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Ignition D Control Signal Circuit Low

Jump to the fix

Severity

High

Can I keep driving?

Avoid extended driving; visit a service soon.

First step

Confirm the affected cylinder from the misfire counters and freeze frame data

  • PPowertrain
  • 0Generic code
  • 3Ignition / Misfire
  • 1ESequence number

What does it mean?

The D ignition control line should only be pulled down at the instant a spark is required. P031E is stored when the module measures a voltage below its low threshold outside that window, which indicates the line is being grounded somewhere or that the igniter input it feeds has shorted internally. Once the module confirms the condition it usually switches the channel off to protect its own driver stage, so the coil stops firing and a permanent misfire appears on the cylinder that channel serves. The current is going somewhere it should not, which is the key difference from the open circuit version of this fault.

Symptoms

  • Permanent misfire with the engine shaking noticeably at idle
  • MIL on and flashing when the misfire is heavy
  • Jerking and lack of power under acceleration
  • Hard starting and a hunting idle speed
  • Smell of unburnt fuel and occasional exhaust popping
  • Limp mode with reduced power on some vehicles

Likely causes

  • Control wire shorted to ground where the insulation has worn away
  • Internally shorted coil igniter or ignition module input on the fourth channel
  • Water, coolant or oil in the connector bridging the control pin to ground
  • Harness pinched under a clip, bracket or engine cover
  • Insulation melted where the loom runs close to the exhaust or turbocharger
  • Shorted module output driver, confirmed only after the external circuit has been cleared

How to fix it

  1. Confirm the affected cylinder from the misfire counters and freeze frame data
  2. Unplug the coil or ignition module and re-check the voltage at the module side to separate the component from the wiring
  3. Measure resistance from the control wire to ground with both ends disconnected
  4. Trace the harness along its route and inspect clips, brackets and heat exposed sections
  5. Check the plug well and connector for oil or coolant and renew the tube seal if needed
  6. Substitute a known good coil to see whether the fault follows the part
  7. Repair the short properly, clear the code and confirm the misfire counters remain clear on a road test

Codes From the Same System

All Fault Codes

Related Similar Codes

This information follows the generic OBD-II definition and does not replace a vehicle-specific diagnosis. The severity rating is rule-based; an authorised diagnostic reading is required for a definitive answer.