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

Ford 7.3L notifies the user if there is anything wrong with the engine through DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes). The DTC P1316 is one of them & it indicates problems with the IDM.

If you’re getting the error code P1316 & don’t know what it means, this article is for you. In this article, I’ve discussed the symptoms, causing factors & solution of this trouble code.

P1316 Code On 7.3 Powerstroke

What Does P1316 Code Mean on 7.3L Powerstroke?

P1316 is one of the DTCs of the Ford 7.3L Powerstroke engine. By definition, this error code P1316 means Injector Driver Module (IDM) Codes Detected.

Your PCM (Powertrain Control Module) has detected one or several IDM codes & you’re informed by the DTC 1316. You might be wondering, why not just show the actual IDM codes directly?

The answer is simple; your ordinary OBD-II scanner can’t read IDM codes. You’ll need a Bi-Directional Scan Tool to read codes from IDM. By this error code, your PCM is guiding you to use a Bi-Directional Scan Tool.

Whether you’re using a Bi-Directional Scan Tool or not, you’ll face three types of problems if you’re getting this code:

  1. UVCH Connector Problem
  2. Out Of 8 Injectors, four or All Of Them Are Sticking Together (Rare Case)
  3. Faulty IDM (Rare Case)

Continue reading to know about the symptoms regarding the code DTC P1316.

Symptoms Of Getting The P1316 Code On A 7.3

Like every other Ford DTCs, the P1316 code also comes with some visible symptoms. Expect to have the error code if you’re facing the following symptoms:

  1. Engine Light Is Turned On (Frequently or Permanently)
  2. Engine Is Hard To Start
  3. Engine Misfires
  4. Rough Running Experience

You may not get all of the symptoms mentioned above if you’re getting this code. However, the engine light is enough to let you know there’s a problem & you should use an error code scanner.

Read Also: What Is P1280 Code On 7.3 Powerstroke: How To Fix

The Causing Factors Of The P1316 Error Code

The error code P1316 is one of the most common error codes of the 7.3L engines. Maybe there’s a design flaw that continuously messes up with the UVCH connectors.

Here are the causing factors of the error code P1316:

  • Loose or Disconnected UVCH Connector
  • Bad UVC Harness
  • Faulty Injector Driver Module & Wirings (Rare Scenario)

There’s no other way of getting this error code except the causing factors mentioned above.

Read Also: What is P20BA Code On 6.7 Powerstroke & How To Fix It?

How Serious Is the P1316 Code On a 7.3L Powerstroke?

The DTC P1316 is a trouble code that will try to follow you to the death (of your engine). The engine is hard to start, frequent engine light coming up & other things are caused by this error code.

As you already know, this code directly impacts the engine – it’s better to get rid of it as soon as you discover it. Though it’s mostly a DIY type of work, don’t show laziness getting expert help if needed.

Read Also: What Is P0603 Code On 7.3 Powerstroke: How To Fix?

How To Solve the P1316 Error Code On a 7.3L Powerstroke?

The error code P1316 doesn’t mean any exact problem that you can fix & solve the code instantly.

This code just indicates that there are one or several hidden IDM codes; you’ve to figure them out first to solve this error code.

Let’s get started with identifying the injectors problem first:

Identify Injectors Problem & Error Codes First

Extracting the error codes will help you narrow down the problems your engine is facing. Later on, you can fix them & one by one to get rid of this code.

Tools You’ll Need:

You’ll need a Bi-Directional Scan Tool. I suggest getting an AutoEnginuity (AE) Scan Tool for this purpose & it costs around $500.

If you’re ready with the AE ScanTool, conduct a KOEO (Key On Engine Off) Self-Test, also known as the Buzz Test.

KOEO Self-Test Of The 7.3L Powerstroke

Use the AE ScanTool & run the KOEO self-test. All you need to focus on is the sound from the injectors.

