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P0316

Misfire Detected on Startup

The engine computer detected a misfire right after the engine started. This usually means the engine is running rough when cold, and it may be caused by ignition, fuel, air, or compression problems.

Severity3/5 Moderate
Can I drive?⚠ With caution

You may be able to drive short distances, but a misfire can get worse and may damage the catalytic converter. If the engine is shaking badly, flashing the check engine light, or stalling, do not keep driving.

DIY
$20–$200
Shop
$120–$800
Difficulty
intermediate

What It Means

P0316 is a generic powertrain code that indicates the PCM detected an engine misfire during the first 1,000 crankshaft revolutions after startup. This code often appears with or after a specific cylinder misfire code and can be triggered by conditions present only during cold start, such as weak ignition components, fuel delivery issues, vacuum leaks, or low compression.

Symptoms

Common Causes

1. Worn or fouled spark plugshigh
2. Weak ignition coils or coil bootshigh
3. Vacuum leak affecting cold idlemedium
4. Fuel injector problem or poor fuel deliverymedium
5. Dirty throttle body or idle air control issuemedium
6. Low battery voltage or slow cranking speedmedium
7. Carbon buildup or poor combustion during cold startlow
8. Low engine compression or mechanical engine problemlow

Related Codes

FAQ

What does P0316 mean?

It means the engine computer detected a misfire during the first 1,000 revolutions after startup.

Is P0316 the same as a random misfire code?

No. P0300 means random or multiple misfires any time the engine is running. P0316 specifically points to a startup misfire.

Can bad spark plugs cause P0316?

Yes. Worn or fouled spark plugs are one of the most common causes.

Will P0316 clear itself?

It may disappear temporarily if the problem is intermittent, but the underlying fault usually returns until repaired.

Can I drive with P0316?

Short trips may be possible, but it should be diagnosed soon because continued misfiring can damage the catalytic converter.