MazicBay Diagnostics
MAZICBAYDiagnostics
FTC Reader Disclosure: When you purchase or register through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Read our Editorial & Advertising Policy.

P0353 on Mercedes-Benz GLS

Ignition Coil C Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction

Factory diagnostic protocol and troubleshooting wire for fault code P0353 specifically for the Mercedes-Benz GLS (2020–2026, 3.0L Turbo I6 (GLS 450) / 4.0L Bi-Turbo V8 (GLS 580 / Maybach)).

Verified OEM Telemetry & Field Repair Tree
Mercedes-Benz GLS2020–2026
Mercedes-Benz GLS
SUV3.0L Turbo I6 (GLS 450) / 4.0L Bi-Turbo V8 (GLS 580 / Maybach)
Reliability
Sensor Voltage Ref
0.1V – 5.0V Ref
GLS 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 P0353 On Another Mercedes-Benz Model:
Diagnose P0353 on Specific GLS Model Year:

1. Symptoms of P0353 on Mercedes-Benz GLS

When the Engine Control Module (ECM/PCM) on your Mercedes-Benz GLS (3.0L Turbo I6 (GLS 450) / 4.0L Bi-Turbo V8 (GLS 580 / Maybach)) logs fault code P0353, drivers commonly observe:

Flashing CEL on Mercedes-Benz GLS (3.0L Turbo I6 (GLS 450) / 4.0L Bi-Turbo V8 (GLS 580 / Maybach))
Engine shuddering on Mercedes-Benz GLS (3.0L Turbo I6 (GLS 450) / 4.0L Bi-Turbo V8 (GLS 580 / Maybach))
Loss of power on Mercedes-Benz GLS (3.0L Turbo I6 (GLS 450) / 4.0L Bi-Turbo V8 (GLS 580 / Maybach))
P0303 code on Mercedes-Benz GLS (3.0L Turbo I6 (GLS 450) / 4.0L Bi-Turbo V8 (GLS 580 / Maybach))
Mercedes-Benz GLS OBD-II Port Location
The 16-pin diagnostic connector is located Driver lower knee bolster trim panel. Plug in your scan tool to verify freeze-frame sensor values.

2. Most Likely Causes on Mercedes-Benz GLS

Historical warranty claims and technical repair bulletins for Mercedes-Benz GLS point to the following failure distribution:

55%
Cylinder 3 ignition coil internal short/open (Mercedes-Benz OEM Part)
25%
Harness wiring fault (Mercedes-Benz OEM Part)
12%
PCM coil driver failure (Mercedes-Benz OEM Part)
* Source: Synthesized from NHTSA ODI field repair telemetry and verified OEM Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) repair tree frequency percentiles for Mercedes-Benz GLS.

3. Step-by-Step DIY Repair Guide for Mercedes-Benz GLS

01
Swap Coil with Adjacent Cylinder

Confirm fault follows the coil. on the Mercedes-Benz GLS equipped with 3.0L Turbo I6 (GLS 450) / 4.0L Bi-Turbo V8 (GLS 580 / Maybach).

Required Tool: 10mm Socket, Scanner
02
Replace Cylinder 3 Coil

Install new ignition coil and inspect spark plug. on the Mercedes-Benz GLS equipped with 3.0L Turbo I6 (GLS 450) / 4.0L Bi-Turbo V8 (GLS 580 / Maybach).

Required Tool: Socket Set
03
Clear Codes

Clear trouble codes and road test. on the Mercedes-Benz GLS equipped with 3.0L Turbo I6 (GLS 450) / 4.0L Bi-Turbo V8 (GLS 580 / Maybach).

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

Equipment for Diagnosing Mercedes-Benz GLS (P0353)

Prime Fast Delivery & Verified Fitment
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 Mercedes-Benz GLS.

$36 – $68 Prime
Check Price on Amazon
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.

$16.99 Prime
View on Amazon
Top Mobile OBD-II Scanner

BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool

4.7 / 5.0 (50,000+ Reviews)

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

Compare OEM & Aftermarket Replacement Sensors for Mercedes-Benz GLSVerified direct-fit pricing from Denso, Bosch, Motorcraft, and ACDelco on Amazon.
Find Parts on Amazon
* As an Amazon Associate, MazicBay earns from qualifying purchases. Prices & availability subject to change.

Other Common Fault Codes on Mercedes-Benz GLS

Frequently diagnosed powertrain, emissions, and sensor trouble codes logged on the Mercedes-Benz GLS:

4. Mercedes-Benz GLS P0353 FAQs

What causes code P0353 to trigger on a Mercedes-Benz GLS?

On the Mercedes-Benz GLS (3.0L Turbo I6 (GLS 450) / 4.0L Bi-Turbo V8 (GLS 580 / Maybach)), P0353 is most frequently caused by Cylinder 3 ignition coil internal short/open or Harness wiring fault.

Where is the OBD-II port located on my Mercedes-Benz GLS?

On the Mercedes-Benz GLS, the 16-pin DLC diagnostic connector is located Driver lower knee bolster trim 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 Mercedes-Benz GLS with code P0353?

No. Cylinder 3 ignition coil has failed. Given that P0353 carries a Critical severity rating, we advise avoiding heavy towing or aggressive throttle inputs until sensor readings are verified.