The 7.3 engine Power Stroke engine is practically the most powerful Powerstroke diesel engine, however, the engine had its faults too. One of the commonest errors you’d face with the 7.3 Power Stroke engine is the Injector Driver Module (IDM) problem, which throws the P1316 error code.
The P1316 code on 7.3 Powerstoke engines simply means that the Injector Driver Module is faulty and needs to be checked, fixed, or replaced. Well, several things can cause IDM to go bad, and this article explains all of them.
We will also look at how to clear the P1316 code on Powerstroke engines.
What’s The P1316 Code on Powerstroke Engines?
Simple code meaning: P1316 means the Injector Driver Module (IDM) is faulty. What is the IDM, and what does it do?
It is important to troubleshoot your car/truck when one or more dashboard lights come on, especially the “Check Engine Light.”
When you troubleshoot the car using an auto scanner like the OBDII tool, you’d be presented with specific DTCs (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) – the p1316 code is one of the common DTCs you may see.
If you troubleshot your 7.3 Powerstroke truck or SUV and get the P1316 error code showing on your digital scanner, it’s a notice to check your car’s Injector Driver Module. This is the system that controls how fuel is injected into diesel engines. There are pretty many IDMs that could be found in a diesel engine.
Notwithstanding, there are other possible causes why your diesel-powered truck may throw up the P1316 DTC; the possible causes include a faulty PCM (Powertrain Control Module) or faulty Injector Driver Module harness/relay.
So, what should you do when your car throws up the p1316 code? Well, let’s understand what the IDMs do.
See Also: Common 7.3 Powerstroke Problems
Function Of Injector Driver Modules (IDMs) In Diesel Engines
The Injector Driver Module is available on every engine that uses fuel injectors. It works with the fuel injection system and the car’s central computer – the Engine Control Unit (ECU) or Power Control Unit (PCU) – to control fuel injection timing, which regulates the amount of fuel that gets into the ignition valve.
How the IDM works differ from engine to engine; for Power Stroke diesel engines, the module works in hand with the cylinders.
If the vehicle’s central computer detects that the fuel cylinder should unload, it sends signals to the IDM, which further sends a modulated signal to an injector solenoid, and then the solenoid controls the valve(s) to open/close to allow fuel or oil pass through.
With that said, a defective IDM would affect the fuel injection timing and the amount of fuel that goes into the engine’s cylinders. When this occurs, the engine may stall or misfire. Now, have understood the function of the engine component that throws the P1316 error code; how do you clear the DTC?
How To Clear P1316 Code On 7.3 Powerstroke Engines
With a clear understanding that a faulty IDM triggers the p1316 code, apparently, to clear/fix the error code, you have to identify the faulty IDM and replace or repair it. To start with, physically inspect the injectors – check the related wiring harness and connectors.
Also, visually inspect the components around the injector(s); if you find any of them broken, physically damaged, corroded, or pushed out of the housing, that’s the fault that needs to be fixed.
Well, practically, you can’t fix the p1316 code by yourself; you will need to engage a professional auto mechanic/electrician to do that for you.
In rare cases, you may need to remove and replace the old IDM in your vehicle. But majorly, the fault is usually in the housing, harness, and surrounding components.
The cost of fixing this error code depends on what actually went wrong. However, most workshops charge $50 – $100 per hour to troubleshoot a car for DTCs (labor cost not included).
Common Symptoms of P1316 Code on 7.3 Powerstroke
- Check engine light turns on – and refuses to turn off after checking various possible causes.
- The “Service engine soon” notification appears on the dashboard.
- Engine misfires and/or stalling
- Hard starting
A wide variety of causes can trigger the check engine light; however, p1316 can cause hard starting if the error isn’t fixed early enough. Misfiring and stalling may occur as the engine stops getting the right amount of fuel or oil to run smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost To Fix P1316 DTC on 7.3 Power Stroke Engines?
The final price depends on the workshop you visited (and what needs to be repaired or fixed). Basically, the troubleshooting can cost anywhere between $50 and $100, while labor costs can cost from $100 upwards, depending on the faulty component.
What Would Cause 7.3 Powerstroke To Misfire?
There are many reasons why a 7.3 Power Stroke engine may misfire; this includes faulty injectors. When one or more injectors are faulty (or the harness and housing are physically damaged), the engine will most likely misfire at random intervals.
Is The P1316 Code Really Serious?
If left unattended, it could turn out to be a severe issue. The P1316 signifies that some IDMs are not functioning, and as such, your car’s engine is not getting the right amount of fuel it deserves; over time, as the engine keeps getting starved of fuel, most of the components may start to break down.
How Do You Know If Your Injectors Are Bad On a 7.3 Powerstroke?
Some of the most typical signs of faulty fuel injectors include engine misfiring, check engine light appearing on the dashboard and engine stalling. Also, if you troubleshoot your car and get the P1316 code, it’s a sign that you’ve got some bad fuel injectors to deal with.
See Also: P1280 Code on 7.3 Powerstroke Engine
Summary
So, what’s the p1316 code on 7.3 Power Stroke engines? It signifies faulty IDMs. The IDM is what controls the timing of fuel injection in diesel engines.
If an IDM goes bad, it’d generally affect the engine’s performance, and over time, it can cause more challenging problems.