What does it mean?
The eighth ignition control channel should only be pulled to ground at the moment a spark is required. P036E is stored when the module measures a voltage below its low threshold outside that window, meaning the line is grounded somewhere or the coil igniter input has shorted internally. Once the fault is confirmed the module usually disables the channel to protect its driver, so the coil stops firing and a fixed misfire appears on the cylinder it serves. Vibration and heat at this rear coil position make a chafed, grounded control wire one of the more likely findings.
Symptoms
- Constant misfire with a rhythmic shake at idle
- MIL on and flashing when the misfire is severe
- Jerking, hesitation and loss of power under acceleration
- Hard starting and a hunting idle
- Smell of unburnt fuel and occasional exhaust popping
- Limp mode with reduced power on some vehicles
Likely causes
- Control wire grounded where the insulation has worn through against a bracket or heat shield
- Internally shorted igniter in the eighth coil
- Moisture or oil in the coil connector bridging the control pin to ground
- Harness pinched under a cover or clip after earlier service work
- Insulation melted by proximity to the exhaust manifold or a hot pipe
- Shorted module output driver, 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-measure at the module connector to separate a shorted coil from a grounded wire
- Measure resistance between the control wire and ground with both ends disconnected
- Inspect the harness along its route to the rear of the engine, particularly at heat shields, brackets and clips
- Check the connector and plug well for oil, moisture and corrosion
- Substitute a known good coil to see whether the fault follows the part
- Repair the short with a properly insulated joint, then clear the code and confirm the misfire counters stay clear