A cylinder misfire is a frequent issue that can occur for a number of causes. You’ll probably notice issues with engine performance, such as sluggish running and hesitancy, when your vehicle starts to misfire. Usually, the check engine light will also come on.
Aside from obvious driveability problems, there are also OBD-II codes related to engine misfires. P0310 is one of them. Did your scan tool retrieve this error code? Know more about it through this article.
What Does the P0310 Code Mean?
Diagnostic trouble code P0310 stands for “Cylinder #10 Misfire.” The code is set once the PCM has detected that cylinder #10 is not firing as it should.
A series of valves allow air (and fuel in the case of port injection) to sequentially enter each cylinder while the engine is running. The valves close and the piston in that cylinder swings upward to pressurize (compress) the mixture after air and fuel have been drawn into that cylinder.
The air-fuel mixture is then ignited by the spark plug. The crankshaft rotates as a result of the explosion (combustion) pushing the piston downward. The procedure is repeated in each cylinder of the engine to provide the rotational force required to move your vehicle forward. When there is incomplete (or zero) combustion taking place in one of the engine’s cylinders, there is a misfire.
Note: The definition of code P0310 might be different depending on the vehicle manufacturer. Consult the appropriate repair manual or repair database for the exact code definition.
What Are the Common Causes of the P0310 Code?
- Ignition system problems, such as:
- A faulty worn spark plug
- A failed coil pack or coil-on-plug coil
- A bad spark plug wire on a vehicle that has plug wires
- Fuel delivery issues, such as:
- A faulty fuel injector
- Wiring issues with the fuel injector circuit (e.g., loose connections, damaged wires)
- Problems with the powertrain control module, such as a damaged injector driver
- Engine mechanical problems, such as:
- A leaking valve
- A worn piston ring, a damaged piston or damaged cylinder walls
- A worn camshaft lobe or damaged lifter
- A leaking head gasket
What Are the Common Symptoms of the P0310 Code?
- Poor engine performance
- Decreased fuel economy
How to Diagnose the P0310 Code
Various vehicles can log DTC P0310, but that doesn’t mean that there’s a universal diagnostic procedure and solution for it. It may be better to let a mechanic diagnose the issue for you. But if you have advanced automotive knowledge to proceed with engine cylinder diagnosis and repair, you can do it yourself.
Here is a video that outlines what the diagnostic process might involve:
How to Fix the P0310 Code
The way to resolve a P0310 code varies depending on the vehicle’s year, make, and model. You have two options to fix it: hire a certified mechanic or try to do the repairs yourself.
If you have advanced technical knowledge and hands-on experience in car repair, you can attempt to resolve the P0310 code on your own. Make sure you refer to a vehicle-specific repair manual or online repair database before you get started.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
