P0356: owner reports and bulletins

Powertrain (generic, all makes). We haven't written the explanation for this code yet. Below is what owners and manufacturers have filed with NHTSA.

Got P0356 on your scanner? Tell the mechanic your year, make, model and any symptoms and you'll get the likely cause and what to check first. Ask about this code.

What owners report to NHTSA

6 complaints filed with NHTSA mention P0356, 4 of them since 2015, across 3 different models. The component owners most often filed it under: electrical system.

Manufacturer service bulletins that name P0356

6 technical service bulletins and manufacturer communications filed with NHTSA mention P0356, from 6 makes. A bulletin means the manufacturer has documented a known cause or a fix procedure for that model. Examples:

  • FORD F SUPER DUTY, bulletin 10136577: Some 2014-2016 F-250 and F-350 vehicles equipped with a 6.2L engine may exhibit an illuminated MIL with DTC P0355 and/or P0356. This may be due to an open circuit in the coil-on-plug connectors for cylinders 5 and/or 6 d…
  • BUICK ENCLAVE (2009), bulletin 10113025: This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on. Technician will find Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0300, P0301, …
  • CADILLAC CTS (2008, 2009), bulletin 10113025: This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on. Technician will find Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0300, P0301, …
  • CHEVROLET TRAVERSE (2009), bulletin 10113025: This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on. Technician will find Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0300, P0301, …
  • GMC ACADIA (2009), bulletin 10113025: This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on. Technician will find Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0300, P0301, …
  • SATURN OUTLOOK (2009), bulletin 10113025: This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on. Technician will find Diagnostic Trouble Codes P0300, P0301, …

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database and manufacturer communications file, snapshots September 2026. A complaint or bulletin that mentions a code is a report about that vehicle, not a statement that the code has one cause.