P0310
Fix within a few daysYour engine's cylinder 10 is misfiring, meaning it's not burning fuel correctly.
Code P0310 means your engine's cylinder 10 is misfiring. Common causes: Spark plug (40%), ignition coil (35%), fuel injector (15%). Drivability: Limit driving, fix within a few days. Repair cost: $50-$200 DIY, $150-$500 professional.
Can I Drive With P0310?
Limit driving, fix within a few days
Essential trips under 10 miles, avoid highways and heavy acceleration. Prioritize immediate repair.
Stop driving immediately if: Flashing Check Engine Light, loud engine noises, burning smell, rotten egg smell from exhaust, significant power loss, or engine stalling.
Symptoms of P0310
- 1Engine runs rough or shakes, especially at idle
- 2Reduced engine power and acceleration
- 3Poor fuel economy
- 4Check Engine Light is on, and it might flash
- 5Engine hesitation or stumbling
Common Causes of P0310
Parts most likely causing this code, ranked by probability
A worn, fouled, or damaged spark plug in cylinder 10 prevents proper ignition of the fuel-air mixture.
40% of P0310 cases are fixed by replacing the spark plug
A faulty ignition coil for cylinder 10 cannot deliver the high voltage needed to fire the spark plug.
35% of P0310 cases are fixed by replacing the ignition coil
A clogged, dirty, or failing fuel injector for cylinder 10 fails to deliver the correct amount of fuel, causing a lean or rich misfire.
15% of P0310 cases are fixed by replacing the fuel injector
Low compression in cylinder 10, caused by issues like worn piston rings, valve problems, or a blown head gasket, prevents proper combustion.
5% of P0310 cases are fixed by addressing engine compression
Damaged wiring or a loose connector to the spark plug, ignition coil, or fuel injector for cylinder 10 can interrupt electrical signals.
3% of P0310 cases are fixed by repairing wiring or connectors
A rare internal fault within the PCM can incorrectly command or interpret signals for cylinder 10, leading to a misfire.
2% of P0310 cases are fixed by replacing the PCM
Check These First (Before Buying Parts)
- Listen for the specific sound of a misfire (a rhythmic stumble or shake).
- Visually inspect the ignition coil and spark plug wire (if applicable) for cylinder 10 for any obvious damage, cracks, or signs of arcing.
- Check the electrical connector to the ignition coil and fuel injector for cylinder 10 to ensure it's securely seated and free of corrosion.
How to Diagnose P0310
- 1Check for a flashing Check Engine Light, which indicates an active misfire.
- 2Visually inspect the spark plug and ignition coil for cylinder 10 for any obvious damage or signs of arcing.
- 3If possible, swap the ignition coil from cylinder 10 with a coil from a known good cylinder and see if the misfire code moves.
- 4If the misfire moves, replace the ignition coil. If it stays, swap the spark plug from cylinder 10 with a known good cylinder and recheck.
- 5If the misfire still stays on cylinder 10 after swapping coil and plug, test the fuel injector for cylinder 10 for proper operation and resistance.
- 6Perform a compression test on cylinder 10 to check for internal engine issues.
- 7Inspect the wiring harness and connectors for cylinder 10's ignition coil and fuel injector for damage or corrosion.
P0310 on Popular Vehicles
Ford F-250
1999-2016P0310 is very common on the 6.8L V10 Triton engine. Spark plugs and ignition coils are the primary suspects due to age and heat in the engine bay. The spark plugs can be difficult to access and remove without breaking.
75% fixed by replacing spark plug or ignition coil
Ford F-350
1999-2016Similar to the F-250, the 6.8L V10 in the F-350 frequently triggers P0310. Pay close attention to the condition of the coil boots and spark plug wells for oil or coolant contamination.
75% fixed by replacing spark plug or ignition coil
Ford E-Series Van
1999-2014E-Series vans with the 6.8L V10 also experience P0310. Access to cylinder 10 (rear passenger side) can be challenging due to the engine cover and cramped space, making diagnosis and repair more difficult.
75% fixed by replacing spark plug or ignition coil
Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0310 mean?
P0310 indicates that your vehicle's engine control module (ECM) has detected a misfire specifically in cylinder 10. This means cylinder 10 is not contributing its full power to the engine, often due to incomplete combustion of the fuel-air mixture.
Can I drive with P0310?
Limit driving, fix within a few days. A continuous misfire, especially if the Check Engine Light is flashing, sends unburned fuel into your exhaust system. This can quickly overheat and destroy your catalytic converter, turning a relatively inexpensive repair into a very costly one.
Will P0310 clear itself?
No, P0310 will not clear itself. The underlying issue causing the misfire must be diagnosed and repaired. Once the repair is complete, you will need to clear the code with an OBD-II scanner, or it will clear automatically after several drive cycles if the problem is resolved and no longer detected.
How do I fix P0310 myself?
