P231D: Ignition Coil 'D' Secondary Circuit High

Definition

The OBD2 code P231D indicates that there is a high voltage detected in the secondary circuit of ignition coil 'D', which may suggest a malfunction in the ignition coil or related wiring

Common causes

Faulty ignition coil 'D'
Open or shorted wiring in the ignition coil circuit
Poor electrical connections or corroded terminals
Faulty engine control module (ECM)
High resistance in the ignition coil circuit
Faulty spark plug or spark plug wire
Issues with the power supply to the ignition coil

Common misdiagnoses

Faulty ignition coil
Bad spark plugs
Wiring issues or shorts
Faulty engine control module (ECM)
Fuel injector problems
Vacuum leaks
Faulty crankshaft or camshaft position sensors
Ignition switch issues

Troubleshooting steps

1. Check for Additional Codes

Before proceeding, check for any other related trouble codes that may provide more context to the issue
2. Visual Inspection
3. Inspect the ignition coil 'D' and its wiring for any visible damage, such as frayed wires, corrosion, or loose connections
4. Check the connectors for signs of wear or poor contact
5. Test the Ignition Coil
6. Use a multimeter to measure the resistance of the ignition coil. Compare the readings to the specifications provided in the vehicle's service manual
7. If the resistance is outside the specified range, the ignition coil may be faulty and should be replaced
8. Check the Power Supply
9. Verify that the ignition coil is receiving the correct voltage. Use a multimeter to check the voltage at the coil connector while the engine is running
10. If the voltage is too high or too low, trace the wiring back to the power source and check for issues
11. Inspect the Ground Circuit
12. Ensure that the ignition coil has a good ground connection. A poor ground can cause high resistance and trigger the P231D code
13. Clean any corroded ground connections and ensure they are secure
14. Check the Engine Control Module (ECM)
15. If the ignition coil and wiring are in good condition, the issue may lie with the ECM. Check for any software updates or known issues with the ECM related to ignition coil control
16. If necessary, perform a reprogramming or replacement of the ECM
17. Look for Short Circuits
18. Inspect the wiring harness for any signs of short circuits or pinched wires that could cause high resistance in the circuit
19. Test Other Ignition Coils
20. If the vehicle has multiple ignition coils, you can swap the ignition coil 'D' with another coil to see if the code follows the coil. If it does, the coil is likely faulty
21. Clear the Code and Test Drive
22. After performing repairs or replacements, clear the trouble codes using an OBD-II scanner and take the vehicle for a test drive to see if the code returns
23. Consult a Professional
24. If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be best to consult a professional mechanic for further diagnosis. By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue related to the P231D code

Definition

Common causes

Common misdiagnoses

Troubleshooting steps

1. Check for Additional Codes

2. Visual Inspection

3. Inspect the ignition coil 'D' and its wiring for any visible damage, such as frayed wires, corrosion, or loose connections

4. Check the connectors for signs of wear or poor contact

5. Test the Ignition Coil

6. Use a multimeter to measure the resistance of the ignition coil. Compare the readings to the specifications provided in the vehicle's service manual

7. If the resistance is outside the specified range, the ignition coil may be faulty and should be replaced

8. Check the Power Supply

9. Verify that the ignition coil is receiving the correct voltage. Use a multimeter to check the voltage at the coil connector while the engine is running

10. If the voltage is too high or too low, trace the wiring back to the power source and check for issues

11. Inspect the Ground Circuit

12. Ensure that the ignition coil has a good ground connection. A poor ground can cause high resistance and trigger the P231D code

13. Clean any corroded ground connections and ensure they are secure

14. Check the Engine Control Module (ECM)

15. If the ignition coil and wiring are in good condition, the issue may lie with the ECM. Check for any software updates or known issues with the ECM related to ignition coil control

16. If necessary, perform a reprogramming or replacement of the ECM

17. Look for Short Circuits

18. Inspect the wiring harness for any signs of short circuits or pinched wires that could cause high resistance in the circuit

19. Test Other Ignition Coils

20. If the vehicle has multiple ignition coils, you can swap the ignition coil 'D' with another coil to see if the code follows the coil. If it does, the coil is likely faulty

21. Clear the Code and Test Drive

22. After performing repairs or replacements, clear the trouble codes using an OBD-II scanner and take the vehicle for a test drive to see if the code returns

23. Consult a Professional

24. If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be best to consult a professional mechanic for further diagnosis. By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue related to the P231D code