P0316: Misfire Detected On Startup (First 1000 Revolutions)

What Is P0316?

Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0316 is defined as “Engine Misfire Detected On Startup (First 1000 Revolutions).”

This code occurs when the Engine Control Module (ECM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM) detects a misfire in an engine cylinder during startup or the first 1000-revolution test interval. Sometimes, multiple cylinders can misfire as well.

The misfire is usually related to the camshaft or crankshaft position or engine RPM being outside the acceptable range. The ECM uses these parameters to determine the ignition timing and fuel delivery to the engine. When it detects a misfire, the ECM activates the Check Engine Light and turns off the specific cylinder that’s misfiring to prevent further damage.

However, a P0316 code can also appear due to ignition and fuel issues.

What Are Common Symptoms of P0316?

Symptoms that accompany code P0316 include:

◾ Illuminated Check Engine Light: As soon as the DTC P0316 is triggered, the Check Engine Light will start flashing. It’s the first and most obvious indication of the P0316 code.

◾ Rough idle: A malfunctioning ignition coil can lead to an engine misfire, causing a rough idle or a loud engine start. Low fuel pressure or a faulty fuel injector can also result in a rough idle and loud engine start, triggering this fault code.

◾ Decreased engine performance: A damaged ignition system or spark plug wire could lead to a random engine misfire, reducing your car’s power and acceleration, among other engine performance issues.

◾ Poor fuel economy: If this diagnostic trouble code is due to a faulty spark plug, you’ll notice high fuel consumption. Similarly, a stuck open Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve could cause poor fuel economy by excessively reducing the fuel combustion temperature and oxygen content. This’ll lead to incomplete combustion and increased fuel consumption.

If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to have your vehicle examined by a technician.

Can I Still Drive with P0316?

No. Code P0316 is a severe misfire code since it affects your vehicle’s ability to operate safely.

Extended driving with this fault code can lead to serious engine damage — if you can even get your car to start. You should avoid driving as it can cause an accident, harming you and others on the road.

So, just as the ECM or PCM turns off an engine cylinder to prevent further damage, you should also stop using the vehicle for the same reason.

It’s also best to call a qualified technician to assess any Check Engine Light issue ASAP.

What Are P0316 Causes?

Here are possible reasons for the P0316 code:

◾ Faulty crankshaft position sensor

◾ Malfunctioning camshaft position sensor

◾ Frayed crankshaft position sensor wiring

◾ Damaged components in the ignition system (spark plug, coil pack, ignition coil, etc.)

◾ Fuel delivery system problems (faulty fuel injector or fuel pump)

◾ Clogged fuel filter or bad gas

◾ Defective Exhaust Gas Recirculation system

◾ Clogged catalytic converter 

◾ Engine vacuum leaks

◾ Faulty Engine Control Module or Powertrain Control Module (rare)

How to Diagnose P0316?

An engine misfire that triggers the DTC P0316 may be due to several reasons.

Here’s how a mechanic would diagnose the root cause:

1. Use an OBD-II scanner to check for a stored P0316 trouble code.

2. Visually inspect the wiring and connections for damaged components.

3. Check the ignition system for a faulty spark plug, spark plug wire, ignition coil, and coil pack. This could help verify engine or ignition system issues.

4. If it’s none of the above, the technician will check for a lean fuel condition. They’ll also inspect the EGR valve and catalytic converter.

Note: A lean fuel condition occurs when the engine receives too little fuel or too much air. A low fuel pressure or volume due to a clogged fuel injector or filter, a faulty fuel pump or MAF sensor, or a vacuum leak can be the reasons behind it.

5. Inspect the crankshaft position sensor and camshaft position sensor to look for sensor, wire, or connector damage.

What Are Possible Repairs & Costs for P0316?

Code P0316 can be caused by anything from a bad spark plug wire to an engine vacuum leak. 

Here’s what a mechanic would do to resolve the P0316 trouble code:

1. Verify if any other engine codes are present. If yes, they’ll address them before resolving the P0316 code.

2. Fix any frayed wiring or damaged connector around the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors.

3. Add fresh fuel if the car has low or bad gas in the tank.

4. Replace the spark plug, fuel injector, fuel pump, or ignition coil if either of them is faulty. They’ll also clean the catalytic converter and EGR valve if they aren’t functioning properly.

5. If the misfire code is still present, the mechanic will replace the crankshaft or camshaft position sensors.

6. After performing the required repairs, they’ll clear the code and rescan to see if the issue still occurs.

Repair Cost:

Since the first step to resolving the issue is diagnosing the cause, the repair cost will include a diagnosis fee, which may be around $50 to $500. The diagnostic fee will depend on your mechanic’s labor rate. Some workshops may charge you on an hourly basis instead of a fixed price.

Here are the estimates for some of the repair and replacement (including labor costs):

➤ Spark plugs: $100 to $500

➤ Spark plug wires: $130 to $600

➤ Ignition coil: $200 to $550

➤ Vacuum leak: $100 to $1500

➤ Fuel pressure regulator: $150 to $600

➤ Fuel pump: $500 to $1300

➤ Fuel injector: $300 to $2500

Note: These costs can vary based on your location and the vehicle’s make and model.