P0361 indicates that the engine computer has detected a break in continuity (an open circuit) in the primary control circuit for ignition coil "K". This means the specified cylinder's coil is not receiving the proper electrical signal to fire the spark plug, which typically results in an engine misfire.
The internal primary winding of the coil has broken, creating the open circuit detected by the engine computer.
A physical break, severe chafing, or disconnected wire in the primary control circuit between the coil and the engine computer.
Poor contact at the coil or engine computer connector, such as a pushed-back pin or corrosion, prevents the circuit from completing.
The internal driver for the ignition coil inside the engine computer has failed, though this is extremely rare compared to wiring or coil failures.
It is not recommended. A misfiring cylinder can cause unburned fuel to enter the catalytic converter, which can overheat and cause costly damage over time.
The letter 'K' designates a specific cylinder based on the manufacturer's numbering system (often the 11th cylinder in the sequence A=1, B=2, etc.). You must consult a service manual to identify which physical cylinder this refers to on your specific engine.
Rarely. While a failed PCM driver can cause an open circuit code, it is much more likely that the ignition coil itself has failed internally or there is a broken wire or bad connection in the circuit. The PCM should be the absolute last component tested and replaced.
If the coil itself was the root cause, yes. However, if the underlying issue is damaged wiring or a poor connection that caused the coil to fail, the new coil may also fail if the circuit problem is not addressed first.