Low fuel level allowing the fuel pump to draw air or debris, causing lean misfire; Weak or failing fuel pump that cannot maintain pressure when the tank is low; Clogged fuel filter restricting flow, most noticeable at low fuel levels; Faulty fuel level sensor sending an inaccurate low-fuel signal to the computer; Dirty or failing fuel injectors delivering uneven fuel to one or more cylinders; Vacuum leak or intake air leak that leans out the mixture under low-fuel conditions; Ignition system weakness such as worn spark plugs or coils exposed by lean running

DTC codes / P03xx · Ignition system and misfire / P0313

P0313Misfire Detected with Low Fuel

Q: What does code P0313 mean?

Misfire Detected with Low Fuel. P0313 indicates the engine control module detected a misfire at the same time the fuel level was reported as low, typically below a quarter tank. The computer uses crankshaft speed fluctuations to identify which cylinder is misfiring and correlates that event with the fuel level sensor input to set this specific code.

P0313 indicates the engine control module detected a misfire at the same time the fuel level was reported as low, typically below a quarter tank. The computer uses crankshaft speed fluctuations to identify which cylinder is misfiring and correlates that event with the fuel level sensor input to set this specific code.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaIgnition system and misfire

Symptoms you may notice

Check engine light illuminated, often flashing if the misfire is severe
Engine hesitation or stumbling during acceleration, especially when fuel is low
Rough idle or noticeable vibration felt through the steering wheel or seat
Reduced power and poor throttle response when climbing hills or merging
Often no symptoms besides the warning light if the misfire is intermittent
Fuel gauge reading at or below one-quarter tank when the code sets

Common causes, most likely first

Low fuel level allowing the fuel pump to draw air or debris, causing lean misfire
Weak or failing fuel pump that cannot maintain pressure when the tank is low
Clogged fuel filter restricting flow, most noticeable at low fuel levels
Faulty fuel level sensor sending an inaccurate low-fuel signal to the computer
Dirty or failing fuel injectors delivering uneven fuel to one or more cylinders
Vacuum leak or intake air leak that leans out the mixture under low-fuel conditions
Ignition system weakness such as worn spark plugs or coils exposed by lean running

How to diagnose and fix it

Verify fuel level and add at least half a tank of fresh fuel, then clear the code and test drive
Check fuel pressure at the rail with a gauge, both at idle and under load, to confirm pump health
Inspect the fuel filter and replace it if flow is restricted or service history is unknown
Test the fuel level sensor resistance across its range to rule out a false low-fuel signal
Perform a cylinder balance or misfire counter test with a scan tool to identify the affected cylinder
Clean or replace fuel injectors if balance testing shows uneven contribution
Inspect spark plugs, coils, and intake gaskets for wear or leaks that worsen under lean conditions

Low fuel misfire is often a fuel delivery warning

A P0313 code frequently appears when the tank is run below a quarter full because the in-tank fuel pump relies on fuel for cooling and lubrication, and low levels expose it to air and debris.
Many technicians replace ignition coils or spark plugs first, but the code specifically ties the misfire to low fuel, so fuel pressure and volume testing should come before ignition parts.
The fuel level sensor can report low fuel even when the tank is half full, causing the computer to set P0313 for a misfire that is actually unrelated to fuel level.
A misfire that only occurs on cold starts or during hard acceleration with a low tank points to fuel starvation rather than a mechanical engine fault.
P0313 can be stored alongside lean codes such as P0171 or P0174, and diagnosing those together often reveals a single fuel delivery root cause.

Can I keep driving with P0313?

You can drive cautiously to a fuel station or repair shop, but avoid hard acceleration, towing, or prolonged driving with a flashing check engine light. Refuel with at least half a tank as soon as possible and have the misfire diagnosed if the code returns.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.