P0316: Misfire detected on start-up (first 1000 revolutions)
The engine misfires right after starting and then usually settles down. Typical causes are weak plugs or coils, damp, or an injector leaking at rest.
| Code | P0316 |
|---|---|
| System | Engine and transmission |
| Group | P03xx, Ignition and misfires |
| Type | Generic: it means the same on every make |
| Can you keep driving? | Yes, no rush |
What P0316 means
The ECU pays special attention to the first 1000 revolutions after the engine starts, which is only a few seconds. During that window it has detected misfires. It is a sensitive moment because the engine is cold and the mixture is richer, so any weak point in the ignition or fuel system shows up more.
Most common causes
- Worn or fouled spark plugs (on petrol engines)
- Weak or damp ignition coils, especially on cold or wet days
- Injector dripping while the engine is off and flooding a cylinder
- Fuel pressure bleeding off at rest through the pump check valve or an injector
- Coolant temperature sensor giving a false reading that upsets the mixture
- Poor quality fuel or low compression in a cylinder
Symptoms
- Engine shakes or pops just after starting
- Long cranking or several attempts to start
- Engine warning light on
- Fuel smell on cold starts
Can you drive with P0316?
Yes, no rush If the engine runs smoothly once started, you can drive normally and have it checked soon. If the misfires carry on while driving or the light flashes, stop and get it to a workshop.
Open the bonnetthe in-depth explanation
How to check it
Note whether it happens mostly when cold, in damp weather or after standing for hours, as this helps the workshop a lot. With the engine cold, the reader should show a coolant temperature close to the outside air temperature.
How to read and clear P0316 with Final OBD
Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P0316 with its description and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
If the engine stores it over standard OBD, with FREE you read this code with its explanation for nothing and clear it. With PRO you also read the faults of every control unit and clear them in all of them.
Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before an inspection. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in inspections and OBD.
Similar codes
- P0311 Ignition in cylinder 11 does not follow the correct sequence
- P0313 Misfire detected with low fuel level
- P0314 One unspecified cylinder has misfires
- P0315 The crankshaft position system variation needs its learning procedure
- P0317 The hardware that detects rough roads is absent
- P031A The ignition control signal C has a broken or disconnected wire
- P031B The ignition control signal C gives a lower signal than normal
- P031C The ignition control signal C gives a higher signal than normal
- P0300 Random or multiple cylinder misfire
- P0301 Misfire detected in cylinder 1
- P0302 Misfire detected in cylinder 2
- P0303 Misfire detected in cylinder 3
What does code P0316 mean?
The ECU pays special attention to the first 1000 revolutions after the engine starts, which is only a few seconds. During that window it has detected misfires. It is a sensitive moment because the engine is cold and the mixture is richer, so any weak point in the ignition or fuel system shows up more.
Can you drive with P0316?
If the engine runs smoothly once started, you can drive normally and have it checked soon. If the misfires carry on while driving or the light flashes, stop and get it to a workshop.
How do you clear P0316?
With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, P0316 comes back.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads and clears engine faults through standard OBD for free, each one explained in plain English. With PRO it also reads the faults of every control unit, each make’s own codes included, and clears them in all of them.
