What Does Code P0316 Mean?
- P0316 definition: Engine Misfire Detected on Startup (First 1000 Revolutions)
- Issue Severity: SEVERE – Stop driving immediately
- Repair Urgency: Fix this code immediately (same day if possible) to avoid internal engine damage.
- Diagnosis: Code P0316 is severe because it can affect your vehicle’s ability to start, along with affecting your vehicle’s ability to operate safely. If your car is experiencing code P0316, it is imperative that you confront the problem as soon as possible.
Code P0316 is triggered when your Engine Control Module (ECM) detects that the position of either your vehicle’s crankshaft or camshaft is outside of its parameters, which can lead to an engine misfire upon starting. The ECM uses information relating to the crankshaft position, the camshaft position, and RPM of the engine to determine ignition timing and fuel delivery. If any of these are outside of their designated parameters, the engine will misfire.
There are several other codes that typically go along with code P0316, and it is important that you clear these first before confronting the main issue. These codes include: P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, P0306, P0307, P0308, P0309, P0310, P0311, P0312.
P0316 Causes
There are many potential causes of code P0316.
- Faulty Ignition System Components
- Faulty Ignition Coil
- Faulty Fuel Injector
- Lack of Fresh or Proper Fuel
- Faulty Crankshaft or Camshaft Position Sensors
- Damaged or Frayed Crankshaft Position Sensor Wires
- Engine Vacuum Leaks
P0316 Symptoms
- Check Engine Light
- Poor Idle
- Rough Engine Start
- Poor Fuel Economy
- Poor Engine Performance
How Do I Fix Code P0316?
With a misfire problem, the first step is to get it diagnosed to figure out what is causing the problem.
If your vehicle has this fault and you’re not comfortable diagnosing this issue at home, we recommend finding a RepairPal certified shop nearby to pinpoint the problem and give an accurate estimate for repairs.
These shops can not only help you figure out what’s going wrong before you waste time and money on the wrong parts, but they also offer a minimum 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty and stand behind all their estimates with guaranteed fair pricing.
> Find a RepairPal Certified Shop Near You
How Much Does It Cost to Fix Code P0316?
P0316 can be caused by anything from old spark plugs to vacuum leaks to poor engine compression. It’s impossible to give an accurate estimate without properly diagnosing the issue first.
If you take your car to a shop for diagnosis, most shops will start with an hour of “diag time” (the time spent in labor diagnosing your specific issue). Depending on the shop’s labor rate, this typically costs somewhere between $75-$150. Many, if not most, shops will apply this diagnosis fee to any required repairs if you have them perform the repairs for you. From there, a shop will be able to give you an accurate estimate for repairs to fix your P0316 code.
Possible Repair Costs for P0316
For error code P0316, one or more of the below repairs may be needed to solve the underlying issue. For each possible repair, the estimated cost of repair includes the cost of the relevant parts and the cost of labor required to make the repair.
- Spark plugs: $66-$250
- Ignition Coils: $230-$640 (some cars require intake manifold removal)
- Spark plug wires: $180-$240
- Fuel injectors: $1500-$1900
- Vacuum leak: $100-$200
- Fuel pump: $1300-$1700
- Fuel pressure regulator: $200-$400
DIY Steps to Diagnose Code P0316
Engine code P0316 could be caused by a number of things, including old spark plugs, vacuum leaks, or poor engine compression. If you’d like to try to fix code P0316 at home without throwing money at parts, you’ll want to follow the steps below for proper diagnosis. Keep in mind this is an intermediate-level diagnosis and repair and not recommended for beginners. Diagnosis requires more specialized equipment beyond what the FIXD Sensor can provide and it can be a time and labor-intensive process for inexperienced DIYers.
DIY difficulty level: Intermediate
This repair requires mechanical knowledge and is not recommended for beginners.
Tools/parts needed (our top picks from Amazon):
STEP 1: USE FIXD TO ENSURE NO OTHER ENGINE CODES ARE PRESENT.
Check to see if there are any other codes along with P0316 and clear your Check Engine Light with FIXD. If other codes are present, it is important to address those first, clear the codes, and re-scan to see if Code P0316 still comes up.
STEP 2: CHECK SENSOR WIRING.
Conduct a visual inspection of wiring around the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors for possible wire fraying or disconnection.
STEP 3: CHECK FUEL LEVEL.
Make sure that you do not have low fuel. Also make sure that the fuel you are using is of good quality, and is not more than a few months old.
STEP 4: CHECK OTHER COMPONENTS.
Check to see if the catalytic converter is clogged or if the fuel injector is faulty. If the fuel injector or ignition coils are faulty, consider replacing them. Check that the EGR valve is functioning properly. If it is not, consider cleaning it.
STEP 5: REPLACE CRANKSHAFT OR CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS.
If Code P0316 is still present, consider replacing the crankshaft or camshaft position sensors, based on using FIXD Live Data to look at the outputs of these sensors.
Common P0316 Diagnosis Mistakes
A common diagnosis mistake is replacing the entire ignition system without first confronting the other codes that are associated with code P0316. Often times, there is something wrong with a specific aspect of the ignition system, and replacing the entire thing is unnecessary.
Still Need Help Fixing Code P0316?
If you’ve followed the steps above and are still experiencing check engine code P0316, please contact the FIXD Mechanic Hotline if you’re a FIXD Premium subscriber or find a RepairPal certified shop near you to get the right repairs at a fair price.
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Recovering autocross and track day enthusiast. Once turned a VW Jetta into a pickup truck. Lives in a van down by the river. Dream car: 2001 Subaru WRC rally car.
