P0316: Engine 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 engine code occurs when the Engine Control Module (ECM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM) senses a misfire in the engine’s ignition system. More specifically, it detects a misfire in one or more of the engine’s cylinders during startup or the first 1000 revolution test interval.

The misfire is usually related to the camshaft, crankshaft, or engine RPM being outside acceptable parameters. And when detected, the ECM or PCM turns the check engine light on and disables the misfiring cylinder to prevent further damage.

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

Common symptoms

Symptoms that accompany code P0316 include:

• Illuminated Check Engine Light: As soon as the DTC code is triggered, the Check Engine Light will start flashing. It’s the first and most obvious indication of this engine code.
• Rough idling: A malfunctioning ignition coil can lead to an engine misfire, causing a rough idle or engine start along with a loud noise. The rough idle or engine start could also be due to low fuel pressure or faulty fuel injectors, another trigger behind this fault code.
  
• Decreased engine performance: A damaged ignition system or spark plug wire could lead to reduced engine power and decreased 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 faulty Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve could also cause poor fuel economy by reducing fuel combustion temperature.
  

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

Can I still drive?

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. It’s recommended to avoid driving as it can cause an accident that could harm you and others on the road.

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

As such, it’s best to call a qualified technician to assess any Check Engine Light issue as soon as possible.

P0316 causes

Here are possible causes for the P0316 code:

• Faulty Crankshaft Position Sensor
• Malfunctioning Camshaft Position Sensor
• Frayed Crankshaft Position Sensor wiring
• Faulty ignition system components (spark plug, coil pack, etc.)
• Failing ignition coil
• Malfunctioning fuel injector or a bad fuel pump
• Lack of fresh fuel (clogged fuel filter)
• Defective Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system
• Clogged catalytic converter 
• Engine vacuum leaks
• Outdated Engine Control Module or Powertrain Control Module (rare)

Diagnosis

An engine misfire that triggers the P0316 DTC 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 damaged components, like spark plugs, spark plug wires, 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 lean fuel conditions, vacuum leaks, and fuel injector issues. They’ll also inspect the Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve and catalytic converter. 
5. Inspect the Crankshaft Position Sensor and Camshaft Position Sensor to look for sensor faults. 
6. Finally, the mechanic will check the camshaft and crankshaft for sensor, wire, or connector damage.

Possible repairs for P0316 & Costs

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

So, here’s what a mechanic would do to resolve the P0316 trouble code:

1. Verify if any other engine light codes are present. If yes, they’ll address it 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 there’s low or contaminated fuel. 
4. Replace the spark plug, fuel injector, or ignition coil if either is faulty. They’ll also clean the catalytic converter and EGR valve if they aren’t functioning properly. 
5. If the code is still present, the mechanic will replace the crankshaft or camshaft position sensors.

After doing any of the above 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 $75 to $150. The diagnostic fee will depend on your mechanic’s labor rate.

Here are the estimates for the repair or installation of replacement parts (including labor cost):

• Spark Plug: $66 to $250
• Spark Plug Wires: $180 to $240
• Ignition Coil: $230 to $640
• Vacuum Leak: $100 to $200
• Fuel Pressure Regulator: $200 to $400
• Fuel Pump: $1300 to $1700
• Fuel Injector: $1500 to $1900

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