P0310Generic code

P0310 Code: Cylinder 10 Misfire Detected

The P0310 code means the computer detected failed combustion events in cylinder 10. The most common causes are the spark plug, the ignition coil or the fuel injector on that cylinder, and less often a compression problem. You can drive with caution if the light is steady, but a flashing light means you should slow down and get it fixed.

Severity
High
Can I keep driving?
Yes, but with caution
Estimated cost
$20 to $600
Difficulty
Medium
System
Ignition and Misfires
Applies to
All OBD2 vehicles

Updated Reviewed by Renzo Chacca

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What the P0310 code means

The computer uses the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor to measure the small burst of acceleration that each combustion event produces. When a cylinder does not deliver it, the computer counts a misfire. If the number of misfires goes over the limit in a block of engine revolutions, it stores the code for the cylinder involved. That is how the P0310 code is set.

Having a code for cylinder 10 specifically is a big advantage: the problem is almost always in something that belongs to that one cylinder. Cylinders 7 to 12 only exist on engines with eight, ten or twelve cylinders, almost always in a V layout. On those engines, reaching the spark plugs and coils on the rear bank can be awkward, so it pays to diagnose carefully before you take anything apart.

If the check engine light is flashing, the rate of misfires can damage the catalytic converter. Slow down and avoid heavy loads until it is repaired. Cylinder numbering is set by the manufacturer. On most inline engines, cylinder 1 is the one closest to the timing belt or chain, and on V engines the odd and even cylinders are usually on different banks. Confirm it in the service manual before you start.

See the complete guide to P0300 misfire codes for the swap method of diagnosis.

P0310 code symptoms

  • Engine shaking, especially at idle or under load.
  • Check engine light steady or flashing.
  • Loss of power.
  • Smell of unburned fuel from the exhaust.
  • Higher fuel use.
  • Hesitation or jerking when you accelerate.

Likely causes of the P0310 code

  1. Worn or damaged spark plug in cylinder 10. The cheapest and most frequent cause.
  2. Cylinder 10 ignition coil with high voltage leaks or a damaged internal winding.
  3. Deteriorated spark plug wire or boot on engines that use them.
  4. Cylinder 10 injector clogged or not pulsing. The cylinder is not getting enough fuel.
  5. Vacuum leak near the cylinder. The intake manifold gasket on that side.
  6. Low compression from valves, piston rings or the head gasket.
  7. Damaged camshaft or rocker arm on high-mileage engines.

How to diagnose the P0310 code step by step

  1. Confirm the cylinder with the misfire counters on the scan tool, at idle and under load.
  2. Inspect the cylinder 10 spark plug. Color, electrode wear and gap.
  3. Swap the cylinder 10 coil with the one from a neighboring cylinder, clear the codes and drive. If the misfire moves to the other cylinder, the coil is the culprit.
  4. Do the same with the spark plug if the misfire did not follow the coil.
  5. Check injector 10. Resistance, pulse with a test light, and the click with a stethoscope.
  6. Measure the compression of cylinder 10 and compare it with the others (the difference should be under 10 to 15 percent).
  7. If the compression is low, run a leak-down test to find out whether it is a valve, rings or the head gasket.

How to fix the P0310 code

  • Replace the spark plug with the correct type and gap (on a V8 it is best to change them all at once).
  • Replace the damaged coil or plug wire.
  • Clean or replace the injector.
  • Repair the vacuum leak or the mechanical cause.
  • Clear the codes and check that the misfire counters stay at zero.

Technical reference data

  • Typical coil primary resistance: 0.4 to 1.5 ohms.
  • Typical spark plug gap: 0.8 to 1.1 mm (about 0.031 to 0.043 in).
  • Typical compression on a gasoline engine: 10 to 14 bar (about 145 to 200 psi).
  • These values are for orientation only. Check the manufacturer data for your engine.

Brand-specific notes

P0310 on GM

On GM V8 engines, cylinders 7 and 8 are usually at the back of each bank, near the firewall, where heat wears out the coils and boots sooner.

P0310 on Ford

On Ford V8 engines, cylinders 7 and 8 are usually at the back of each bank, near the firewall, where heat wears out the coils and boots sooner. On the Ford 5.4 three-valve, the spark plugs can break when you remove them, so follow the manufacturer procedure.

Frequently asked questions about P0310

Can I drive with a P0310 code?
With caution if the light is steady. If it is flashing, slow down and take the vehicle to a shop, because the catalytic converter can be damaged.
Where is cylinder 10?
Cylinder numbering is set by the manufacturer. On most inline engines, cylinder 1 is the one closest to the timing belt or chain. On V engines, the odd and even cylinders are usually on different banks. Confirm it in the service manual before you take anything apart.
Do I have to replace all the spark plugs?
If they have the same wear, yes. One new plug next to worn ones leaves the engine unbalanced.
How much does it cost to fix P0310?
Between $20 and $600 if it is a spark plug, a coil or an injector. It costs more if there is a mechanical problem.
What does the P0310 code mean?
It is a generic OBD2 code that means the computer detected misfires in cylinder 10. The cause is usually in the spark plug, coil or injector for that cylinder.
What is the most common cause of P0310?
The P0310 code most often comes from a worn spark plug or a weak ignition coil on cylinder 10. Swapping the coil with a neighboring cylinder is the quickest way to tell.

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