P0313 – What Does It Mean and How To Fix It

Since random misfire problems may result in so many different conditions and even more trouble codes than just P0313, see your repair manual manufacturer's fault code definitions and recommended repair procedures so you can be sure of where to start diagnosing.

Causes

Fuel pump - P0313 obd code is usually caused by a faulty fuel pump, but can also be caused by a failed fuel pressure regulator, clogged fuel filter and more. Low fuel level exposing the fuel pump - P0313 is one of the codes that are set when the check engine light comes on due to low or no fuel in your tank. This means after you fill up your car with gas, the earliest time P0313  warning will appear in your instrument cluster display would be at about 40-50 miles driven since the last fillup.

Mechanical problems in either your crankshaft position sensor or camshaft position sensor - P0313 obd code is usually caused by a faulty crankshaft or camshaft position sensor. P0313 may also be triggered by an open or short in the wiring of the CKP, CMP sensors, but P0313 codes for those problems are not as common.

Bad connections/intermittent loss of connection - P0313 OBD code is usually caused by bad connections at either the crankshaft speed sensor that plugs into your ECU harness connector, at the plug where the wires go into each of the spark plugs' metal shells on older cars, or at any other electrical connectors that are part of your ignition system, fuel injection system or emission control system. Corroded or loose terminals - P0313 OBD code is usually caused by corroded or loose battery terminals, but P0xxx codes for those problems are not as common.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Error Code P0313 include: 

• Engine running rough
• No start or hard starting
• Power outage
• During acceleration, there is a pause

Diagnosis

Make sure your battery is fully charged - if it isn't, charge your car's battery and see if the code comes back after you drive the car 20-40 miles since that should be enough to get rid of any codes that were present only because of low fuel level exposing the fuel pump for troubleshooting (see above). If the Low Fuel warning light did not come on when you turned your ignition key to ON position, then check for power in each wire leading from the crank connector to ECU at any other connector on the wiring harness. If P0313 DTC returns, then your problem is not related to the fuel pump.

How serious is this?

P0313 OBD code is a very common symptom of a problem that might prevent your car from starting up at all, so you should have it checked out as soon as possible. P0313 OBD code can also mean that while some components in your ignition system are working fine, there's another component that sends the signal to the ECU  that doesn't work.

What repairs can fix the code?

You can connect the fuel pressure tester to the fuel test port on the fuel rail by looking for it on the fuel rail. If you are using a tester, you will need to open the valve to let the fuel pressure drain, then close the valve.

Fuel filters should be replaced after the vehicle is raised. Check for leaks after turning on the key.

After removing the connector from the fuel pump module, check the voltage for the fuel pump. This step requires a helper because someone will have to switch off and turn on the key repeatedly over the next five seconds. For two seconds, the pump will be energized by the PCM. PCMs will turn off fuel pumps when they do not detect an engine turning.

Make sure the pumps are energized while checking the terminals for power. If the pump does not make a sound or makes an unusual sound, it means the pump is failing. Check the connector as well as the wiring harness for damage.

Start the engine when the vehicle is lowered. When you are idle, pay attention to the fuel pressure. If the engine starts running better and the fuel pressure is within range (as per the service manual), the problem has been resolved.

Check the intake manifold for vacuum leaks if the problem isn't resolved after that.

Make sure there is no fuel inside the hose by pulling the vacuum hose off the fuel pressure regulator. Diaphragm failure is indicated by fuel in the hose.

Related codes

• P0004 Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit High 
• P0091 Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Control Circuit Low 
• P0103 Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit High Input 
• P0267 Cylinder 3 Injector Circuit Low 
• P0304 Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected

How much does it cost to fix the P0309 code?

There's no reason P0313 has to be expensive, but some cars - especially those with high mileage - will end up needing a lot of repairs all at once. In that case, the P0313 code might be an indication that your car would benefit from a complete overhaul including all filters, belts, and fluids as well as replacement of oxygen sensors and spark plugs. 

Conclusion

If you're experiencing a P0313 error code, don't panic! The best way to handle this is by getting it fixed as soon as possible. We recommend that you call your mechanic and have them take a look at the issue for you. They'll be able to diagnose what's wrong with your car and offer solutions on how to fix whatever problem there may be.