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P0351 on Nissan Pathfinder

Ignition Coil A Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction

Factory diagnostic protocol and troubleshooting wire for fault code P0351 specifically for the Nissan Pathfinder (2022–2026, 3.5L DOHC V6 (284HP / 7-Passenger / 9-Speed Auto)).

Verified OEM Telemetry & Field Repair Tree
Nissan Pathfinder2022–2026
Nissan Pathfinder
SUV3.5L DOHC V6 (284HP / 7-Passenger / 9-Speed Auto)
Reliability
Sensor Voltage Ref
0.1V – 5.0V Ref
Pathfinder SAE Mode $01
ECU Network Bus
500 kbps CAN-FD
ISO 15765-4 Compliant
Drivability Status
Not Recommended
Critical urgency level
Est. Repair Cost
$100 - $350 (DIY: $30 - $90)
Parts & Labor DIY
Check P0351 On Another Nissan Model:
Diagnose P0351 on Specific Pathfinder Model Year:

1. Symptoms of P0351 on Nissan Pathfinder

When the Engine Control Module (ECM/PCM) on your Nissan Pathfinder (3.5L DOHC V6 (284HP / 7-Passenger / 9-Speed Auto)) logs fault code P0351, drivers commonly observe:

Flashing Check Engine Light on Nissan Pathfinder (3.5L DOHC V6 (284HP / 7-Passenger / 9-Speed Auto))
Severe engine shuddering and jerking under acceleration on Nissan Pathfinder (3.5L DOHC V6 (284HP / 7-Passenger / 9-Speed Auto))
Hard misfire on Cylinder 1 (accompanied by P0301) on Nissan Pathfinder (3.5L DOHC V6 (284HP / 7-Passenger / 9-Speed Auto))
Strong smell of unburned gasoline from exhaust on Nissan Pathfinder (3.5L DOHC V6 (284HP / 7-Passenger / 9-Speed Auto))
Nissan Pathfinder OBD-II Port Location
The 16-pin diagnostic connector is located Driver side lower dash trim near fuse panel. Plug in your scan tool to verify freeze-frame sensor values.

2. Most Likely Causes on Nissan Pathfinder

Historical warranty claims and technical repair bulletins for Nissan Pathfinder point to the following failure distribution:

55%
Failed ignition coil pack on Cylinder 1 (Coil A) (Nissan OEM Part)
25%
Broken or melted wiring harness to ignition coil 1 (Nissan OEM Part)
12%
Corroded or broken terminal pins in coil electrical connector (Nissan OEM Part)
8%
Burned ignition driver transistor (IGBT) inside the ECM/PCM (Nissan OEM Part)
* Source: Synthesized from NHTSA ODI field repair telemetry and verified OEM Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) repair tree frequency percentiles for Nissan Pathfinder.

3. Step-by-Step DIY Repair Guide for Nissan Pathfinder

01
Locate Coil A (Cylinder 1 Ignition Coil)

Identify Cylinder 1 ignition coil pack mounted on the valve cover. on the Nissan Pathfinder equipped with 3.5L DOHC V6 (284HP / 7-Passenger / 9-Speed Auto).

Required Tool: Flashlight
02
Perform Coil Swap Test

Swap Coil 1 with Coil 2. Clear codes and restart engine. If code switches to P0352 (Coil B), the ignition coil is 100% defective. on the Nissan Pathfinder equipped with 3.5L DOHC V6 (284HP / 7-Passenger / 9-Speed Auto).

Required Tool: 10mm Socket, Ratchet, OBD-II Scanner
03
Test Wiring Harness if Code Remains P0351

Check for 12V battery power, chassis ground, and 5V trigger pulse from the PCM on the 3-pin / 4-pin harness plug. on the Nissan Pathfinder equipped with 3.5L DOHC V6 (284HP / 7-Passenger / 9-Speed Auto).

Required Tool: Digital Multimeter, Test Light
04
Replace Ignition Coil & Spark Plug

Install a new OEM ignition coil (e.g. Denso, Motorcraft, Delphi) and replace the spark plug on Cylinder 1. on the Nissan Pathfinder equipped with 3.5L DOHC V6 (284HP / 7-Passenger / 9-Speed Auto).

Required Tool: 5/8 Spark Plug Socket, 10mm Socket, Ratchet
05
Clear Trouble Codes and Road Test

Clear DTCs and verify smooth acceleration under load. on the Nissan Pathfinder equipped with 3.5L DOHC V6 (284HP / 7-Passenger / 9-Speed Auto).

Required Tool: OBD-II Scanner
Recommended Parts & Testing Tools

Equipment for Diagnosing Nissan Pathfinder (P0351)

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OEM Ignition Component

Direct-Fit Laser Iridium Spark Plugs (Set of 4/6)

4.8 / 5.0 (Top Rated)

Pre-gapped iridium spark plugs engineered to restore smooth combustion on Nissan Pathfinder.

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Ignition Service Tool

Magnetic Swivel Spark Plug Socket Set

4.8 / 5.0 (Amazon Choice)

360-degree magnetic swivel socket prevents ceramic plug cracks inside deep engine spark wells.

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BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool

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Reads and clears enhanced codes (ABS, Airbag, Transmission, Engine) & live freeze-frame telemetry on phone.

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Other Common Fault Codes on Nissan Pathfinder

Frequently diagnosed powertrain, emissions, and sensor trouble codes logged on the Nissan Pathfinder:

4. Nissan Pathfinder P0351 FAQs

What causes code P0351 to trigger on a Nissan Pathfinder?

On the Nissan Pathfinder (3.5L DOHC V6 (284HP / 7-Passenger / 9-Speed Auto)), P0351 is most frequently caused by Failed ignition coil pack on Cylinder 1 (Coil A) or Broken or melted wiring harness to ignition coil 1.

Where is the OBD-II port located on my Nissan Pathfinder?

On the Nissan Pathfinder, the 16-pin DLC diagnostic connector is located Driver side lower dash trim near fuse panel. Plug in any standard OBD-II scanner with the ignition in the ON position to read freeze-frame parameters.

Can I safely drive my Nissan Pathfinder with code P0351?

No. Cylinder 1 ignition coil has failed completely, causing an active misfire and dumping unburned fuel into the catalytic converter. Given that P0351 carries a Critical severity rating, we advise avoiding heavy towing or aggressive throttle inputs until sensor readings are verified.