OBD-II · Engine and powertrain (P)
P0316
Misfire detected on startup (first 1000 revolutions)
What it means
The ECU detected misfires during the first 1,000 crankshaft revolutions after the engine started, usually on a cold start.
Symptoms
- rough, shaky running for the first seconds or minutes after a cold start
- engine warning light
- sometimes a slight fuel smell at start-up
Likely causes, most likely first
| No. | Cause |
|---|---|
| 01 | worn or fouled spark plugs, especially on cars used for short trips |
| 02 | ignition coil that fails when cold or damp |
| 03 | leaking injector flooding a cylinder while the car is parked |
| 04 | fuel pressure bleeding down after switch-off |
| 05 | carbon deposits on intake valves (direct-injection petrol engines) |
| 06 | low compression on one cylinder |
What to check, step by step
- 01Check for other misfire codes (P0301-P0306) that point to a specific cylinder
- 02Inspect the spark plugs for fouling and replace if due
- 03Test the ignition coils, including in cold and damp conditions
- 04Check that fuel pressure holds after the engine is switched off (leaking injector or check valve)
- 05Do a compression test if the misfire stays on one cylinder