BMW DTC P0361 – Ignition Coil ‘K’ Primary Control Circuit/Open
DTC P0361 meaning on BMW
DTC P0361 for BMW indicates a fault in the ignition coil ‘K’ primary control circuit, specifically an open circuit. This means that there is a break or discontinuity in the wiring or components associated with the ignition coil ‘K’, leading to a loss of electrical connection or signal.
BMW DTC P0361 symptoms
Symptoms of DTC P0361 on a BMW may include engine misfires, rough idling, loss of power, hesitation during acceleration, and in some cases, the Check Engine Light may illuminate on the dashboard.
BMW DTC P0361 causes
The common causes of DTC P0361 on a BMW include a faulty ignition coil ‘K’, damaged wiring or connectors in the primary control circuit, or issues with the Engine Control Module (ECM).
BMW DTC P0361 seriousness
Ignoring DTC P0361 on a BMW can lead to poor engine performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and potential damage to other engine components over time. It is recommended to address this issue promptly to prevent further complications.
How to diagnose DTC P0361 on BMW
To diagnose DTC P0361 on a BMW, a mechanic would typically perform a visual inspection of the ignition coil ‘K’, check the wiring and connectors for any visible damage, and use a diagnostic scanner to retrieve the fault codes stored in the ECM. Additionally, testing the continuity of the primary control circuit with a multimeter can help pinpoint the issue.
How to fix DTC P0361 on BMW
Fixing DTC P0361 on a BMW involves replacing the faulty ignition coil ‘K’ if it is determined to be the cause of the issue. Repairing or replacing any damaged wiring or connectors in the primary control circuit is also necessary. Once the repairs are completed, clearing the fault codes and performing a test drive to ensure the issue is resolved is recommended.
How to erase DTC P0361 on BMW
To erase DTC P0361 on a BMW, a diagnostic scanner can be used to clear the fault codes stored in the ECM. After the codes are cleared, it is advisable to perform a final check to ensure that the issue has been successfully resolved and that the Check Engine Light is no longer illuminated.
Recommended tools & DTC Scanners for BMW
Best Diagnostic App for modern BMWs: BimmerLink
Recommended Bluetooth adapter for Bimmerlink: OBDLink CX
Cable adapter for Bimmerlink: Enet Cable USB Type C
For older BMWs we recommend: Autel AutoLink AL319 (2024 version)
Easy-to-use Multimeter for reliable diagnostics: AstroAI Auto-ranging Multimeter
Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase. This helps us keep our DTC database up to date and provide valuable content for free. We only recommend products that we have tested and believe to be the best in their class.