What does it mean?
The sixth ignition control channel should only be pulled to ground at the instant a spark is due. P035E is stored when the module measures a voltage below its low threshold at other times, meaning the line is grounded somewhere or the coil's igniter input has shorted internally. To avoid damaging its own output transistor the module usually shuts the channel down, so the coil stops firing altogether and a fixed misfire pattern appears on the affected cylinder. The presence of a current path to the wrong place is what separates this fault from the open circuit version.
Symptoms
- Continuous misfire with a rhythmic shake at idle
- MIL on and flashing when the misfire is heavy
- Loss of power, jerking and hesitation under acceleration
- Difficult starting and an unstable idle
- Unburnt fuel smell and occasional exhaust popping
- Reduced power or limp mode on some vehicles
Likely causes
- Control wire grounded where the insulation has rubbed through
- Internally shorted coil igniter on the sixth channel
- Coolant, oil or water in the coil connector bridging pins
- Harness trapped or pinched after previous work on the intake or engine covers
- Insulation melted by contact with the exhaust manifold or a hot pipe
- Module output driver shorted, confirmed only after the external circuit has been cleared
How to fix it
- Confirm the affected cylinder from the misfire counters
- Unplug the coil and re-check the voltage at the module connector to separate the coil from the harness
- Measure resistance between the control wire and ground with both ends disconnected
- Inspect the loom along its route, especially clips, brackets and heat exposed sections
- Check the plug well and connector for oil and coolant contamination
- Fit a known good coil temporarily and see whether the fault follows the part
- Repair the short with a properly insulated joint, clear the code and re-check under load