P0313: Misfire Detected with Low Fuel
Misfires are detected while the fuel level is low. The ECM disables further misfire reporting under this condition because intermittent fuel starvation can cause false positives in catalyst-damaging logic.
What P0313 means
P0313 is a generic OBD-II powertrain code in the misfire & ignition group. In plain English: the engine computer counted combustion events that didn’t fire properly.
- Check engine light
- Usually on
- Emissions-related
- Yes — can fail inspection
- Limp mode possible
- Not typical
- Drive cycle to clear
- Not required
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Symptoms
- Check engine light on or flashing
- Rough idle and uneven running
- Power loss, hesitation under acceleration
- Increased fuel consumption
- Possible smell of unburned fuel from exhaust
Common causes
- 01Fuel level very lowMost likely
- 02Weak fuel pump or pickupPossible
- 03Faulty fuel level sensorLess likely
Can I drive with P0313?
Only gently, and not if the light is flashing.
A flashing check engine light means an active misfire that is dumping unburned fuel into the exhaust. Stop driving and have it towed or repaired; continuing can melt the catalytic converter.
Why we rate it urgent
- Misfires can overheat and ruin the catalytic converter
- Turns on the check engine light
- Emissions-related: will usually fail an OBD inspection
Severity is our rule-based rating from the code’s flags in OBDex and the system it affects, not an inspection of your car. If the check engine light is flashing, or you notice overheating, low oil pressure, or brake or steering problems, stop driving and get help.
How to diagnose P0313
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P0313. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.
- 2
Check for related codes first
Look for P0300, P0314. Related codes often share a cause; a circuit or sensor code usually needs fixing before a performance code like this one.
- 3
Test the circuit
Inspect the wiring and connector at the fuel tank and fuel level sensor for damage, corrosion or chafing. With a multimeter, check supply voltage, ground and signal against the specifications in the service manual for your vehicle.
- 4
Test the likely causes in order
Start with the most likely cause and work down: Fuel level very low; weak fuel pump or pickup; faulty fuel level sensor. Test before replacing parts.
- 5
Check for recalls and service bulletins
Look up recalls for your exact vehicle with its VIN, and ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs). Manufacturers sometimes issue software updates or extended warranties for known faults.
- 6
Clear the code and verify the repair
After the repair, clear the code and drive the car under the conditions in the freeze-frame data to confirm it does not return.
P0313 repair cost estimate
Estimate, not a quote. Labor times are typical ranges for this code from OBDex, and $125/hr is an assumed rate. Shop rates and labor times vary by vehicle and region. Diagnosis time may be billed separately.
- DIY difficulty
- Easy
- Good DIY job?
- Yes, with a scan tool
Basic hand tools; a common first DIY job.
Parts and systems involved
- Fuel tank
- Fuel level sensor
- Fuel pump
P0313 FAQ
What does P0313 mean?
P0313 means “Misfire Detected with Low Fuel”. Misfires are detected while the fuel level is low. The ECM disables further misfire reporting under this condition because intermittent fuel starvation can cause false positives in catalyst-damaging logic.
Is P0313 serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate P0313 as urgent severity. Only gently, and not if the light is flashing. A flashing check engine light means an active misfire that is dumping unburned fuel into the exhaust. Stop driving and have it towed or repaired; continuing can melt the catalytic converter.
What causes P0313?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Fuel level very low; Weak fuel pump or pickup; Faulty fuel level sensor. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix P0313?
Typical labor is about $15–$250 at an assumed $125/hour shop rate, plus parts. That is an estimate, not a quote: labor times and rates vary by vehicle and region, and diagnosis may be billed separately.
Can I fix P0313 myself?
DIY difficulty is easy. Many owners can handle it with a scan tool, a multimeter and basic hand tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.
Will P0313 clear itself?
If the fault was intermittent, the warning may go off once the computer stops seeing it, but the code stays in memory. Fix the cause; clearing the code alone doesn’t repair anything.