P0316: Engine Misfire Detected on Startup (First 1000 Revolutions)
The misfire monitor detected misfires during the first 1000 revolutions after startup but the engine then settled. Often caused by fouled spark plugs that warm up clean, weak ignition coils, or a borderline cold-start fuel mixture.
What P0316 means
P0316 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
- 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
- 01Spark plugs fouled when coldMost likely
- 02Ignition coil weak below operating temperaturePossible
- 03Cold-start mixture too lean (fuel pressure, leaking injectors at rest)Possible
Can I drive with P0316?
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
- Needs a drive cycle to confirm a repair
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 P0316
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P0316. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.
- 2
Fix other faults first
If other codes are stored, start with power-supply, sensor-circuit and communication codes. They can cause this code as a side effect.
- 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: Spark plugs fouled when cold; ignition coil weak below operating temperature; cold-start mixture too lean (fuel pressure, leaking injectors at rest). 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 complete a full drive cycle (cold start, idle, steady highway cruise, deceleration). The code is fixed when the related readiness monitor completes without it returning.
P0316 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
- Spark plug
- Ignition coil
- Fuel injector
P0316 FAQ
What does P0316 mean?
P0316 means “Engine Misfire Detected on Startup (First 1000 Revolutions)”. The misfire monitor detected misfires during the first 1000 revolutions after startup but the engine then settled. Often caused by fouled spark plugs that warm up clean, weak ignition coils, or a borderline cold-start fuel mixture.
Is P0316 serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate P0316 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 P0316?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Spark plugs fouled when cold; Ignition coil weak below operating temperature; Cold-start mixture too lean (fuel pressure, leaking injectors at rest). Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix P0316?
Typical labor is about $40–$375 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 P0316 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 P0316 clear itself?
Once the fault is fixed, the check engine light usually goes off by itself after the system passes its self-test over several drive cycles. Clearing the code with a scan tool resets readiness monitors, so an inspection station may turn you away until a full drive cycle is completed.