P0316
Fix within a few daysEngine Misfire Detected on Startup (First 1000 Revolutions)
Code P0316 means your engine misfired during its first 1000 revolutions after starting. Common causes: Spark plugs/coils (60%), fuel injector (20%), low fuel pressure (10%). Drivability: Limit driving, fix within a few days. Repair cost: $50-$250 DIY, $150-$700 professional.
Can I Drive With P0316?
Limit driving, fix within a few days
Essential trips under 10 miles, avoid highways and heavy acceleration. Get it fixed quickly to prevent further damage.
Stop driving immediately if: Flashing Check Engine Light, loud banging noises, burning smell, rotten egg smell from exhaust, significant power loss, or engine stalling.
Symptoms of P0316
- 1Engine runs rough immediately after starting
- 2Engine shakes or vibrates excessively on startup
- 3Reduced engine power
- 4Check Engine Light is on, may flash
Common Causes of P0316
Parts most likely causing this code, ranked by probability
Worn spark plugs, faulty ignition coils, or damaged spark plug wires cause a cylinder to misfire immediately after the engine starts.
60% of P0316 cases are fixed by replacing these ignition components
A clogged or faulty fuel injector prevents the correct amount of fuel from reaching a cylinder, causing a misfire on startup.
20% of P0316 cases are fixed by replacing a faulty fuel injector
Insufficient fuel pressure from a failing fuel pump or pressure regulator starves the engine of fuel, leading to misfires on startup.
10% of P0316 cases are fixed by addressing low fuel pressure
An unmetered air leak into the intake manifold creates a lean condition, causing the engine to misfire, especially noticeable at startup.
5% of P0316 cases are fixed by repairing a vacuum leak
Low compression in one or more cylinders due to worn piston rings, valves, or a head gasket prevents proper combustion, causing a misfire.
3% of P0316 cases are fixed by addressing an engine compression issue
A rare but possible cause, a faulty ECM/PCM can incorrectly manage ignition or fuel delivery, leading to misfires.
2% of P0316 cases are fixed by replacing the ECM/PCM
Check These First (Before Buying Parts)
- Check for any other P030X codes (P0301, P0302, etc.) to identify the specific misfiring cylinder.
- Visually inspect the spark plug wires and ignition coil connectors for any obvious damage or loose connections.
- Listen for any obvious vacuum leaks (hissing sounds) around the engine bay, especially near the intake manifold.
How to Diagnose P0316
- 1Use an OBD-II scanner to check for additional misfire codes (P030X) to identify the specific cylinder.
- 2Inspect the spark plugs, ignition coils, and spark plug wires for the affected cylinder(s) for signs of wear, damage, or carbon buildup.
- 3Swap the ignition coil and spark plug from the misfiring cylinder with a known good cylinder and recheck for the code. If the misfire moves, replace the swapped part.
- 4Test the fuel injector for the affected cylinder(s) by checking its resistance and listening for its operation with a stethoscope.
- 5Perform a fuel pressure test to ensure the fuel pump and regulator are providing adequate pressure.
- 6Conduct a compression test on all cylinders to identify any mechanical engine issues.
- 7Check for vacuum leaks around the intake manifold, vacuum lines, and PCV valve using a smoke machine or by listening for hissing sounds.
P0316 on Popular Vehicles
Ford F-150
2004-2014Ford F-150s, particularly with the 5.4L Triton engine, are notorious for ignition coil failures and spark plug issues that can trigger P0316. The spark plugs can also be difficult to remove, sometimes breaking.
70% fixed by replacing ignition coils and/or spark plugs
Honda Accord
2003-2012Honda Accords in this generation can experience P0316 due to aging ignition coils or spark plugs. Carbon buildup on intake valves (especially on direct-injection models) can also contribute to startup misfires.
65% fixed by replacing ignition coils and/or spark plugs
Toyota Camry
2007-2017Toyota Camry models often see P0316 from worn spark plugs or failing ignition coils. Less commonly, a dirty or failing fuel injector can be the culprit, particularly if the vehicle has high mileage.
60% fixed by replacing spark plugs and/or ignition coils
Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0316 mean?
P0316 indicates that your vehicle's engine control module (ECM) detected a misfire in one or more cylinders specifically during the first 1000 revolutions after the engine started.
Can I drive with P0316?
Limit driving, fix within a few days. While your car might still run, a persistent misfire, especially one that occurs immediately on startup, can quickly damage your catalytic converter. Drive only for essential, short trips and avoid high speeds or heavy loads.