There are eight injectors in the engine – four from the driver side (Right Bank) & the other four from the passenger side (Left Bank). Here are the injectors description according to their numbers:

  • Driver Side (Right Bank): 2nd, 4th, 6th & 8th Injectors
  • Passenger Side (Left Bank): 1st, 3rd, 5th & 7th Injectors

Follow these steps to determine which side of your exhaust manifold is causing the problem:

  • Step 1: Conduct the test & you’ll hear all injectors are buzzing at once.
  • Step 2: Now, you’ll hear them buzzing one by one. Count them like this: 1, 2, 3…. to identify the injectors.
  • Step 3: Take notes on which injectors are having issues(Passenger or Driver side) as it helps you determine & fix the problem.

Note: You will get other DTCs from the IDM via KOEO Self-Test/Buzz Test & you’ll have to act according to them. However, using alternative methods won’t give you other error codes to laser focus on the problems.  

KOEO Self-Test/Buzz-Test Alternative

As the AE Scan Tool costs around $500, it’s a better idea to follow other alternatives such as – Using Harbor Freight (costs $40 to $50) or Temperature Gun.

Let’s talk about the temperature gun, as most of you already have one.

Temperature Gun For Identify Injectors Problem

Follow these steps to identify which (Left & Right) exhaust manifold is having issues:

  • Step 1: Let the engine run for 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Step 2: Hold the temperature pointing to each exhaust manifold.
  • Step 3: The exhaust manifold with lesser temperature is having power issues.

Now you know which part is corrupted, follow the next segment of this article to fix the injector problems.

1. Check UVCH Connector: Reconnect Or Replace

You know which side UVCH (Under Valve Cover Harness) connector is faulty or having issues from the tests conducted above.

Firstly, take off the valve cover. At the same time, lose at the turbo side & save yourself from spending money on new o-rings.

Have a look at the UVCH connectors. They might be loose or disconnected. Try reconnecting or tightening them & check if the DTC is cleared.

You can also replace the connectors if they are in bad condition. Consider using shim with them so that you won’t face the loose connector problems again.

2. Check & Replace IDM (Rare Case)

If you’re still facing problems even after fixing the UVCH connectors problem, it’s time to have a look over the IDM (Injector Driver Module) itself.

You can use any 7.3 engine’s IDM to test whether your IDM is faulty or not. If it turns out that your IDM is defective, consider replacing the IDM with any Auto Shop.

Note: These are the most used trouble-shooting methods considering your IDM is not splitting severe DTCs while conducting the Buzz test. If it’s giving two or more codes, consider getting expert help.

How Much Does It Cost To Solve The Error Code P1316

You’ll have to spend on scan tools & scanners. Here are price lists of them:

  • OBD-II Scanner: $150+
  • Bi-Directional ScanTool: $450+
  • Harbor Freight: $40+

Later on, you may have to purchase UVCH connectors costing around $30.

Lastly, if you’re getting professional help – you’ll end up paying them $75 to $150 per hour.

Read Also: What Is P2263 Code On 6.4 Powerstroke: How To Fix?

Common Mistakes While Solving The P1316 Code

Here are the most common mistakes you may encounter while solving the error code P1316:

  1. Reading the injectors buzz sounds wrong.
  2. Not using a Bi-Directional Scan Tool if needed.

Additional Comments To Consider Regarding The P1316 Code

The P1316 code can appear for various reasons. If you’re lucky enough, you can get away with replacing the UVCH connectors & your engine won’t misfire or show the code again.

Try borrowing a Bi-Directional Scan Tool if you don’t want to buy one. You can also take your truck to any auto shop to check for other IDM codes if you’re having issues even after replacing the UVCH harness.

Conclusion

I hope this article was helpful enough to know the DTC P1316 thoroughly. Now you can identify & solve the code without spending on huge labour costs.

However, consider getting professional help if your work couldn’t fix the error code P1316. This may cost you big money but you’ll save yourself from spending a lot more in the future.

Read Also: What Is P04DB Code on 6.7L Powerstroke & How To Fix It?

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