Car troubles can be annoying. If you don’t maintain your vehicle correctly, it will happen often. One such trouble is getting the code P1316 on your 7.3 Powerstroke.
P1316 is a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC),which means ‘Injector Driver Module (IDM) Codes Detected.’ This means that the IDM has detected some issues and you need to check it using a bi-direction scan tool/temperature gun.
Reconnecting the harness should be enough but sometimes you need to replace the IDM.
What Are The Tools Needed For Diagnosis And RepairP1316?
To spot and fix P1316, you need to keep the following items on hand:
- OBD2 scanner
- Bi-direction scan tool or temperature gun
- Safety Gear
What Is The P1316 code 7.3 Powerstroke?
P1316 is a DTC that indicates ‘Injector Driver Module (IDM) Codes Detected.’ This DTC is picked by the OBD2 scanner and spells trouble for your car. The 7.3 Powerstroke is an efficient engine but it faces this error quite often due to its weak IDM.
The IDM is the component of the engine that fires the injectors of your engine for a certain period as determined by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
What Does P1316 Code Mean For My Car?
The OBD2 scanner is a pretty effective tool but it cannot read everything. This code is simply telling you to check the IDM. The IDM has signaled to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) that something is off and needs your immediate attention.
The Causing Factors Of The Error Code P1316
Now that you know what this error code is and what it means for your 7.3 Powerstroke engine, you might be curious about what this issue is caused by.
Disconnected Under Valve Cover Harness (UVCH)
The harness that connects the engine to your IDM may be disconnected and this causes it to malfunction. It will be a whole lot more complicated if you have a damaged UVCH. This will warrant a replacement.
IDM Issues
Sometimes, the IDM itself may be damaged. This is not too uncommon for the 7.3 Powerstroke.
4 Common Symptoms Associated With The P1316
I’d wager that you don’t check your car with an OBD2 scanner regularly. But when your car starts acting funny, you should spring for this tool. These are the symptoms of P1316:
#1- Check Engine Light (CEL) Lit Up
If you see that your CEL illuminates, hook your car up to the scanner as soon as possible.
#2- Engine Problems
There are a set of engine issues related to P1316. They include but are not limited to:
- The engine doesn’t startup
- Long engine startup time
- Misfiring engine
#3- Bad Driving Experience
Your car is bound to run into some performance issues if there is something wrong with your IDM. Novice drivers may not sense a difference but experienced ones will certainly notice a drop in engine performance.
#4- Related Codes Pop Up
If you are one of those rare people that hook the car up to a scanner without prompt, you may see some other codes that indicate this issue such as P0087, P0010, and P0011.
How Serious Is Code P1316 On Chevy?
As I mentioned, Ford 7.3 Powerstroke engines tend to have a vulnerable IDM. Chevy’s IDM is usually sturdier. However, if you see this code, run to the mechanic or fix the issue yourself immediately.
This is dangerous as it directly impacts the engine. It may even cause engine malfunctions on the road.
4 Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The Issue
The diagnosis seems easy but there are so many ways in which you can mess up. These are the most common slipups I’ve heard of or seen during a P1316 check:
- Faulty OBD2 scanner
- Misinterpreting the DTC
- Inaccurate bi-direction scan tool/ temperature gun
- Connecting the scan tool to the wrong injectors
How Do I Fix My P1316 code 7.3 Powerstroke?
I’ve told you what tools you need and why you need them. Now, it’s time to tell you how to use them. Here is a step-by-step guide to fix P1316.
Step 1: Wear Safety Gear
Here is the thing: the easiest choice always be going for professional help. It might be expensive but they know what they are doing. If you do decide to do it yourself, please take proper safety precautions as DIY car repairs can be life-threatening.
These precautions include wearing thick goggles, high-quality shoes, and durable gloves.
Step 2: Find The Faulty Engine Bank
To find the faulty side of the engine, you need to use the aforementioned bi-direction scan tool. There are 8 injectors on both the driver’s side and the passenger’s side of the engine. These injectors need to be tested using the Key on Engine Off (KOEO)test or Buzz test.
Start the tool and wait till you hear multiple buzzes at once. After that, the machine will buzz in intervals. Count these intervals. Each buzz represents an injector. The 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th buzzes represent the ones on the passenger’s side. Any muffled buzz indicates an issue in that part of the engine.
If you don’t have a bi-directional scanner, leave the engine for a few minutes and check the temperature of each side with a temperature gun. The hotter side is likely the faulty one. The first method is more reliable.
Step 3: Repair or replace UVCH
Open the valve of the faulty engine bank and check the IDM harness. If it is loose, you’re in luck, plugging it in will do the trick. If it is torn, you’ll need to replace it. Go to a mechanic for a replacement.
Step 4: Replace IDM
If you’ve checked or repaired the harness to no avail, you may need to replace the IDM itself. Again, this is not something I recommend doing yourself. Professional help is sort of a must here.
How Much Does It Cost To Solve P1316?
It is impossible to give an exact cost chart but here are a few estimates
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| OBD-2 Scanner | $200 |
| Bi-directional Scanner | $350 |
| Temperature Gun | $50 |
| New UVCH | $50 |
| New IDM | $400 |
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Before I say goodbye, I have gathered some questions about the 7.3 Powerstroke and the codes I would love to answer. Let’s check them out.
Should I Treat P1316 Code Seriously?
Firstly, you wouldn’t be able to withstand the annoyance of the P1316 code in your vehicle. It comes with many unbearable problems. On the other hand, it kills your engine, so yes, it’s a serious matter.
Does the P1316 Code Cause Performance Issues?
Yes, you will encounter many performance issues if you don’t fix them. You certainly wouldn’t get smooth rides as before and face ignition problems.
Can my technician cause a P1316 code error?
Poor-fitting is one of the reasons why you might be seeing a P1316 code. If your technician didn’t properly fit the injector module or worked with something in that area, then there’s a chance it’s your technician.
What OBM2 Scanner Should I Use?
While most expensive scanners are pretty accurate, it is a good idea to go for the big brands. From my experience, these brands are Launch and Autel. Their devices are solid
How To Tell What Every DTC Means?
A google search with the code you are searching for should help you with what you are looking for. If you are genuinely interested in the topic, Mcgill published this insightful document.
What Bi-Directional Scanner Should I Use?
Launch and Autel seem to have a strong hold on the market as they also produce the best bi-directional scanners I’ve used. There is something about the interfaces I like.
How Much Would It Cost To Fix P1316 At An Auto Repair Shop?
That depends on the hourly rate around where you live. Always go to a mechanic you can trust as unreliable chop shops can end up doing your car better than harm.
Verdict
Repairing a p1316 code for a 7.3 Powerstroke is something you can do at home but in most cases, you will need professional help. Trying to replace the complex components yourself will only lead to injuries and increased costs.
