P0316: Engine Misfire Detected on Startup (First 1000 Revolutions)
P0316 means the engine computer detected a misfire (a cylinder failing to burn its fuel properly) during the first 1,000 engine revolutions after starting. It is usually not an emergency by itself, but it turns on the check engine light and should be checked soon, because misfires affect emissions.
You can drive, but get it checked soon
The data does not list limp mode for this code, and the misfire often clears once the engine warms up, so short trips are usually possible. If the check engine light flashes or the engine runs rough while driving, stop and have it checked, because a continuing misfire can harm the emissions system.
What it means
The engine computer watches how smoothly the engine turns, and it pays special attention to the first 1,000 revolutions after a start, which is only a short time after you turn the key. If one or more cylinders fire poorly in that window, it stores P0316. Under the CARB rules (California's emissions regulator), a pending code is set after the first time the emissions-relevant misfire rate is exceeded at startup, and the warning light comes on if it happens again at the next start. Ford sets P0316 in addition to the specific cylinder code, while GM evaluates the start within P0300–P0308 and has no separate code for it. The most common reason is moisture, which causes a misfire only when the engine is cold and damp.
Likely causes
- Moisture or water in the plug wells, coils arcing when cold or dampVery likely
Water around the spark plugs or coils lets the spark jump to the wrong place when the engine is cold, and one reported cause is a blocked drain in the valve cover channel.
- Leaking injectorsPossible
Injectors that drip fuel after the engine is switched off cause an over-rich mixture (too much fuel) at the next start.
- Worn or sooted spark plugsPossible
Plugs in poor condition may fire cleanly only once they have warmed up.
- Wrong temperature sensor value or engine softwareLess likely
If the computer misjudges engine temperature or runs outdated software, it can give the wrong fuel amount at startup; Ford traced some 2.7 EcoBoost cases to software or leaking direct injectors.
What you may notice
- Check engine light, usually along with P0300 or a P030x cylinder code
- Rough running right after a cold start that smooths out as the engine warms
- Delayed starting
- Fuel smell at startup
What to check, cheapest first
- 1Read all stored codes and note whether P0300, a P030x cylinder code, or related codes such as P0171 or P0128 are present alongside P0316. · you can do it
- 2Look for water or dampness in the spark plug wells and around the coils, and note whether the problem appears mainly after rain, washing, or a damp night. · you can do it
- 3Check the valve cover drain channel for blockage if water is found in the plug wells. · mechanic
- 4Pull the spark plugs and inspect them for wear and soot, and replace them if they are worn. · you can do it
- 5Test the ignition coils for arcing or weak spark on the cylinder that shows the misfire, especially when cold. · mechanic
- 6Check the injectors for leaking after shut-off, and check the engine temperature sensor reading and whether a software update applies. · mechanic
Related codes
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with P0316?+
Short trips are usually possible if the engine runs normally once warm. If the check engine light flashes or the engine runs rough while driving, stop and get it checked.
Can a bad gas cap cause P0316?+
The data lists no gas cap cause. This code points to ignition, moisture, injectors, or sensor and software problems.
Will P0316 pass an emissions test?+
Probably not while the light is on. The code is emissions-relevant, and after repair the car needs to complete a drive cycle (a set pattern of driving) before the computer confirms the fix.
Why does it only happen on a cold start?+
Moisture in the plug wells, coils that arc when cold and damp, and injectors that dripped overnight all cause trouble at startup and fade as the engine warms.
Written with the help of AI from the public OBDex definition (CC0). Each make may use the code differently. Updated: 2026-11-10