Worn or faulty spark plug on cylinder 10; Failed ignition coil or coil connector on cylinder 10; Faulty or blocked fuel injector on cylinder 10, or its wiring; Vacuum or intake leak near cylinder 10 causing a lean mixture; Low compression on cylinder 10 (valve, piston ring or head gasket problem); Wiring or connector fault in the ignition or injector circuit for cylinder 10; Incorrect cylinder identification or an outdated control unit calibration, where the manufacturer lists it as a known issue for the engine.

P0310

Cylinder 10 Misfire Detected.

Generic
Powertrain
Generic code
High severity

How this code is built

P: SystemPowertrain
0: Defined bySAE, the same on every car
3: AreaIgnition system or misfire
10: FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

P0310 is the generic code for a misfire detected on cylinder 10. The engine control unit monitors crankshaft speed fluctuations and saw the crankshaft slow down repeatedly after cylinder 10's firing event, indicating incomplete or absent combustion. It only applies to engines with ten or more cylinders, such as V10 and V12 layouts, and the firing order and cylinder numbering depend on the engine.

Symptoms

Rough running or noticeable engine shake, especially at idle
Flashing or steady malfunction indicator lamp
Loss of power and hesitant acceleration
Smell of unburnt fuel from the exhaust
Higher fuel consumption
Difficult or uneven starting

Possible causes

Worn or faulty spark plug on cylinder 10likely
Failed ignition coil or coil connector on cylinder 10likely
Faulty or blocked fuel injector on cylinder 10, or its wiringpossible
Vacuum or intake leak near cylinder 10 causing a lean mixturepossible
Low compression on cylinder 10 (valve, piston ring or head gasket problem)rare
Wiring or connector fault in the ignition or injector circuit for cylinder 10possible
Incorrect cylinder identification or an outdated control unit calibration, where the manufacturer lists it as a known issue for the enginerare

How to diagnose

Read all stored and pending codes and the freeze frame data to note load, speed and temperature when the misfire occurred, and check whether other cylinders also show misfires
Confirm which physical cylinder is number 10 on this engine using the manufacturer's firing order and bank layout, as numbering varies by model
Inspect the ignition coil, connector and wiring for cylinder 10 for damage, oil contamination, corrosion or heat damage
Remove and inspect the spark plug for wear, fouling, incorrect gap or damage, and compare it with neighbouring cylinders
Swap the coil (and plug if appropriate) with another cylinder and see whether the misfire follows the part
Check the injector on cylinder 10 for correct operation, resistance and signal, and listen for it clicking
Smoke-test or inspect the intake for leaks and check fuel trims for signs of a lean condition
Carry out a compression or leak-down test on cylinder 10 if ignition and fuel checks find nothing

How to fix

Replace the spark plug on cylinder 10, and the rest of the set if they are worn or due
Replace the faulty ignition coil, and repair any damaged connector
Clean or replace the faulty fuel injector, or repair its wiring
Repair intake or vacuum leaks and replace damaged hoses or gaskets
Repair the mechanical fault in the cylinder (valves, rings or head gasket) if compression is low
Update the control unit calibration only if the manufacturer identifies an outdated calibration as the cause for this engine

Can I keep driving?

High severity

Avoid driving if the warning lamp is flashing, as unburnt fuel can overheat and damage the catalytic converter. If the lamp is steady and the engine runs smoothly enough, keep trips short and light on load until it is repaired.

Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.