P0313 code meaning
Misfire Detected with Low Fuel
Powertrain system Generic code P03xx codes Check engine light
What P0313 means
When the tank is nearly empty the fuel pump can draw air in corners or on gradients, which causes misfires. CARB allows misfire detection to be switched off at 15 % fuel or less; some manufacturers instead report misfires detected in this state under P0313 rather than P030x. Ford's normal misfire monitor runs from 15 % fuel, Saab's ME9 from 12 %; Saab's T8 sets P0313 below 5 litres with the same tests as P0300 (3 % per 1,000 revolutions, flashing light at a catalyst-damaging rate). GM gasoline engines simply suspend the monitor without their own code. After refuelling the symptoms usually disappear – if not, look for a real misfire cause.
P0313 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyEasy, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.1 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0313
- Check engine light on (flashing at a catalyst-damaging rate)
- Jerking or power loss with an almost empty tank, especially in corners or uphill
- Usually no symptoms after refuelling
Common causes of P0313
- Most likelyTank nearly empty – the fuel pump draws air (corners, gradients, braking)
- PossibleActual misfire cause (ignition, injector, false air) that happened at low fuel
- PossibleWeak fuel pump, clogged strainer or filter, faulty swirl pot
- Less likelyFuel level sender reading too low
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Fuel pumpFuel level sensorIgnition system
What each part of P0313 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 3 | Area: ignition system or misfire. |
| 13 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0313 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0313
What does P0313 mean?
P0313 means "Misfire Detected with Low Fuel". When the tank is nearly empty the fuel pump can draw air in corners or on gradients, which causes misfires. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0313?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P0313 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0313 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0313 to fix?
Difficulty: easy. A typical repair takes 0.1 to 3 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0313 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.