What Does P0313 Mean?
The ECM has detected engine misfires occurring specifically when the fuel level is critically low. The PCM correlates misfire events with the fuel level sensor reading being at or near empty. When the fuel level is extremely low, the fuel pump can momentarily lose prime during cornering, acceleration, or deceleration, causing air to be drawn into the fuel system instead of fuel. The driver will notice rough running, stumbling, or hesitation particularly during turns or speed changes when nearly out of fuel.
Common Causes
40%
Fuel tank nearly empty causing the fuel pump to intermittently lose prime and ingest air
25%
Failing fuel pump that cannot maintain pressure at low fuel levels when fuel sloshing occurs
15%
Inaccurate fuel level sensor reading lower than actual, triggering the code falsely
12%
Fuel tank baffle or anti-slosh module damaged, allowing fuel to move away from the pump pickup
8%
Cracked or deteriorated fuel pickup tube or strainer in the tank
Diagnostic Steps
1
Check the current fuel level via live scan data and compare to the fuel gauge reading — if the vehicle has adequate fuel but the sensor reads low, the fuel level sensor is the issue.
2
Fill the tank to at least half and clear the code — if the code does not return with adequate fuel, the misfires were caused by running near-empty and no further repair is needed.
3
Monitor fuel pressure via live data or a mechanical gauge during cornering and acceleration maneuvers with a low fuel level — pressure drops below specification confirm fuel starvation.
4
If the code recurs with adequate fuel, inspect the fuel pump module including the strainer, pickup tube, and anti-slosh reservoir for damage, cracks, or excessive sediment.
5
Check fuel pump current draw — a healthy pump typically draws 5-8 amps; higher draw suggests a worn pump that may fail at low fuel levels when cooling from fuel immersion is reduced.
Estimated Repair Cost
$0 - $800
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The ECM has detected engine misfires occurring specifically when the fuel level is critically low. The PCM correlates misfire events with the fuel level sensor reading being at or near empty. When the fuel level is extremely low, the fuel pump can momentarily lose prime during cornering, acceleratio...
The most common cause of P0313 (Misfire Detected with Low Fuel) is: Fuel tank nearly empty causing the fuel pump to intermittently lose prime and ingest air
Typical repair costs for P0313 range from $0 to $800, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
If the misfires only occur at very low fuel levels, simply keeping the tank above a quarter full resolves the driveability concern. However, repeatedly running a fuel pump at low fuel levels accelerates pump wear since the fuel provides cooling. If the code sets with adequate fuel in the tank, further diagnosis is needed as there may be a fuel delivery problem.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P0313 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Fuel System
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
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