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P0351 on Nissan Frontier

Ignition Coil A Primary/Secondary Circuit Malfunction

Factory diagnostic protocol and troubleshooting wire for fault code P0351 specifically for the Nissan Frontier (2020–2026, 3.8L DOHC V6 (310HP / 281 lb-ft / 9-Speed Auto)).

Verified OEM Telemetry & Field Repair Tree
Nissan Frontier2020–2026
Nissan Frontier
Truck3.8L DOHC V6 (310HP / 281 lb-ft / 9-Speed Auto)
Reliability
Sensor Voltage Ref
0.1V – 5.0V Ref
Frontier 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 Frontier Model Year:

1. Symptoms of P0351 on Nissan Frontier

When the Engine Control Module (ECM/PCM) on your Nissan Frontier (3.8L DOHC V6 (310HP / 281 lb-ft / 9-Speed Auto)) logs fault code P0351, drivers commonly observe:

Flashing Check Engine Light on Nissan Frontier (3.8L DOHC V6 (310HP / 281 lb-ft / 9-Speed Auto))
Severe engine shuddering and jerking under acceleration on Nissan Frontier (3.8L DOHC V6 (310HP / 281 lb-ft / 9-Speed Auto))
Hard misfire on Cylinder 1 (accompanied by P0301) on Nissan Frontier (3.8L DOHC V6 (310HP / 281 lb-ft / 9-Speed Auto))
Strong smell of unburned gasoline from exhaust on Nissan Frontier (3.8L DOHC V6 (310HP / 281 lb-ft / 9-Speed Auto))
Nissan Frontier OBD-II Port Location
The 16-pin diagnostic connector is located Under driver dash above brake assembly. Plug in your scan tool to verify freeze-frame sensor values.

2. Most Likely Causes on Nissan Frontier

Historical warranty claims and technical repair bulletins for Nissan Frontier 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 Frontier.

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

01
Locate Coil A (Cylinder 1 Ignition Coil)

Identify Cylinder 1 ignition coil pack mounted on the valve cover. on the Nissan Frontier equipped with 3.8L DOHC V6 (310HP / 281 lb-ft / 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 Frontier equipped with 3.8L DOHC V6 (310HP / 281 lb-ft / 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 Frontier equipped with 3.8L DOHC V6 (310HP / 281 lb-ft / 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 Frontier equipped with 3.8L DOHC V6 (310HP / 281 lb-ft / 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 Frontier equipped with 3.8L DOHC V6 (310HP / 281 lb-ft / 9-Speed Auto).

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

Equipment for Diagnosing Nissan Frontier (P0351)

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 Nissan Frontier.

$36 – $68 Prime
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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.

$16.99 Prime
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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 Nissan FrontierVerified direct-fit pricing from Denso, Bosch, Motorcraft, and ACDelco on Amazon.
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Other Common Fault Codes on Nissan Frontier

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

4. Nissan Frontier P0351 FAQs

What causes code P0351 to trigger on a Nissan Frontier?

On the Nissan Frontier (3.8L DOHC V6 (310HP / 281 lb-ft / 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 Frontier?

On the Nissan Frontier, the 16-pin DLC diagnostic connector is located Under driver dash above brake assembly. 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 Frontier 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.