P0316 code meaning
Engine Misfire Detected on Startup (First 1000 Revolutions)
Powertrain system Generic code P03xx codes Check engine light
What P0316 means
P0316 concerns misfire within the first 1,000 revolutions after start. CARB requires a pending code here after the first exceedance of the emissions-relevant rate (later in the drive only after the fourth) and the warning light if it recurs at the next start. Ford sets P0316 in addition to the cylinder code; GM evaluates the start within P0300–P0308 without its own code. Typical causes are water in the plug wells (Mazda Tribute bulletin: blocked drain in the valve cover channel), coils that arc when cold and damp, injectors that drip after switch-off and over-rich starting – Ford traced cases on the 2.7 EcoBoost to engine software or leaking direct injectors.
P0316 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0316
- Check engine light (usually with P0300/P030x)
- Rough running right after a cold start, then normal
- Delayed start, fuel smell at start
Common causes of P0316
- Most likelyMoisture or water in the plug wells, coils arcing when cold or damp
- PossibleLeaking injectors (fuel drips after switch-off, over-rich start)
- PossibleWorn or sooted spark plugs that only fire cleanly when warm
- Less likelyWrong temperature sensor value or engine software
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Ignition coilsSpark plugsFuel injectors
What each part of P0316 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. |
| 16 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0316 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 P0316
What does P0316 mean?
P0316 means "Engine Misfire Detected on Startup (First 1000 Revolutions)". P0316 concerns misfire within the first 1,000 revolutions after start. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0316?
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 P0316 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0316 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 P0316 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 4 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0316 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.