P0316Generic code

P0316 Code: Misfire Detected on Startup (First 1000 Revolutions)

The P0316 code means misfires were detected right after the engine started. It is usually related to moisture in the ignition system, leaking injectors or a cold start problem. You can drive with caution, but repeated misfires on startup are hard on the catalytic converter.

Severity
Medium
Can I keep driving?
Yes, but with caution
Estimated cost
$20 to $600
Difficulty
Medium
System
Ignition and Misfires
Applies to
All OBD2 vehicles

Updated Reviewed by Renzo Chacca

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What the P0316 code means

The computer pays special attention to the first 1,000 engine revolutions after startup. If it detects misfires in that window, it stores the P0316 code, often alongside the code for the specific cylinder.

The typical causes are the ones that show up when the engine is cold: moisture on the coils and spark plugs, injectors that leak and flood a cylinder overnight, glow plugs on a diesel, or a valve that does not seal well until the engine warms up.

Write down whether the misfire only happens in damp or cold weather. It is a very valuable clue.

P0316 code symptoms

  • Engine shaking in the first seconds after startup.
  • Smoke or a smell of fuel at startup.
  • Check engine light on.

Likely causes of the P0316 code

  1. Moisture on the coils or spark plugs. Rain, an engine wash or valve cover gaskets that leak.
  2. Leaking injector. It floods a cylinder while the engine is off.
  3. Worn spark plugs.
  4. Fuel pressure that bleeds off after the engine is shut down.
  5. Deposits on the valves on direct injection engines.

How to diagnose the P0316 code step by step

  1. Check whether other cylinder codes are stored.
  2. Look for moisture in the spark plug wells.
  3. Measure the residual fuel pressure after shutting the engine off. It should hold for several minutes.
  4. Inspect the spark plugs and coils.

How to fix the P0316 code

  • Replace damaged spark plugs or coils and seal the water entry point.
  • Replace the injector that leaks.
  • Repair the loss of residual pressure.

After the repair, clear the code and do a cold start the next morning to confirm the engine starts smoothly with no misfires in the first seconds.

Technical reference data

  • The residual pressure should hold for about 5 to 20 minutes after shutdown.
  • The monitoring window is the first 1,000 engine revolutions after startup.
  • These values are for orientation only. Check the manufacturer data for your engine.

Brand-specific notes

P0316 on Ford

This code is frequent on the Ford EcoBoost and on other direct injection engines that build up deposits on the valves.

Frequently asked questions about P0316

Is the P0316 code serious?
Moderately. If the misfires behind the P0316 code keep repeating, the catalytic converter suffers.
Why only at startup?
Because moisture, a leaking injector or a cold cylinder mostly cause trouble in the first seconds.
Can I drive with a P0316 code?
Yes, with caution. If the check engine light starts flashing, slow down and have it checked.
How much does it cost to fix P0316?
Between $20 and $600 depending on the cause.
What does the P0316 code mean?
It is a generic OBD2 code that means misfires were detected during the first 1,000 revolutions after startup.
What is the most common cause of P0316?
Moisture on the coils or spark plugs, or an injector that leaks and floods a cylinder while the engine sits. Worn spark plugs are the next suspect.

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