Definition of the P0316 code
The P0316 code is a general powertrain code related to the ignition or spark ignition system. The appearance of this code indicates that an ignition error has been detected during starting, during the first 1000 revolutions.
Codes related to P0316 include:
- P0300: Random cylinder/multiple cylinder fires detected.
- P0301: Ignition mismatch detected on cylinder 1.
- P0302: Ignition mismatch detected on cylinder 2.
- P0303: Ignition error detected on cylinder 3.
- P0304: Misfire cylinder 4 detected
- P0305: Misfire cylinder 5 detected.
- P0306: Failure to ignite cylinder 6 detected.
- P0307: No ignition of cylinder 7 detected.
- P0308: Ignition of cylinder 8 was not detected.
- P0309: Ignition of cylinder 9 was not detected.
- P0310: Cylinder 10 misfire detected.
- P0311: No ignition of cylinder 11 detected.
- P0312: Ignition mismatch detected on cylinder 12.
What does P0316 code mean
The engine control module (ECM) calculates the fuel dose and ignition timing, taking into account the crankshaft position, crankshaft position and engine speed. If the ECM detects a deviation from the parameters set at the crankshaft and crankshaft position, the engine is ignited and a P0316 code may appear during the OBD-II check.
What causes the P0316 code?
Several problems can cause the P0316 code, including:
- Faulty or defective ignition system components, including:
- Spark plugs and similar components
- Ignition coils
- Low fuel level caused by low fuel pressure
- Poor or low quality fuel
- Lack of fuel
- Engine vacuum leaks
- Defective or defective exhaust gas recirculation system (EGR)
- Defective or clogged catalytic converter
- Faulty or defective fuel injectors
- Crankshaft position sensor defective or defective
- Crankshaft position sensor wires or connectors defective or faulty
- ECM defective or defective (rare)
What are the symptoms of the P0316 code?
Symptoms of the P0316 code may include:
- Check engine light or warning light on.
- Reduced vehicle power
- Uneven idling operation
- A rough or “knocking” sensation when accelerating.
How can a mechanic diagnose the P0316 code?
A mechanic can use several methods to diagnose the P0316 trouble code, including
- Using an OBD-II scanner to look for the stored trouble code P0316.
- Visually inspect all wiring and electrical components for obvious signs of damage or wear.
- Check vehicle service records to ensure that all inspections and adjustments are up to date
- Move coils, spark plugs, and cylinder components to confirm if a particular cylinder is defective.
- Check the fuel condition to see if there is a lean fuel condition, which may be caused by low fuel pressure.
- If the fuel is lean, check for a severe vacuum leak.
- Check for damaged or defective fuel injectors.
- Check that the EGR valve is working properly
- Check if the catalytic converter is clogged
- Check camshaft position sensors, wiring and connectors for damaged or incorrect wiring
Most common errors when diagnosing P0316 code
A common mistake made when diagnosing the P0316 trouble code is unnecessarily replacing ignition system components. These components are most likely the cause of the code, but a full diagnosis should be performed, including checking for additional or accompanying fault codes.
How serious is the P0316 code?
Since faults that register the P2090 code can affect the safety of driving a car, this is a potentially serious code. If this code appears, it is recommended that the vehicle be taken to a service center or mechanic for diagnosis and repair as soon as possible.
What repairs can repair a P0316 code?
Several repairs can fix the P0316 trouble code and include:
- Make sure the vehicle is full of fuel
- Repair any damaged or defective wiring or electrical components.
- If maintenance is required, inspect and ensure that the spark plugs, ignition coils, distributor cap, and other related components are functioning properly, replacing or repairing damaged or defective components as necessary.
- Repair or replace damaged or defective spark plugs and related components.
- Repair or replace damaged or defective fuel injectors
- Repair or replace damaged or defective EGR valves
- Clear any catalytic converter blockages
- Repair or replace damaged or defective camshaft position sensors and related components
- Reset, repair or replace a damaged or defective ECM (rare)
- Clear all codes, drive the vehicle and recheck if the codes reappear.
Additional comments to consider for code P0316
- If any engine fault code other than P0316 appears, make sure it is diagnosed and repaired first.
- In addition, there are Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related to the P0316 code, and YourMechanic always recommends checking any related bulletins before any vehicle repair.