Will P0316 clear itself?
No, P0316 will not clear itself. This code indicates an active problem that requires diagnosis and repair. The Check Engine Light will remain on until the underlying misfire condition is resolved and the code is cleared, either by the vehicle's computer after several drive cycles or manually with a scan tool.
How do I fix P0316 myself?
Start by using a scan tool to identify any specific cylinder misfire codes (P030X). Then, inspect and potentially replace the spark plugs, ignition coils, or spark plug wires for that cylinder. If those are good, check the fuel injector and fuel pressure. A compression test can rule out mechanical engine issues.
How much does it cost to fix P0316?
DIY costs range from $50-$250, primarily for spark plugs, ignition coils, or a single fuel injector. Professional repair costs typically range from $150-$700, including parts and labor, depending on the specific cause and shop rates.
P0316 keeps coming back - why?
If P0316 keeps returning, it means the root cause of the misfire has not been fully addressed. This often happens if only one component was replaced when multiple were failing, or if the initial diagnosis missed a less obvious issue like a vacuum leak, low fuel pressure, or a mechanical engine problem.
Will P0316 fail emissions/smog test?
Yes, P0316 will cause your vehicle to fail an emissions or smog test. A misfire means unburned fuel is entering the exhaust, which significantly increases harmful emissions and indicates a problem with the engine's combustion efficiency.
What's the difference between P0316 and P0300?
P0300 indicates a random or multiple cylinder misfire at any time. P0316 is more specific, indicating a misfire occurred specifically during the first 1000 engine revolutions after startup. P0316 often accompanies a P030X code, pinpointing the startup condition of the misfire.
P0316 on Ford F-150
On many Ford F-150 models, especially those with Triton engines, P0316 often points to failing ignition coils or spark plugs. These trucks are known for ignition system issues that can cause immediate misfires on startup. Always check for specific P030X codes to narrow down the cylinder.
Questions to Ask Your Mechanic
Did you check for specific cylinder misfire codes (P030X) in addition to P0316?
Good answer: Yes, the scanner showed P030X for cylinder [number], so we focused our diagnosis there.
What were the results of the fuel pressure test and compression test?
Good answer: Fuel pressure was [X psi], which is within spec. Compression was good across all cylinders, ruling out a mechanical engine issue.
Did you inspect the spark plugs and ignition coils for the misfiring cylinder?
Good answer: Yes, the spark plug on cylinder [number] was fouled, and the ignition coil showed signs of arcing.
Repair Cost Estimate
DIY Repair
Parts only
$50-$250
Shop Repair
Parts + labor
$150-$700
Save $100-$450 by doing it yourself
Difficulty
intermediate
Time
1-3 hours
Intermediate - requires a scan tool for diagnosis and basic mechanical skills for component replacement. Fuel pressure and compression testing add complexity.
Cost of Waiting
Ignoring P0316 and continued misfires sends unburned fuel into your exhaust system. This rapidly overheats and destroys your catalytic converter, turning a $50-$250 ignition component fix into a $800-$2,500 catalytic converter replacement.
While You're In There...
If replacing ignition coils, it makes sense to replace spark plugs at the same time as they wear together and require similar labor to access.
These often come with new coils, but if replacing just spark plugs, inspect and replace worn boots to ensure a good connection and prevent misfires.
A clogged PCV valve can contribute to vacuum issues and oil consumption, and it's often easily accessible during other engine work.
Tools You'll Need
- OBD-II Scan Tool
- Spark Plug Socket Set
- Ratchet and Extensions
- Torque Wrench
- Multimeter (for testing coils/injectors)
- Fuel Pressure Gauge (if needed)
- Compression Tester (if needed)
P0316 is a common misfire code that points directly to a startup issue. Most repairs are straightforward, often involving ignition components, and your engine will run smoothly again once fixed.
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Your Next Steps
Step 1: Use an OBD-II scanner to identify specific cylinder misfire codes (P030X) that accompany P0316. This will tell you which cylinder is misfiring.
Step 2: For the misfiring cylinder, inspect the spark plug and ignition coil. Swap the coil with a known good cylinder. If the misfire moves, replace the coil. If not, replace the spark plug.
Step 3: If ignition components are good, test the fuel injector for the misfiring cylinder. If it's faulty, replace it. Also, check overall fuel pressure.