P0313 Low Fuel Level Misfire Detected

OBD-II Trouble Code - P0313 - Data Sheet

P0313 - Misfire detected at low fuel level.

Code P0313 defines a misfire code for a low fuel level in the fuel tank. The code is often associated with diagnostic codes P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305 and P0306.

What does trouble code P0313 mean?

This is a generic transmission code which means it covers all makes / models from 1996 onwards. However, specific troubleshooting steps may differ from vehicle to vehicle.

The P0313 code indicates an engine misfire when the fuel level is low. This is one of the few ambiguous codes on a vehicle that, if taken at face value, diagnosed and corrected, seems simple enough.

The code is set when the computer, through signals from a number of sensors, determines that the engine failure is due to a lean mixture (due to a large amount of air and a lack of fuel). If the fuel level is low enough to open the fuel pump, sporadic pressure surges due to the pump's inability to pick up the remaining fuel will cause a "lean" condition.

In all likelihood, you either lowered the fuel level to a minimum before refueling, or you have a legitimate fuel delivery problem. If the fuel system is working properly, this scenario can cause several other mechanical problems.

Symptoms

When DTC P0313 is set in the ECM, the Check Engine light comes on. It will remain on until the vehicle has completed at least three self-test cycles. Along with the Check Engine light, the engine may run rough if a code P0313 is present. Depending on the cause of the code, one or more cylinders may run lean or misfire and the engine may stall. Most often, the code comes on because the fuel level is very low and the car is running out of fuel.

Symptoms may include:

• DTC P0313 Low Fuel Misfire Detected
• Roughly running engine
• Hard or no start
• Uncertainty about acceleration
• Lack of power

Possible Causes of Code P0313

Reasons for this DTC may include:

Probably:

• Low fuel level exposes the fuel pump
• Fuel pump failure
• Clogged fuel filter
• Fuel pressure regulator malfunction
• Clogged or out of order fuel injectors
• Short circuit or open in the fuel pump harness
• Bad electrical connectors

Additional features:

• Spark plug
• Ignition wires
• Faulty reactor ring
• Carbon contaminated valves
• Air mass sensor
• Defective distributor cover
• Defective coil packs
• No compression
• Large vacuum leak

Regardless of the cause of DTC P0313, the fuel level will be very low at the time the code is set.

Diagnostics and repair

It is important to start by going online and checking all the relevant TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) related to this code. If the problem is not with the fuel system, some vehicles have a specific problem that tends to set this code.

For example, BMW has a set of three oil separator hoses under the intake manifold that, when cracked, create a vacuum leak that sets this code.

Check the factory and extended warranties to see if and for how long.

Buy or borrow a code scanner from your local auto parts store. They are relatively inexpensive and not only do they extract the codes, but they also have an accompanying cross-reference sheet for explanations and can restart the computer after completion.

Connect the scanner to the OBD port under the dashboard on the driver's side. Turn the key to the "On" position. And click the "Read" button. Write down all codes and check them against the code table. Additional codes may be present that will direct you to a specific area, for example:

• P0004 Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit High Signal
• P0091 Low indicator of the fuel pressure regulator control circuit 1
• P0103 High input signal of the circuit of mass or volumetric air flow
• P0267 Cylinder 3 injector circuit low
• P0304 Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected

Recover any additional code (s) and try again by clearing the code with a scanner and checking your vehicle driving.

If there are no support codes, start with the fuel filter. The following diagnostic and repair procedures require the use of several special tools:

• Special wrenches for removing the fuel filter
• Fuel pressure tester and adapters
• Fuel can
• Volt / Ohmmeter

Make sure you have at least half the fuel tank.

• Connect a fuel pressure gauge to the fuel test port on the fuel rail. Open the valve on the tester and let the fuel drain into the gas cylinder. Close the valve on the tester.
• Raise the car and replace the fuel filter.
• Turn on the key and check for leaks.
• Disconnect the connector to the fuel pump module and check the voltage at the fuel pump. To do this, the assistant will need to turn on the key for five seconds and turn it off for five seconds. The computer turns on the pump for two seconds. If the computer does not see the engine turning, it turns off the fuel pump.
• Check the connector terminals for power. At the same time, listen to the pump turn on. If there is no sound or unusual sound, the pump is faulty. Make sure the wire harness and connector are in good condition.
• Lower the car and start the engine. Pay attention to the fuel pressure at idle speed. If the engine runs better and the fuel pressure is within the range specified in the service manual, the problem has been corrected.
• If this does not solve the problem, look for vacuum leaks in the intake manifold.
• Remove the vacuum hose from the fuel pressure regulator. Look for fuel inside the hose. Fuel means diaphragm failure.

If the fuel pump is defective, take it to a service center for replacement. This makes the technician nervous if the fuel tank falls. One spark can bring disaster. Do not try to do this at home so as not to blow up your house and the houses around it in case of an accident.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing Code P0313

The most common error when diagnosing P0313 is neglecting the first filling of the fuel tank. In many cases, the cause is poor fuel delivery to the engine due to low fuel levels. Failure to do so may result in misdiagnosis if parts are replaced before a thorough diagnosis is made.

How serious is the P0313 code?

DTC P0313 can be a serious problem, especially if the engine is about to run out of fuel. You may be left stranded and need help or a tow to get to help. When a DTC is set for other reasons, it is often less serious. Misfiring can cause poor fuel economy, higher emissions, and erratic engine performance even though it usually continues to run reliably.

What repairs can fix code P0313?

General repairs for DTC P0313 are as follows:

• Fill the fuel tank. If the problem is related to low fuel levels, the symptoms will disappear, then the fault code will simply need to be cleared.
• Replace ignition coil or ignition cables. Once a particular component has been isolated, it can be replaced with a new one.
• Clean fuel injectors. If the code is due to poor fuel injection, cleaning the injectors may fix the problem. If they are broken you can replace them.
• Replace spark plugs. In some cases, dirty spark plugs in cold weather or worn spark plug electrodes can cause a misfire code.

Additional comments to consider regarding code P0313

DTC P0313 is most commonly seen on luxury vehicles such as BMWs. On many other types of vehicles, you can run out of fuel without the Check Engine light coming on or the PCM misfiring code being set. On BMW vehicles, DTC P0313 can be compared to an early warning that you are about to run out of fuel.

P0313 ✅ SYMPTOMS AND CORRECT SOLUTION ✅ - OBD2 Fault Code

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