What Is P1316 Code on 7.3 Powerstroke and How to Fix It?

If you’re receiving the P1316 error code from your vehicle and don’t know what it means, then let me inform you that you’re not the only one who doesn’t know about such codes. Besides getting the code, you might be facing some serious engine issues as well.

To resolve all these issues, you need to know what is P1316 code on 7.3 Powerstroke and how to fix it. P1316 is one of the Diagnostic Trouble Codes or DTCs of Ford 7.3L Powerstroke.

The DTCs notify you when something is wrong with the engine. In this case, the trouble code P1316 tells you that the problem is with the Injector Driver Module or IDM.

Let’s dive deep into the details of error code P1316 and find out the symptoms and causes of this code. Together we will also explore how to fix this issue and what the costs are.

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What Is P1316 Code on 7.3 Powerstroke?

In simple words, the P1316 error code indicates the detection of IDM codes. This means one or several Injector Driver Module codes have been detected by your Powertrain Control Module or PCM.

Since the basic OBD-II scanners cannot read the IDM codes, you’re informed about the issue through the DTC 1316. You’ll need a scanner with bi-directional controls to get the exact IDM codes.

The P1316 code indicates that your 7.3 Powerstroke engine might have one or several of the following problems –

In most cases, the problem is in the UVHC connector. It can be in the valve cover gasket and harness or between the valve cover and IDM.
The problem can be in the injectors. Ford 7.3 Powerstroke has 8 injectors in total. It’s possible that only 4 or all of them (in rare cases) are sticking together.
Lastly, the issue can be a faulty injector driver module. This is also extremely rare.

What Are the Possible Symptoms of Getting the P1316 FORD Code on 7.3 Powerstroke?

As the code appears due to a particular engine problem, you’ll surely notice some symptoms. The P1316 code comes with a few visible symptoms, including –

Engine Light

If your engine light keeps turning ON frequently or remains turned ON permanently, it’s a clear indication that there’s an issue, and you need to use a code scanner to detect it. In some cases, the ‘Service Engine Soon’ light might be turned ON instead.

Difficulty in Starting

Since the internal parts of your engine are affected, you’ll find it difficult to get the engine started. In extreme conditions, the engine might not start at all.

Misfires

Frequent engine misfire is another key indicator that you’re about to get a P1316 error code.

Rough Performance

Your car won’t run smoothly if there’s any problem with the engine. The RPM value will go up and down, causing the car to shake at times.

How to Fix P1316 Error Code Issue on 7.3 Powerstroke?

The P1316 doesn’t exactly tell you what’s wrong with the engine. Instead, it indicates that one or several IDM codes have been detected, and you’ll need a bi-directional scanner to identify the problem.

So, if you want to fix the problem, you need to read the IDM code first and then proceed to fix it. Below we have discussed how you can read the codes and solve the engine problems.

# Identifying the Error Codes and Injector Issues

By identifying the error codes, you’ll be able to know exactly where the problem is. Here’s how you can do it –

Step 1: Gather Necessary Tools

First, you need to get a bi-directional scanner to read the IDM codes. AutoEnginuity or AE scan tool will be the best choice for this job.

Step 2: Perform KOEO Self-Test

Commonly known as the Buzz test, the ‘Key On Engine Off’ or KOEO test is an effective way to identify which side of the car is actually harmed. You need to use the AE ScanTool and concentrate on the sound coming from the injectors.

Of the 8 injectors, the right bank or driver’s side has four, and the left bank or passenger’s side has the remaining four. Here is the position of the injectors as per their numbers –

Right Bank: Injector numbers 2, 4, 6, and 8
Left Bank: Injector numbers 1, 3, 5, and 7

Step 3: Identify the Affected Side

When you run the Buzz test, all injectors will buzz at once in the beginning. After that, they will buzz one by one. You need to keep a count of the buzzing, like 1,2,3… to specify the position of the injector.

The buzzing sound will be slightly muffled or unusual if there’s something wrong. Take notes on which injector is making an unusual sound and check whether it belongs to the right or left bank.

Is There Any Alternative to the KOEO Test?

Yes, there are some alternatives to the KOEO test. Although the alternatives are way less effective, you’ll be able to save the cost of buying a bi-scanner if you opt for other methods. Using a Temperature Gun or Harbor Freight are two good ways to identify the injector’s problems.

How to Identify Injector Issues with a Temperature Gun?

Since a temperature tool is the most common tool, we will tell you how to use it to find out which exhaust manifold (left or right) is causing problems. Here are the steps you need to follow –

Step 1

Turn on your engine and run it for a short while.

Step 2

Point the temperature gun to each of the exhaust manifolds and note down the temperatures.

Step 3

If an exhaust manifold gives a particularly low-temperature reading, it is having power issues.

Fix the Injector Issues

From the Buzz test and temperature gun, you already know which is the corrupted part. The tests tell you which side of the Under Valve Cover Harness or UVCH connector is damaged or having some issues. Now let’s find out how to fix the issues.

Replace or Reconnect the UVCH Connector

To check if the UVCH connector is damaged or not, remove the valve cover first. Then examine the UVCH connectors properly. If the connectors have loosened, try to tighten or reconnect them. After that, check out whether the DTC has been cleared or not.

In case you’re still getting the DTC and the connectors are damaged, you need to replace them with new ones. You can use a shim while installing the new connector to avoid loose connector issues in the future.

Consider Replacing IDM

Sometimes you’ll face engine issues and continue getting the P1316 code even after you have replaced the UVCH connectors. In that case, the problem is in the Injector Drive Module itself, and it needs to be replaced.

Using any 7.3 Powerstroke engine’s IDM is enough to tell if the IDM is defective or not. In case the IDM turns out faulty, consider replacing it with Auto Shop.

Now, you must remember that these solutions will only work if you have identified one DTC only. If you extracted two or more DTCs during the buzz test, you have to get help from an expert.

What’s the Cost of Fixing the P1316 Error Code?

The overall cost of fixing the P1316 code includes the price of the scanner, UVCH connectors, and IDM. In case you’re taking help from a professional, the cost will be around $75 to $150 for an hour.

Here’s an estimated cost for the fixing –

OBD-II Scanner: $150 or more
Bi-Directional ScanTool: $450 or more
Harbor Freight: $40 – $50
Temperature Gun: $11+
New IDM: $400 or more
UVCH Connectors: $30
Professional Mechanic Service: $75 – $150 per hour

What Happens If You Don’t Fix the Code P1316?

As you know, the P1316 code is caused by a loose UVCH connector, a bad UVC harness, or faulty IDM. Since all these parts directly affect your engine, you’ll continuously face engine issues if you don’t get a fix.

The engine light will keep turning on, you’ll have a hard time starting the engine, and slowly it’ll lead to severe engine damage. So, it’s better to take this issue seriously and solve it as soon as possible.

Final Words

So, now you know what is P1316 code on 7.3 Powerstroke and how to fix it easily. If you want to identify the problem correctly, you need to remember a few things. First, be careful while reading the buzz sounds during the KOEO test. You can’t solve the problem if you don’t properly identify where the defect is.

Buy a Bi-Directional ScanTool or try borrowing one if needed. And don’t hesitate to take help from a professional as you might end up damaging your engine otherwise.

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