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Ignition Coil - Cylinder 1 - Early Activation Fault

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Severity

Medium

Can I keep driving?

Usually drivable, but get it diagnosed without delay.

First step

Read the freeze frame and note whether the fault appears while cranking, at idle or under load

  • PPowertrain
  • 1Manufacturer-specific
  • 3Powertrain (Other)
  • 71Sequence number

What does it mean?

P1371 is a Powertrain (engine, transmission, fuel system) fault code. It indicates: IC Module 4X Reference Circuit Too Few Pulses .

Symptoms

  • MIL on with freeze frame data stored
  • Extended cranking and an occasional no-start
  • Stumble, hesitation or misfire under load
  • Tachometer needle dropping or fluttering while driving
  • Sudden loss of power, the engine may cut out and restart

Likely causes

  • Damaged, rusted or debris covered teeth on the crankshaft reluctor wheel
  • Weak or intermittent crankshaft position sensor signal
  • Chafed, broken or corroded wiring in the 4X reference circuit between the ignition module and the PCM
  • Loose, spread or corroded terminals at the module or PCM connector
  • Faulty ignition control module output stage
  • Poor module ground or electrical noise from arcing secondary ignition components
  • Incorrect sensor to reluctor air gap after a previous repair

How to fix it

  1. Read the freeze frame and note whether the fault appears while cranking, at idle or under load
  2. Inspect the 4X reference wiring and both connectors for chafing, corrosion and pushed-back terminals
  3. Watch engine speed and reference data on a scan tool while wiggling the harness
  4. Measure supply voltage and ground quality at the ignition module with a multimeter
  5. Remove the crank sensor and inspect the reluctor teeth for cracks, rust and debris, then verify the air gap
  6. Scope the reference signal for dropouts before condemning any part
  7. Replace the crank sensor or the ignition control module, or repair the harness, according to the test results

Codes From the Same System

All Fault Codes

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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.