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P1384

Moderate

Ignition Coil - Cylinder 6 - Early Activation Fault

What Does P1384 Mean?

The ignition coil for cylinder 6 is firing too early in the combustion cycle. This indicates a timing issue with the coil driver circuit in the PCM or a faulty coil.

Common Causes

35%

Faulty ignition coil #6

Ignition Coil

30%

PCM internal coil driver circuit failure

PCM

20%

Wiring short to voltage in coil control circuit

Wiring Harness
Connectors

10%

Poor ground connection at coil or PCM

Ground Strap
Engine Ground

5%

Damaged coil connector or terminals

Connector
Terminals

Diagnostic Steps

1

Step 1: Swap cylinder 6 coil with another cylinder and monitor if fault code follows the coil

2

Step 2: Inspect wiring harness and connector at coil #6 for damage, corrosion, or shorts

3

Step 3: Use oscilloscope to monitor coil primary trigger signal for early activation or glitches

4

Step 4: Test ground circuits at coil and PCM for proper continuity and resistance

5

Step 5: If all external components test OK, suspect PCM coil driver circuit failure

Estimated Repair Cost

$150 - $1,200

Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P1384 mean?

The ignition coil for cylinder 6 is firing too early in the combustion cycle. This indicates a timing issue with the coil driver circuit in the PCM or a faulty coil.

What causes P1384?

The most common cause of P1384 (Ignition Coil - Cylinder 6 - Early Activation Fault) is: Faulty ignition coil #6

How much does it cost to fix P1384?

Typical repair costs for P1384 range from $150 to $1,200, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.

Is it safe to drive with P1384?

May cause engine misfire, rough running, and potential catalyst damage if driven extensively. Not immediately dangerous but should be repaired promptly.

How do I diagnose P1384?

Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P1384 to identify the root cause.

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Quick Info

Category

Powertrain

System

Ignition System

Difficulty

Moderate

Type

Manufacturer

Recommended Tools

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