Start by identifying cylinder 10. Then, inspect and potentially replace the spark plug and ignition coil for that cylinder. If the misfire persists, you'll need to investigate the fuel injector for cylinder 10 or perform a compression test to check for internal engine issues.
How much does it cost to fix P0310?
DIY repair costs for P0310 typically range from $50 to $200, primarily for a new spark plug and/or ignition coil. Professional shop repairs usually cost between $150 and $500, covering parts and labor. If a fuel injector or internal engine issue is the cause, costs will be higher.
P0310 keeps coming back - why?
If P0310 keeps returning, it means the root cause was not fully addressed. Common reasons include: misdiagnosing the faulty component (e.g., replacing the spark plug when the coil was bad), an intermittent wiring issue, a failing fuel injector, or an underlying mechanical problem like low compression that was overlooked.
Will P0310 fail emissions/smog test?
Yes, P0310 will cause your vehicle to fail an emissions or smog test. A misfire directly impacts exhaust emissions by sending unburned fuel into the exhaust, increasing hydrocarbon levels beyond acceptable limits. The Check Engine Light being on also automatically results in a test failure.
What's the difference between P0310 and P0300?
P0310 specifically indicates a misfire in cylinder 10. P0300, on the other hand, signifies a 'Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire' and does not pinpoint a single cylinder. P0300 suggests a more widespread issue affecting multiple cylinders or a system common to all cylinders, like fuel pressure or a vacuum leak.
P0310 on Ford F-250?
P0310 is a common code on Ford F-250 trucks equipped with the 6.8L V10 Triton engine. The most frequent culprits are worn spark plugs or failing ignition coils, which are prone to failure over time, especially in high-mileage vehicles. Always start diagnosis with these components for cylinder 10.
Questions to Ask Your Mechanic
Did you perform a cylinder balance test or power contribution test to confirm cylinder 10 is the only misfiring cylinder?
Good answer: Yes, the scan tool confirmed cylinder 10 is the only one showing a significant misfire count. We also checked for any pending misfire codes on other cylinders.
What were the results of the compression test on cylinder 10?
Good answer: Compression on cylinder 10 was X PSI, which is within specification compared to the other cylinders. This rules out a major internal engine issue.
Did you check the fuel injector pulse and resistance for cylinder 10?
Good answer: Yes, we confirmed the injector is receiving a proper pulse from the PCM and its resistance is within the manufacturer's specified range, indicating the injector itself is likely good.
Repair Cost Estimate
DIY Repair
Parts only
$50-$200
Shop Repair
Parts + labor
$150-$500
Save $100-$300 by doing it yourself
Difficulty
intermediate
Time
1-3 hours
Intermediate - While replacing spark plugs and coils is often beginner-friendly, diagnosing the exact cause of a misfire (especially if it's not the coil or plug) requires a scan tool and potentially more advanced diagnostic steps like compression testing or fuel injector testing.
Cost of Waiting
Continued misfires send unburned fuel to your catalytic converter. A $50 spark plug or $100 ignition coil job now prevents a $1,200-$2,500 catalytic converter replacement later. Ignoring a misfire also causes reduced fuel economy and potential engine damage over time.
While You're In There...
If your vehicle uses spark plug wires, they wear out over time and can cause misfires. Replacing them with the spark plugs ensures a complete ignition system refresh.
Applying dielectric grease to the inside of the ignition coil boot (where it meets the spark plug) prevents moisture intrusion and ensures a good electrical connection, prolonging component life.
Applying anti-seize to the spark plug threads prevents them from seizing in the cylinder head, making future spark plug changes much easier and preventing costly damage.
Tools You'll Need
- OBD-II Scan Tool
- Socket Wrench Set
- Spark Plug Socket (specific size for your vehicle)
- Torque Wrench
- Dielectric Grease
- Anti-Seize Compound
- Multimeter (for testing coils/injectors)
- Compression Tester (if needed)
P0310 is a common misfire code, especially on V10 engines. Most repairs are straightforward and involve replacing a spark plug or ignition coil, getting your engine running smoothly again.
- Family-owned since 1957
- 990,000+ happy customers
- Fast nationwide shipping
- Easy returns
Your Next Steps
Step 1: Confirm cylinder 10 is misfiring. Use an OBD-II scanner to check for pending codes and live misfire data. Visually inspect the ignition coil and spark plug for cylinder 10.
Step 2: Swap components. Move the ignition coil from cylinder 10 to another cylinder (e.g., cylinder 1) and the spark plug from cylinder 10 to another cylinder. Clear codes and retest. If the misfire moves with the coil, replace the coil. If it moves with the plug, replace the plug.
Step 3: If the misfire stays on cylinder 10, test the fuel injector. Check its electrical connector, resistance, and pulse. If the injector is faulty, replace it. If all ignition and fuel components are good, perform a compression test on cylinder 10 to check for internal engine issues.