Definition of the code P0310
The P0310 code is a general powertrain code related to the ignition system or ignition fault. In this case, the ignition failure was identified specifically in cylinder #10.
Codes associated with P0310 include:
- P0300: Accidental/multiple fires in a cylinder detected.
- P0301: Fire detected on cylinder 1.
- P0302: Ignition mismatch detected on cylinder 2.
- P0303: Fire interruption detected on cylinder 3
- P0304: No ignition of cylinder 4 detected.
- P0305: Misfire cylinder 5 detected.
- P0306: Misfire cylinder 6 detected.
- P0307: Failure to ignite cylinder 7 detected.
- P0308: No cylinder 8 ignition detected.
- P0309: Ignition of cylinder 9 was not detected.
- P0311: No ignition of cylinder 11 detected.
- P0312: Non-ignition of cylinder 12 detected.
- P0314: Failure of a cylinder (cylinder not specified).
What does P0310 mean
If the engine has an ignition interruption, it means that an ignition interruption has occurred. The engine control module (ECM) is equipped with a misfire detection sensor that detects an engine misfire and indicates in which cylinder the misfire has occurred. Based on the crankshaft and crankshaft position and the engine speed, the ECM calculates the required fuel supply and ignition timing. To register code P0310, the ECM has specifically detected an ignition failure in cylinder number 10.
If the Check Engine light is on at maximum and the P0310 code is stored, the ECM has detected an ignition failure in cylinder number 10 that is severe enough to damage the catalytic converter. Otherwise, the Check Engine light may be flashing, indicating that an ignition fault has been detected, but its effects are not severe enough to damage the catalytic converter.
What causes code P0310?
Several problems can cause the P0310 code, including:
- Lack of fuel or poor fuel quality.
- Low fuel pressure
- Faulty or defective spark plugs, wires or caps
- Defective or defective oxygen sensor
- Fuel injector defective or defective
- Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve leakage
- Restricted EGR ports
- EGR system malfunction
- Vehicle synchronization problems
- Faulty or defective ignition coils or wires
- Defective or defective ignition module or wiring harness
- Defective or defective ignition system sensors
- Fuel vapor evaporation in the engine
- Catalytic converter clogged
What are the symptoms of the P0310 code?
Symptoms of the P0310 code may include:
- The warning light or Check Engine light may come on, flash for a short period of time, or remain on all the time.
- The vehicle cannot start immediately
- Vehicle may become inactive
- The engine may hesitate or shudder during acceleration.
How can a mechanic diagnose the P0310 code?
- A mechanic can use several methods to diagnose the P0310 trouble code, including
- Using an OBD-II scanner to look for a stored P0310 trouble code.
- Checking fuel level and pressure
- Check that all filters and spark plugs are working properly
- Visually inspect all wiring and related electrical components for obvious signs of damage.
- Check ignition components for damage
- Swap coils, spark plugs, and spark plug wires and boots from cylinder 10 to another cylinder to determine if it is defective or damaged, checking for misfire.
- Check the condition of the exhaust to determine if it is rich or lean.
- Check for vacuum leaks or damaged or defective vacuum hoses
- Check for possible malfunction of the exhaust gas recirculation valve.
- Check for damaged or defective fuel injectors
- Check that the catalytic converter is not blocked.
Most common errors when diagnosing the P0310 code
Since several possible problems can cause a P0310 code, make sure that all fuel and ignition systems are working properly before moving on to other possible problems.
How serious is the P0310 code?
Usually, no symptoms are detected for the P0310 code, and any symptoms that may appear are minor, so it is not considered a serious code, but it is recommended that the vehicle be diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible to avoid serious problems.
What repairs can fix the P0310 trouble code?
Several repairs can fix the P0310 trouble code and include:
- Repair or replace any damaged or faulty cables and related components.
- Make sure all ignition-related components are working properly and replace or repair as necessary, including spark plugs, coils, and distributor cap.
- Repair or replace all damaged or cracked and leaking vacuum hoses.
- Repair or replace damaged or defective exhaust gas recirculation valves.
- Repair or replace damaged or defective fuel injectors.
- Clean and repair or replace a clogged catalytic converter
- Clear all codes, test the vehicle, and rescan to see if the codes reappear.
Additional notes on code P0310
Some manufacturers may have issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related to the P0310 error code. It is recommended that you always check the associated or related bulletins before performing any repairs.
