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P0316 on Toyota Grand Highlander

Engine Misfire Detected on Startup (First 1000 Revolutions)

Factory diagnostic protocol and troubleshooting wire for fault code P0316 specifically for the Toyota Grand Highlander (2024–2026, 2.4L Turbo / 2.5L Hybrid / Hybrid MAX 362HP Turbo AWD).

Verified OEM Telemetry & Field Repair Tree
Toyota Grand Highlander2024–2026
Toyota Grand Highlander
SUV2.4L Turbo / 2.5L Hybrid / Hybrid MAX 362HP Turbo AWD
Reliability
Sensor Voltage Ref
0.1V – 5.0V Ref
Grand Highlander SAE Mode $01
ECU Network Bus
500 kbps CAN-FD
ISO 15765-4 Compliant
Drivability Status
Drivable (Short Trip)
High urgency level
Est. Repair Cost
$100 - $600 (DIY: $30 - $150)
Parts & Labor DIY
Check P0316 On Another Toyota Model:
Diagnose P0316 on Specific Grand Highlander Model Year:

1. Symptoms of P0316 on Toyota Grand Highlander

When the Engine Control Module (ECM/PCM) on your Toyota Grand Highlander (2.4L Turbo / 2.5L Hybrid / Hybrid MAX 362HP Turbo AWD) logs fault code P0316, drivers commonly observe:

Check Engine Light on on Toyota Grand Highlander (2.4L Turbo / 2.5L Hybrid / Hybrid MAX 362HP Turbo AWD)
Engine shakes, sputters, and runs very rough immediately after cold start on Toyota Grand Highlander (2.4L Turbo / 2.5L Hybrid / Hybrid MAX 362HP Turbo AWD)
Engine smooths out and runs normally after warming up for 1–2 minutes on Toyota Grand Highlander (2.4L Turbo / 2.5L Hybrid / Hybrid MAX 362HP Turbo AWD)
Accompanying misfire codes (P0300, P0301-P0308) on Toyota Grand Highlander (2.4L Turbo / 2.5L Hybrid / Hybrid MAX 362HP Turbo AWD)
Toyota Grand Highlander OBD-II Port Location
The 16-pin diagnostic connector is located Driver side lower knee panel above dead pedal. Plug in your scan tool to verify freeze-frame sensor values.

2. Most Likely Causes on Toyota Grand Highlander

Historical warranty claims and technical repair bulletins for Toyota Grand Highlander point to the following failure distribution:

55%
Coolant leaking into cylinder overnight from failing head gasket or intake manifold (Toyota OEM Part)
25%
Leaking fuel injector dripping fuel into cylinder while parked (Toyota OEM Part)
12%
Worn spark plugs with excessive gap or moisture on ignition boots (Toyota OEM Part)
8%
Carbon buildup on intake valves preventing cold fuel vaporization (Toyota OEM Part)
* Source: Synthesized from NHTSA ODI field repair telemetry and verified OEM Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) repair tree frequency percentiles for Toyota Grand Highlander.

3. Step-by-Step DIY Repair Guide for Toyota Grand Highlander

01
Check Accompanying Cylinder Misfire Code

Check if P0316 is accompanied by a specific cylinder code (like P0303) to isolate which cylinder is misfiring on startup. on the Toyota Grand Highlander equipped with 2.4L Turbo / 2.5L Hybrid / Hybrid MAX 362HP Turbo AWD.

Required Tool: OBD-II Scanner
02
Perform Cooling System Pressure Test

Pressurize cold cooling system to 15 PSI. Use a borescope camera through spark plug hole to check for coolant pool on piston top. on the Toyota Grand Highlander equipped with 2.4L Turbo / 2.5L Hybrid / Hybrid MAX 362HP Turbo AWD.

Required Tool: Cooling System Pressure Tester, Borescope Camera
03
Inspect Spark Plugs and Coils

Remove spark plugs. Check for white coolant crust, fuel fouling, or cracked ceramic insulators. on the Toyota Grand Highlander equipped with 2.4L Turbo / 2.5L Hybrid / Hybrid MAX 362HP Turbo AWD.

Required Tool: Spark Plug Socket, Ratchet
04
Perform Intake Valve Carbon Cleaning

On direct-injection engines, perform walnut shell blasting or chemical intake valve cleaning to remove cold carbon buildup. on the Toyota Grand Highlander equipped with 2.4L Turbo / 2.5L Hybrid / Hybrid MAX 362HP Turbo AWD.

Required Tool: Intake Valve Cleaner Kit
05
Clear Trouble Codes and Test Overnight Cold Start

Clear DTCs and allow vehicle to sit overnight to confirm morning start is clean. on the Toyota Grand Highlander equipped with 2.4L Turbo / 2.5L Hybrid / Hybrid MAX 362HP Turbo AWD.

Required Tool: OBD-II Scanner
Recommended Parts & Testing Tools

Equipment for Diagnosing Toyota Grand Highlander (P0316)

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Direct-Fit Replacement Part

Toyota Grand Highlander OEM Replacement Sensor

4.7 / 5.0 (Verified Fit)

Direct-fit replacement assembly engineered to OEM tolerances for Toyota Grand Highlander.

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Sensor Signal Voltage Meter

AstroAI Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter

4.6 / 5.0 (Best Seller)

Essential for testing 0.1V–5.0V sensor reference signals, ground continuity (<0.20Ω), and harness resistance.

$29.99 Prime
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Top Mobile OBD-II Scanner

BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII Scan Tool

4.7 / 5.0 (50,000+ Reviews)

Reads and clears enhanced codes (ABS, Airbag, Transmission, Engine) & live freeze-frame telemetry on phone.

Compare OEM & Aftermarket Replacement Sensors for Toyota Grand HighlanderVerified direct-fit pricing from Denso, Bosch, Motorcraft, and ACDelco on Amazon.
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Other Common Fault Codes on Toyota Grand Highlander

Frequently diagnosed powertrain, emissions, and sensor trouble codes logged on the Toyota Grand Highlander:

4. Toyota Grand Highlander P0316 FAQs

What causes code P0316 to trigger on a Toyota Grand Highlander?

On the Toyota Grand Highlander (2.4L Turbo / 2.5L Hybrid / Hybrid MAX 362HP Turbo AWD), P0316 is most frequently caused by Coolant leaking into cylinder overnight from failing head gasket or intake manifold or Leaking fuel injector dripping fuel into cylinder while parked.

Where is the OBD-II port located on my Toyota Grand Highlander?

On the Toyota Grand Highlander, the 16-pin DLC diagnostic connector is located Driver side lower knee panel above dead pedal. Plug in any standard OBD-II scanner with the ignition in the ON position to read freeze-frame parameters.

Can I safely drive my Toyota Grand Highlander with code P0316?

Caution. Engine misfires heavily for the first 30–60 seconds after starting, then smooths out. Given that P0316 carries a High severity rating, we advise avoiding heavy towing or aggressive throttle inputs until sensor readings are verified.