Code
P1338
DS
P — Powertrain
Cylinder 2 ignition fail malfunction
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EN: 6
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AI status
Completed
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Causes
- Faulty ignition coil (coil pack or coil-on-plug) on cylinder 2
- Worn, fouled, or incorrectly gapped spark plug in cylinder 2
- Open/shorted wiring or poor connector at coil or spark plug
- Faulty fuel injector or injector wiring for cylinder 2
- Low compression or mechanical problem in cylinder 2
- Engine control module (ECM) or ignition driver fault
Symptoms
- Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated
- Noticeable rough idle or vibration
- Loss of power, hesitation, or reduced acceleration
- Increased fuel consumption and higher emissions
- Possible audible backfire or popping from intake/exhaust
- Driveability problems that may be intermittent
What to check
- Read stored and pending codes plus freeze-frame data with a scan tool
- Monitor live data: misfire counters, cylinder contribution, fuel trims, and RPM
- Visually inspect coil, plug, and wiring for damage, corrosion, or loose connectors
- Swap coil from cylinder 2 with another cylinder and see if code follows
- Measure ignition coil primary and secondary resistance per service specs
- Check spark plug condition and gap; replace if fouled or worn
Signal parameters
- Coil primary resistance (typical): ~0.5–2.0 Ω (vehicle-specific; consult service manual)
- Coil secondary resistance (typical): ~5–20 kΩ (varies by coil design)
- Injector resistance (typical): ~1.5–16 Ω (type-dependent)
- Injector pulse width at idle: ~2–4 ms (depends on engine and idle conditions)
- Misfire count for cylinder 2: should be 0 when healthy
- Crank/cam sensor sync: stable square wave or OEM-specified signal present
Diagnostic algorithm
- Connect a capable scan tool; read DTCs, freeze-frame, and live data (misfire counters, cylinder contribution, fuel trim).
- Inspect visually: coil-on-plug/coil pack, plug well, spark plug condition, and all related wiring/connectors for damage, oil, or corrosion.
- Swap the ignition coil (or coil pack lead) from cylinder 2 with a known-good cylinder. Clear codes and test drive or crank to see if the fault follows the coil.
- Replace or inspect the spark plug on cylinder 2. If plug is fouled/damaged, replace and retest.
- Measure coil primary and secondary resistance against manufacturer specs; verify proper primary voltage and signal with an oscilloscope or DVOM while cranking.
- Verify injector operation: check resistance, activate injector with a lab scope or scan-tool command, and perform a balance/flow test if available.
- Perform a compression or leak-down test on cylinder 2 to rule out mechanical causes.
- Check for vacuum leaks, fuel pressure issues, or intake leaks that could cause a lean misfire.
- Inspect charging system and engine grounds; verify stable voltage under load.
- If electrical components and mechanical condition are good, check for ECU/ignition driver faults and consult manufacturer technical service bulletins before replacing the PCM.
- After repairs, clear codes and perform a road/test cycle to confirm the fault is resolved and no new codes appear.
Likely causes
- Failed ignition coil on cylinder 2 (most common)
- Damaged or fouled spark plug in cylinder 2
- Corroded/loose connector or wiring to the coil or injector
- Injector not pulsing or partially clogged
- Low cylinder compression (valve, piston, or head gasket issue)
- Faulty ignition control circuit in the ECM or ignition module
Fault status
Status
Cylinder 2 ignition failure detected — ignition circuit or combustion problem on cylinder 2. MIL illuminated.
Repair difficulty: Medium
Diagnostic time: 1.0-3.0 hours
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