P0316 on 2008-2012 Land Rover LR2: Startup Misfire Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2008-2012 Land Rover LR2

The 2008-2012 Land Rover LR2 uses a 3.2L inline-six engine, known as the SI6, which was sourced from Volvo. While generally reliable, this specific engine platform has a documented history of fuel injector failures. Land Rover issued a Technical Service Bulletin (SSM71894) to investigate this very issue, which causes rough running and triggers misfire codes like P0316, making injectors a higher-than-usual suspect on this vehicle. The same cold-start misfire issues are frequently reported by owners of Volvos with the 3.2L engine, such as the S80, XC60, and XC90, confirming it's a platform-wide weakness.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Rough idle, especially right after starting, which may smooth out after 30-60 seconds.
• Check Engine Light is on or flashing.
• Engine stumbling or hesitating during acceleration.
• Noticeable vibration from the engine bay.
• Vehicle may enter 'Restricted Performance' mode with reduced power.
• Strong smell of raw gasoline from the exhaust on startup.

Most Likely Causes

1. Failing Fuel Injector(s) 🔴 High Probability → Shop Fuel Injector Land Rover issued TSB SSM71894 specifically to investigate fuel injector failures causing misfires and rough running on this platform. The bulletin was created to gather data on the cause of these failures. This is a well-documented weak point for the Volvo 3.2L engine, affecting both the LR2 and its Volvo counterparts. A leaking injector can drip fuel into a cylinder overnight, causing a flooded, rich misfire on cold start.
   How to confirm: If spark plugs and ignition coils are good, the misfire is likely the injector. A professional can perform an injector balance test. A DIY method is to listen for a clicking sound from the injector with a mechanic's stethoscope. Another method is to swap the suspect injector with one from another cylinder and see if the cylinder-specific misfire code (e.g., P0301) follows the injector.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty fuel injector. It is often recommended to replace all six injectors at the same time, as they are a similar age and may fail sequentially.
   Est. part cost: $50-$150 per injector
2. Worn Spark Plugs 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Spark Plug Spark plugs are a standard maintenance item with a finite lifespan. An old or fouled plug can't create a strong enough spark to ignite the rich fuel mixture required for a cold start.
   How to confirm: Remove the spark plugs and inspect them for wear, carbon buildup, or oil fouling. Check service records to see when they were last replaced. The OEM plug is Land Rover part number LR005483. 🎬 Watch this step-by-step guide to changing your LR2 spark plugs. A forum user noted that running only 4 new plugs out of 6 caused misfire issues.
   Typical fix: Replace all six spark plugs as a set. Use plugs that meet OEM specifications, such as Land Rover LR005483.
   Est. part cost: $60-$120 for a set of six
3. Failing Ignition Coil(s) 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Ignition Coil Coil-on-plug systems are exposed to high heat and vibration, leading to eventual failure. This is a common failure item on most modern engines, including the Volvo 3.2L. In some cases on this platform, a coil can short internally and melt, potentially blowing the ignition circuit fuse. 🎬 See how a melted coil can cause a total no-start condition.
   How to confirm: If a cylinder-specific code (e.g., P0301-P0306) is also present, swap the ignition coil from the misfiring cylinder with one from a known good cylinder. Clear the codes and see if the misfire code follows the coil to the new cylinder. The OEM coil manufacturer is Denso.
   Typical fix: Replace the single faulty ignition coil. Many owners choose to replace all six as preventative maintenance, especially on higher-mileage vehicles, as they tend to fail around the same time.
   Est. part cost: $40-$100 per coil

Rare But Worth Checking

• Low Fuel Pressure: A failing fuel pump or a clogged fuel filter can cause insufficient fuel pressure, leading to a lean condition and misfires on startup. One shop noted that a bad check valve in the fuel pump caused pressure to drop to zero immediately after shutdown, leading to hard starting.
• Vacuum Leak: A cracked or disconnected vacuum hose, or a leaking intake manifold gasket, can introduce unmetered air into the engine, throwing off the air-fuel mixture and causing a misfire, particularly at idle. On the 3.2L engine, the PCV valve diaphragm is a known failure point that can create a vacuum leak, often causing a hissing noise.
🎬 Learn how to replace a failed PCV diaphragm yourself.
• Faulty Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP): The CKP sensor is what the ECM uses to detect misfires. While a failure is not common, an erratic signal from a failing sensor can incorrectly trigger a P0316 code.
• Poor Fuel Quality: Land Rover has issued other TSBs (e.g., for different engines) linking P0316 to poor fuel quality or seasonal fuel blend changes (summer vs. winter blend) that can cause temporary startup misfires.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Use an OBD-II scanner to check for any other stored codes, especially cylinder-specific misfire codes (P0301-P0306). Note the freeze frame data to see engine conditions when the code was set.
2. If a specific cylinder is identified, swap the ignition coil with a coil from a different cylinder. Clear the codes, run the engine, and see if the misfire code 'follows' the coil.
3. If the misfire remains on the original cylinder, perform the same swap test with the spark plug.
4. Inspect the spark plug from the misfiring cylinder for signs of wear, oil fouling, or fuel saturation.
5. If the coil and plug are good, the fuel injector on that cylinder is the next most likely culprit, given the known issues with this vehicle (TSB SSM71894).
6. Listen to the injector with a mechanic's stethoscope to ensure it is clicking, indicating it is being electronically activated.
7. Inspect for vacuum leaks by checking all hoses connected to the intake manifold for cracks or loose connections. Pay special attention to the PCV diaphragm on top of the engine, a known failure point.
8. Check fuel pressure to rule out a weak fuel pump or clogged filter. Normal pressure should be around 55 PSI.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Fuel Injector (OEM #LR001982) — This is a documented high-failure item on the 2008-2012 LR2, as noted in Land Rover TSB SSM71894. It cross-references to Volvo part number 30777501 and Ford/Denso part number 6G9N-AB.
  Trusted brands: Denso (OEM), Bosch, GB Remanufacturing
  OEM price range: $120-$200
  Aftermarket price range: $50-$150
• Ignition Coil (OEM #LR002954) — A common cause of misfires on any modern engine. It's a primary ignition component that wears out over time. The OEM manufacturer is Denso.
  Trusted brands: Denso (OEM), Bosch, Delphi, NGK
  OEM price range: $70-$120
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$80
• Spark Plug (OEM #LR005483) — A fundamental and routine maintenance item. Worn plugs are a frequent cause of startup misfires. This part number replaces the previous number LR001394.
  Trusted brands: NGK, Bosch, Denso
  OEM price range: $15-$25 per plug
  Aftermarket price range: $10-$18 per plug

