosion, or physical damage to the wires.
8. If multiple ignition codes are present for one bank (e.g., P0351, P0353, P0355, P0357), inspect the main ground wire for the coil packs, located on the rear of the driver's side cylinder head.
9. If all components and wiring appear to be in good condition, the final, least likely possibility is a fault within the PCM. This step typically requires advanced diagnostics by a professional technician.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Ignition Coil (OEM #12611424 (supersedes 12570616)) — This is the most frequent cause of a P0355 code due to heat and electrical stress over time. The original square-style coil, marked 12570616, was superseded by part number 12611424.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco (OEM), Delphi, NGK
  OEM price range: $60-$90
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$75
• Spark Plug Wire Set (OEM #9748RR (ACDelco Professional)) — The second most likely cause, as heat can degrade the wire's insulation and conductor, or cause the boot to fit loosely.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, NGK, MSD
  OEM price range: $60-$80
  Aftermarket price range: $45-$70
• Iridium Spark Plug (OEM #41-110 (ACDelco Professional Iridium)) — A less common cause for this specific code, but a worn or damaged spark plug can contribute to ignition system faults and should be inspected.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, NGK
  OEM price range: $10-$15
  Aftermarket price range: $8-$12
• Ignition Coil Connector Pigtail (OEM #88987184) — If the connector itself is damaged (broken clip, corroded pins, melted plastic), replacing the pigtail is the proper repair.
  Trusted brands: ACDelco, Dorman
  OEM price range: $25-$40
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$30

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0305 — P0305 means 'Cylinder 5 Misfire Detected.' Since P0355 indicates a fault in the ignition circuit for cylinder 5, a misfire is the direct result. You will almost always see P0305 alongside P0355.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• source — A user on CorvetteForum with a 92k mile 2005 LS2 experienced an intermittent P0305 misfire that got worse when the engine was warm. After new plugs and wires didn't fix it, they swapped the #5 and #3 ignition coils. The misfire followed the coil, confirming the coil was the culprit. Replacing the single bad coil resolved the issue completely. This highlights the effectiveness of the coil swap diagnostic method.
• source — In a thread on CorvetteForum, a user experienced codes for all eight ignition coils (P0351-P0358) simultaneously after a new motor installation. The cause was a faulty ground wire for the coil packs on the back of the cylinder head. While a single P0355 is unlikely to be this ground, it's a critical check if multiple coil codes appear together.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Ignition Coil Primary Winding Resistance — expected: 0.4 to 1.5 Ohms. Failure: A reading of 'OL' (Open Line) indicates a broken internal winding. A reading significantly outside the expected range suggests an internal fault.
• Ignition Coil Secondary Winding Resistance — expected: 5,000 to 15,000 Ohms (5k-15k Ω). Failure: A reading of 'OL' or a value far outside this range indicates the coil has failed.
• Voltage at Coil Connector Power Pin (Pink wire) — expected: 12V+ with Key On, Engine Off (KOEO). Failure: A reading of 0V indicates a problem with the power supply circuit, such as a blown fuse or a break in the wire.
• Continuity of Coil Harness Ground (Black wire) — expected: Less than 5 Ohms to chassis ground. Failure: A high resistance or 'OL' reading indicates a poor ground connection, which will prevent the coil from functioning.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• GM Tech2 / GDS2 or equivalent professional scanner: Ignition System Test / Spark Control — After verifying the coil, plug, and wire are good by swapping them, a bidirectional scan tool can be used to command a spark on cylinder #5. If the tool can command a spark on other cylinders but not #5, it points towards a wiring issue between the PCM and coil, or a faulty PCM driver. This test isolates the command side of the circuit from the components.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• G107 — On the rear face of the driver's side (left) cylinder head.. This is the primary ground point for the ignition coil harnesses for both banks of the engine. A loose, corroded, or broken connection at G107 can cause intermittent or persistent ignition codes, misfires, or a no-spark condition on one or more cylinders. It is often comprised of two black wires with a white stripe.
• Cylinder 5 Ignition Coil Connector (4-pin) — On the ignition coil for the third cylinder back on the driver's side.. This connector provides power, ground, and the trigger signal to the coil. Knowing the pinout is critical for testing. Pin A: Ignition Control (IC) Signal from PCM (unique color). Pin B: Low Reference (Brown). Pin C: Ground (Black). Pin D: Ignition Voltage (Pink).
• Powertrain Control Module (PCM) — Located in the engine compartment, in the front passenger side wheel well area, typically behind the fender liner.. The PCM is the source of the ignition control signal. If all wiring and components test good, a continuity test must be performed between the IC signal pin at the coil connector and the corresponding pin at the PCM connector to rule out a break in the harness.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• CorvetteForum user gdmoore01 (C6 Corvette) — Car shut off while driving, cranks but no start, no spark at the plugs, no codes being thrown.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replaced MAF sensor, Replaced Crank Position Sensor, Replaced Cam Position Sensor, Replaced battery and terminal, Replaced starter
  ✅ What actually fixed it Found a loose ground wire hanging near the driver's side header. Identified it as G107, which is the ground for the coil packs. Reattaching the ground wire to the back of the engine block with a 10mm bolt immediately solved the problem and the car started.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 12570616 → 12611424 (also known as ACDelco D510C) — Standard part update/revision by GM.
  Heads up: There are no known incompatibilities; the parts are direct replacements. However, be extremely cautious of counterfeit parts from non-reputable online sellers. A CorvetteForum user noted that genuine ACDelco coils had white potting material on the back, while suspected counterfeit coils from eBay had black potting.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2005-2013: While the C6 generation used different V8 engines (LS2, LS3, LS7), they all utilize the same family of 'square' style coil-on-plug ignition coils for this code. The diagnosis and common failure points for P0355 are identical across all engines in this generation. The same part number, 12611424, is specified for all models from 2005 through 2013.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

