Trouble code
P0316
Misfire Detected on Startup (First 1000 Revolutions)
What P0316 means
The engine misfired during the first moments after starting, before the system stabilised.
Symptoms you may notice
- Rough start that smooths out
- Brief stumble on cold start
- Check engine light
Common causes, cheapest first
- Worn spark plugs
- Failing ignition coil
- Leaking injector flooding a cylinder on shutdown
- Low fuel pressure at start-up
- Carbon buildup on valves
Before you buy anythingLook for the cylinder-specific misfire codes stored alongside this one. P0316 on its own tells you when, not where.
What to do next
- Confirm the code with your own scan tool, or have it read free at a chain parts store.
- Decode your VIN so you know your exact engine and build date.
- Work down the causes above from cheapest to most expensive.
- Search NHTSA for a recall or service bulletin covering this symptom on your vehicle.
- Read the ignition buying guide before ordering.
P0316 is a generic OBD-II code, standardized across every make and model sold in the US from 1996 onward. The meaning is the same on any vehicle; the specific part and its location are not.
Parts
Parts commonly needed for P0316
These go to Amazon. We earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you — see our affiliate disclosure. Which one you actually need depends on diagnosis — read the note above first.
Confirm fitment against your VIN on the listing page before ordering. A part that matches your year and model can still be wrong for your build date or engine code.