P0316
Misfire Detected On Startup (First 1000 Revolutions)P0316 is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: Misfire Detected On Startup (First 1000 Revolutions). It is logged by the engine control unit when the misfire monitor detects that a specific fault threshold has been exceeded — typically resulting in the malfunction-indicator lamp (MIL / check-engine light) being illuminated.
What P0316 means
P0316 is set when the PCM detects misfire events occurring within the first 1,000 crankshaft revolutions after the engine is started. This window covers roughly 15–30 seconds at a normal cold-start idle. Because this is a cold-start-specific code, causes that only appear before the engine is fully warm — such as low fuel-rail pressure, sticking valves, and diesel glow-plug failure — are the primary targets. If the engine runs cleanly once warm, cold-start conditions are strongly implicated.
On gasoline direct-injection (GDI) engines, the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) may not build full rail pressure in the first few seconds after a cold start, especially if cam-lobe wear reduces pump stroke or if the low-pressure pump is weak. The result is a lean-burn stumble that clears once rail pressure stabilises. On diesel engines, failed or slow-to-heat glow plugs leave cylinders too cold for reliable auto-ignition in the opening revolutions. Mechanical causes — low compression, sticking piston rings, or stuck-open valves — are also amplified on a cold engine when oil viscosity is highest.
Because P0316 can accompany companion cylinder-specific misfire codes (P0301–P0310+), always check for those first — they will narrow the fault to a specific cylinder and make diagnosis faster.
Common causes
Most-frequently reported root causes when P0316 is logged.
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1
Insufficient fuel-rail pressure at cold start due to HPFP wear or weak low-pressure pump (GDI engines).
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2
Worn or fouled spark plugs that misfire when cylinders are cold but fire acceptably once warm.
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3
Failing ignition coil(s) with marginal output that only breaks down under cold-start conditions.
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4
Failed or slow-to-heat glow plugs preventing reliable cold combustion in diesel engines.
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5
Sticking or leaking intake/exhaust valves not fully seating on a cold engine.
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6
Low compression in one or more cylinders from worn rings, scored bores, or a leaking head gasket.
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7
Stuck or slow-moving hydraulic lifters and collapsed valve train components on initial oil pressure build-up.
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8
Clogged or slow-opening fuel injectors that do not deliver the cold-start enrichment pulse correctly.
Symptoms drivers notice
How to diagnose P0316
A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.
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1
Scan for all active and stored codes; note any companion cylinder-specific codes (P0301–P031x) that pinpoint an individual cylinder.
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2
Check fuel trim data at cold start using a live data scan — high positive short-term fuel trim indicates a lean condition, pointing to fuel delivery.
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3
On GDI engines, attach a fuel pressure gauge to the high-pressure rail and monitor pressure during the first 5 seconds of cranking; pressure below specification indicates HPFP or low-pressure pump issues.
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4
Inspect and test spark plugs and coils; replace any plug showing heavy carbon fouling or an electrode gap above specification.
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5
On diesel engines, test each glow plug for correct resistance and verify the glow plug relay is energising for the correct duration.
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6
Perform a compression test on a cold engine; compare all cylinders and flag any reading more than 10% below the lowest acceptable spec.
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7
If compression is low in specific cylinders, perform a leakdown test to distinguish rings, valves, or head gasket as the leak path.
Related powertrain codes
Frequently asked questions
Why does P0316 only appear in cold weather or first starts of the day?
Cold-start misfires are often caused by marginal components that function adequately once warm. A spark plug with a slightly wide gap, a coil with a borderline winding, or an HPFP with worn lobes may only fail when the engine is cold and demand is highest for rapid fuel and ignition delivery.
Is P0316 a GDI-specific problem?
It is disproportionately common on GDI engines because the HPFP is cam-driven and takes a few revolutions to build rail pressure. However, P0316 can occur on port-injected petrol engines and diesels for different reasons such as glow plug failure or mechanical wear.
Will fixing P0301 (or another cylinder-specific code) also fix P0316?
Usually yes. P0316 is often a companion code triggered by the same event. If a cylinder-specific code is present, fix that fault first — resolving the root cause typically clears P0316 as well.
Can a low battery cause P0316?
Indirectly. A weak battery that struggles during cranking can cause low ignition coil voltage and borderline injector timing, both of which can produce start-up misfires. Always verify battery state-of-health before replacing ignition components.
Disabling P0316 in software
RaceTune can permanently disable P0316 — and any other OBD-II diagnostic trouble code — on every ECU family we support. The monitor is disabled inside the ECU itself, so the fault stops being logged: the warning light stays off and the engine never enters limp mode for this code. The change is tied to your exact software version.
Software modifications affect emissions compliance and are not road-legal in many jurisdictions. RaceTune service files are intended for motorsport, off-road, and export use.
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