P0316: Misfire Detected on Startup (First 1,000 Revolutions)
Severity: high
What it means: The engine computer saw misfires in the first moments after the engine started. On its own it can be a plug, coil or fuel problem, but on Ford's 2.0L EcoBoost it is one of the codes Ford's bulletin links to coolant leaking into the cylinders.
Safe to drive? Get it checked soon. If the check-engine light flashes, the engine runs very rough, or coolant keeps dropping, stop driving.
Common symptoms
- Rough or shaky cold start that smooths out
- Check-engine light, sometimes flashing
- White, sweet-smelling exhaust smoke (coolant intrusion)
- Coolant level dropping with no visible leak
Likely causes, ranked
- Coolant leaking into a cylinder (some engines, e.g. Ford 2.0L EcoBoost)Shop
- Worn spark plugs or a weak ignition coilDIY
- Fuel injector or fuel delivery problemShop
- Vacuum leakShop
Vehicle-specific notes
- 2015–2020 Lincoln MKZ: Ford bulletin 19-2346 lists P0316 with P0300–P0304 for coolant in the cylinders on 2017–2019 MKZ built on or before April 8, 2019. The fix is a replacement engine long block. Read the full answer · Source
What it means: The engine computer saw misfires in the first moments after the engine started. On its own it can be a plug, coil or fuel problem, but on Ford's 2.0L EcoBoost it is one of the codes Ford's bulletin links to coolant leaking into the cylinders.
Severity: High. Safe to drive? Get it checked soon. If the check-engine light flashes, the engine runs very rough, or coolant keeps dropping, stop driving.
DIY or shop?
Plugs and coils are DIY on many cars. If coolant is disappearing too, it's a shop job: get a cooling system pressure test and a borescope check before replacing parts.
Before you replace parts
- Check the coolant reservoir level cold and track it over a few days.
- Read all stored codes. P0316 with P0301–P0304 tells you which cylinder.
- Check your VIN for recalls, service bulletins and extended coverage.
- Swap the coil on the misfiring cylinder to see if the misfire moves before buying parts.
Safety / mechanic note
Verify with a mechanic. Coolant in the cylinders can quickly cause severe engine damage. A code points to a circuit or system, not always a specific part.