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0300 — Random/Multiple Misfire Detected. This code often appears with P0316 if the misfire is not isolated to a single cylinder or is intermittent across several.
• P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, P0306 — These are cylinder-specific misfire codes. If one of these is present, it's a huge help in diagnosis, as it tells you exactly which cylinder to inspect first.
• P1315 — Persistent Misfire. This is a Land Rover-specific code that indicates a more severe or constant misfire that could damage the catalytic converter. TSB SSM71894 also links this code to injector failures.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• SSM71894: Manufacturer bulletin to investigate fuel injector failures causing rough running and misfire codes like P0316, P0300-P0306, and P1315.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Fuel Injector Failures: As cited in TSB SSM71894, Land Rover acknowledged an issue with fuel injectors failing, causing rough running and various misfire codes, including P0316. Forum discussions confirm this is a common final diagnosis after plugs and coils are replaced.
• Volvo Engine Quirks: Because the 3.2L engine is a Volvo SI6, it shares common failure points with Volvo models, including issues with the PCV system diaphragm and a tendency for ignition coils to fail.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Fuel Rail Pressure — expected: Approximately 55 PSI (3.8 bar / 380 kPa) under normal operation. May peak around 62 PSI during a cold start.. Failure: Pressure significantly below 50 PSI may indicate a weak fuel pump or clogged filter. Pressure that drops to zero immediately after engine shutdown points to a bad check valve in the fuel pump assembly.
• Mode 6 Misfire Counts — expected: Ideally zero or very few counts per cylinder during a drive cycle.. Failure: A high number of misfire counts on a specific cylinder, even if a P030x code isn't set, can point to an intermittent issue with a plug, coil, or injector on that cylinder.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• P0316-00: The '-00' is a Failure Type Code (FTC) that may be visible on dealer-level diagnostic tools like Land Rover SDD. It specifies 'No additional failure information' but confirms the generic fault is present in the manufacturer-specific data. (see via Land Rover Symptom Driven Diagnostics (SDD) or a high-end scanner capable of reading manufacturer-specific FTCs.)

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Engine Control Module (ECM) — Located in the engine compartment at the top center of the firewall.. The ECM is the brain that receives signals from the crankshaft sensor and controls the fuel injectors and ignition coils. A poor connection or corrosion at the ECM connectors could cause misfire detection issues.
• Main Engine Ground Strap — Connects between the chassis rail (under the battery tray area) and the gearbox/transmission housing.. A weak or corroded main engine ground can cause erratic behavior in all engine electronics, including the ignition system and sensors, leading to intermittent misfires and incorrect sensor readings.
• Battery Negative Ground — The main battery negative cable connects to the body/chassis near the battery itself.. This is the primary ground point for the entire vehicle's electrical system. Corrosion here can cause a host of issues, including slow cranking, which can confuse the crankshaft position sensor and potentially trigger a P0316.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Land Rover Forums user (2008 Land Rover LR2, 194k miles) — Check Engine Light with code P0087 (Fuel Rail Pressure Too Low). Fuel pressure was steady around 50 psi while running but dropped to zero immediately after shutdown.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initially suspected the fuel pressure sensor.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user identified the rapid pressure drop after shutdown as a symptom of a bad check valve within the fuel pump assembly. While the user was hesitant to replace the whole pump, this is the required fix for a failed internal check valve. This can cause hard starting and contribute to startup misfire codes like P0316 due to lack of immediate fuel pressure.
• Land Rover Forums user (2008 Land Rover LR2) — Multiple misfire codes (P0300, P0301, P0302, P0305, P0306), rough start, and occasional stumbling.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replaced air filter., Cleaned MAF sensor.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The suggested fix, based on the symptoms and freeze frame data showing the misfire occurred long after startup, was to replace the spark plugs as a primary ignition maintenance item. The user had not yet replaced them, and this was the logical next step after basic air intake cleaning didn't work.

OEM Part Supersession History

• LR001982 → LR001982 (current) — This is the primary part number for the fuel injector. It cross-references to several other numbers used by suppliers and Volvo.
  Heads up: Cross-references include Volvo 30777501, Ford 6G9N-AB, Denso 195500-0250, and GB Remanufacturing 852-12246.
• LR002954 → LR002954 (current) — This is the primary part number for the ignition coil. It is also sold under different numbers by Volvo and the OEM manufacturer, Denso.
  Heads up: Cross-references include Volvo 30684245, Denso 099700-1070, and Ford 6G9N-12A366.
• LR001394 → LR005483 — Part number update for the spark plugs.