Ignition and misfires code
P0316: Misfire detected during startup
How much to fix P0316? Typically $85–$510.
Wide range: this job varies a lot. Itemize your quote for a better answer.
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $20 | $120 |
| Labor: 0.6 to 2.5 hours × $110 to $150 an hour | $66 | $375 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $15 |
| Total, rounded | $85 | $510 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in the US, $27.13 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
This is the range for the most common fix, spark plug replacement. Which repair your car needs depends on a proper diagnosis.
The computer logged misfires during the first stretch after the engine started, usually the first 1000 revolutions. Cold-start misfires often come from weak spark, a leaking injector or a small air leak, because the starting mix is rich and a worn plug has a harder time lighting it.
- Safe to drive?
- Short trips only
- Most common cause
- Worn spark plugs
Drive gently. A flashing light means stop.
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What you may notice
- Rough start
- Shaking when cold
- Check-engine light
Common causes, most likely first
- Worn spark plugs
- Weak coil
- Vacuum leak
- Fuel injector leaks
Check this first
Check when the spark plugs were last changed, since cold starts expose weak ones first. Also note whether the shaking goes away after the first minute, because that detail helps the shop tell plugs from a leak.
Other repairs that sometimes fix P0316
| Repair | Typical range, US |
|---|---|
| Ignition coil replacement (one coil) | $70 to $320 |
| Fuel injector replacement (one injector) | $170 to $820 |
| Vacuum leak repair | $90 to $460 |
Before you pay
- Ask the shop what test showed this part is the cause, not just that the code appeared.
- Ask for parts and labor listed separately, and for the hours.
- Ask for a written OK before any extra work. Many states require written authorization before repairs.
Got a quote already? Check it against the range. Want to see if your car has a recall tied to this problem? Check recalls by VIN.
Need to read a code yourself? OBD-II scanners on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure).
P0316 questions
Why only cold?
Weak spark struggles when the starting mixture is rich and the cylinders are cold. Once the engine warms, the mix leans out and the weak spark copes, so the problem seems to fade.
Does it go away?
Usually not by itself. A worn plug or a leaking injector keeps getting worse with time, so a code that only shows on starts today can show up at all speeds later.
Is it serious?
It can lead to damage if left. Raw fuel from misfires can wash oil off the cylinder walls and overheat the converter. Plan to fix it soon, especially if the light ever flashes.
How much does it cost to fix P0316?
The most common fix, spark plug replacement, has a typical range of $85 to $510 across the US. It is an estimate built from parts prices and local labor wages, not a quote. Your car and shop change it.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $95 to $580 |
| New York City area | $90 to $550 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $90 to $560 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $85 to $530 |
| Houston area, Texas | $80 to $500 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $80 to $500 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $85 to $510 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $85 to $530 |
| Miami area, Florida | $80 to $510 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $95 to $560 |
Related codes
More ignition and misfires codes
Code meaning written in our own words. Some codes mean different things on different makes, so check your scan tool or manual. Not a repair shop, estimates only.