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

• Harmonic Balancer Wobble 🔴 High — Very common across all C6 years, but especially noted on LS2/LS3. The rubber bonding in the balancer fails, causing the outer ring to wobble. Can occur at any mileage, often noticed by a 'chirping' sound. (Ref: TSB 05-06-01-001A (for early 2005 bolt issue), but the more common rubber failure is not covered by a specific TSB.)
• LS7 Valve Guide Wear (Z06 Only) 🔴 High — A significant issue for 2006-2013 Z06 models with the 7.0L LS7 engine. Caused by a factory machining error leading to excessive wear, potentially dropping a valve and causing catastrophic engine failure. Onset can be as early as 10,000-20,000 miles. (Ref: GM Bulletin 13-06-01-001A acknowledges the concern but frames it as rare; however, it is a widely documented problem in the owner community.)
• Fuel Level Sending Unit Failure 🟠 Medium — Common issue where the fuel gauge reads empty or inaccurately, often after a fill-up. Caused by sulfur deposits on the sender contacts. Affects all years, particularly in areas with certain fuel additives. (Ref: Multiple TSBs exist, including 08-06-04-022, and GM has had customer satisfaction programs to address it.)
• Delaminating/Flying Roof Panel 🔴 High — Primarily affects early models (2005-2007). The adhesive bonding the roof panel to the frame fails, causing noises, leaks, or in the worst case, the panel detaching at speed. (Ref: Subject of several recalls and special coverage adjustments by GM to replace the roof panel with an improved design.)
• Faulty Steering Wheel Position Sensor / Active Handling errors 🟠 Medium — Common on earlier C6 models (approx. 2005-2008). A faulty steering wheel position sensor or its wiring can cause erroneous 'Service Active Handling' messages on the dash, sometimes causing the system to apply a brake inappropriately. (Ref: TSB 06-02-35-002B addresses this issue.)

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: For this repair, used parts are generally not recommended for the ignition coil itself, as it is a primary wear item. However, obtaining a used coil bracket or a used coil wiring harness from a low-mileage, accident-damaged vehicle can be a cost-effective and reliable choice if those specific components are damaged on your vehicle.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 70000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• For a wiring harness, inspect for any signs of cracking, brittleness, or previous repairs (e.g., mismatched tape, splices).
• Ensure all connector clips are intact and not broken.
• Check for corrosion on the connector pins.
• Avoid parts from vehicles with signs of flood or fire damage.

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

• While not strictly 'OEM-only', it is highly recommended to use either genuine ACDelco ignition coils or a top-tier aftermarket brand like Delphi or NGK. Avoid generic, unbranded parts.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• ACDelco (OEM)
• Delphi
• NGK

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Unbranded ignition coils from online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon should be avoided. Forum users have reported receiving counterfeit parts that fail prematurely or are dead on arrival.

Real Owner Stories

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

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0305 — Cylinder 5 Misfire Detected — frequently accompanies P0355 when the ignition circuit fault prevents the spark plug from firing.
• P0353 — Ignition Coil C Primary/Secondary Circuit — this code often appears during the diagnostic process if the faulty coil from cylinder #5 is swapped to cylinder #3.
• P0351 — Ignition Coil A Primary/Secondary Circuit — may appear alongside P0355 if there is a shared ground fault on the driver's side cylinder head.
• P0357 — Ignition Coil G Primary/Secondary Circuit — another driver's side coil code that may appear with P0355 if the main coil pack ground wire is loose or corroded.

Frequently Asked Questions