P2316 code meaning
Ignition Coil F Primary Control Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P23xx codes Check engine light
What P2316 means
P2316 means the coil F control line, cylinder 6, sits at a voltage it should not have while the module switches it – a short to supply or a fault inside the coil. In VW's 2014 Touareg tables the high threshold is a signal voltage above about 5.1–7.0 V. GM's 2019 table for the supercharged LT5 V8 in the Corvette checks the line with the driver switched on, accepts it only if no path below 100 ohms to supply exists, and rates the result Type B: 50 failed checks in 63 and two trips before the MIL comes on. Saab's 9-5 2.8 V6 sets P2316 after 4 s or 30 s in total within 400–5,000 rpm, and notes that the ignition coil could also log misfire P0300 or P0306. If the fault is intermittent, wiggling the harness while watching the cylinder 6 misfire counter helps find it.
P2316 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.3 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P2316
- Check engine light on
- Misfire on cylinder 6, P0306 may also be stored
- Intermittent stumbling
Common causes of P2316
- Most likelyCoil F control wire shorted to a supply line
- PossibleInternal short in coil F
- PossibleIntermittent contact in the harness near coil F
- Less likelyEngine module driver defective
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Ignition coilCoil driverIgnition wiring
What each part of P2316 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 3 | Area: ignition system or misfire. |
| 16 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P2316 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 P2316
What does P2316 mean?
P2316 means "Ignition Coil F Primary Control Circuit High". P2316 means the coil F control line, cylinder 6, sits at a voltage it should not have while the module switches it – a short to supply or a fault inside the coil. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P2316?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P2316 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P2316 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P2316 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 P2316 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.3 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P2316 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.