Fault code P0314 is called “Single Cylinder Misfire (Cylinder not Specified)” but in different programs it may be called differently. This fault designation applies to all vehicles equipped with OBD-II.
Technical description and explained code P0314
This Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is a general powertrain code. Error P0314 is considered a general code because it applies to all makes and models of vehicles. Although the specific repair steps may vary slightly depending on the model.
Code P0314 is oriented to the relationship. Between the crankshaft position sensor (CKP), the camshaft position sensor (CMP) and the engine controller (ECM / PCM).
The PCM monitors the relationship between the two sensors and compares them to a reference stored in the PCM. If the deviation exceeds a certain percentage, a fault code is stored. This can either be an electrical problem or a mechanical problem, depending on the cause of the ignition skip and the vehicle manufacturer.
Troubleshooting actions may vary depending on the vehicle manufacturer. Also, the type of crankshaft position sensor (CKP), camshaft position sensor (CMP) and the color of their wires.
Symptoms of vehicle malfunctions
The main signal that an error P0314 has occurred is the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is also known as the CheckEngine Light.
It can also be warning signs such as:
- Loss of engine power.
- Floating revolutions at idle.
- Unstable engine operation when accelerating the vehicle.
- Increased fuel consumption.
Fault P0314 is quite serious, because when it occurs, there is a risk of damaging the catalytic converter. This can result in increased emissions of harmful substances in the vehicle’s exhaust gases. The engine may run rough at idle or be unstable when the vehicle is accelerated.
Factors that can cause this error code
The error code P0314 can mean that one or more of the following problems have occurred:
- Worn ignition system components including coil, wires, spark plugs, etc.
- Problem with fuel system components, including injectors.
- Insufficient fuel pressure.
- Significant vacuum leakage.
- Malfunction in exhaust gas recirculation system.
- Clogged catalytic converter.
- Trouble in ignition system.
- Open circuit in power supply, earth or position sensor signal of camshaft as well as crankshaft.
- PCM malfunction (rare).
How to fix or reset OBD-2 code P0314
Some suggested steps for troubleshooting and fix the error code P0314:
- Visually inspect all wires, connectors, and other electrical components.
- Repair or replace any damaged wires, connectors, or other electrical components. Recheck the system to see if the problem is resolved.
- Clear error code P0314 from the PCM memory and test drive the vehicle.
- If there is no malfunction in the ignition system, but the engine continues to run erratically when the vehicle accelerates. Check the oxygen sensor readings.
- Inspect the vacuum tubes for wear and damage.
- Check the operation of the exhaust gas recirculation valve.
- Diagnose if the catalytic converter is clogged.
Diagnose and repair of problems
Check the maintenance bulletins (TSB) first, for your particular vehicle. Your problem may be a known problem with a known fix described by the manufacturer, this may save you time and money during diagnosis.
After that, remove any diagnostic trouble codes and see if the P0314 error returns. If the code didn’t come back, then the problem was intermittent. Or code P0314 just hasn’t been erased from memory, meaning it was something in the past.
If the code returns the next time you start the car, further testing is required. Locate the CKP sensor and CMP sensor on your particular vehicle. Once found, visually inspect the connectors and wiring.
Look for scratches, scuffs, exposed wires, burnt spots, or melted plastic. Disconnect the connectors and carefully inspect the terminals inside the plastic connectors. See if they look burnt or corroded, and clean or replace if necessary.
Clear the diagnostic trouble codes from the memory again and see if the code comes back. If it does not, there is most likely a wiring problem.
If the code returns, remove the CKP sensor and CMP sensor from the engine. Inspect it for damage, if damage is visible, it should be replaced. With this code having to do with two sensors, the CMP sensor is more suspicious. Since the CKP sensor tends to cause the engine to stop.
If the code still cannot be reset, the only thing to do is to call for help. A qualified technician will be able to take a closer look at all the nuances and troubleshoot the problem during the inspection.
On which vehicles does this problem occur most frequently
Fault code P0314 can occur on different vehicles but there are statistics on which brands this occurs most often. Here is a list of some of them:
- Chrysler
- Dodge
- Ford
- Hyundai
- Jeep
- Kia
- Mazda
- Mitsubishi
- Opel (Astra)
- Renault (Duster, Laguna, Logan, Sandero)
- Volkswagen
- Volvo
Fault code P0314 can sometimes be found with other errors. The most common are the following: P0130, P0141, P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0335, P0400, P0443, P1614.
