P0314: Single Cylinder Misfire — Cylinder Not Specified
A persistent misfire is detected on one cylinder, but the engine controller cannot identify which cylinder is affected. Often seen on engines without per-cylinder feedback or when crank position correlation fails.
What P0314 means
P0314 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
Get it fixed
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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
- 01Weak ignition component on one cylinderMost likely
- 02Injector partially cloggedPossible
- 03Low compression on one cylinderLess likely
Can I drive with P0314?
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 P0314
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P0314. 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, P0313. Related codes often share a cause; a circuit or sensor code usually needs fixing before a performance code like this one.
- 3
Find the misfiring cylinder
Use the scan tool's misfire counters to see which cylinders misfire. Swap the ignition coil (or plug) from a misfiring cylinder to another one: if the misfire follows the part, you found it. Check for vacuum leaks and fuel trim if all cylinders misfire.
- 4
Test the likely causes in order
Start with the most likely cause and work down: Weak ignition component on one cylinder; injector partially clogged; low compression on one cylinder. 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.
P0314 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
- Moderate
- Good DIY job?
- Usually a shop job
Needs a scan tool and some experience with testing.
Parts and systems involved
- Ignition coil
- Injector
- Spark plug
- ECM
P0314 FAQ
What does P0314 mean?
P0314 means “Single Cylinder Misfire — Cylinder Not Specified”. A persistent misfire is detected on one cylinder, but the engine controller cannot identify which cylinder is affected. Often seen on engines without per-cylinder feedback or when crank position correlation fails.
Is P0314 serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate P0314 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 P0314?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Weak ignition component on one cylinder; Injector partially clogged; Low compression on one cylinder. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix P0314?
Typical labor is about $65–$500 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 P0314 myself?
DIY difficulty is moderate. Most owners leave this to a shop because it needs involved testing or specialist tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.
Will P0314 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.