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P1316 Code on 7.3 Powerstroke: Meaning & How To Fix

By: Author Victor Chub

The 7.3 Powerstroke engine has various codes, including the P1316 code. What does that code mean, and how do you fix it?

The P1316 code on a 7.3 Powerstroke engine means that you have a defective Injector Driver Module (IDM). It may also indicate a faulty circuit in the IDM wiring harness or something wrong with the Powertrain Control Module. 

Keep reading to discover more about this error code and what you can do to solve the problem. Let’s get started. 

What Does the P1316 Code Mean? 

The P1316 code on a 7.3 Powerstroke engine indicates something is wrong with the Inject Driver Module (IDM). The flaw could be with one of the following components:

  • The module itself
  • A circuit in the IDM wiring harness
  • Powertrain Control Module (PCM) 

The IDM is an essential part of the 7.3 Powerstroke engine, as it helps to time and control the amount of fuel going into the ignition valve. The module supplies the injector solenoids with the voltage necessary to close the proper valves. 

The IDM sends a signal to the Diesel Injector Driver Module, which sends another signal to the engine control unit. This communication lets the engine know how long the valves need to be open and, therefore, how much fuel enters the system. 

If you’re receiving a P1316 code, the IDM is probably not working correctly. This faulty part means the ignition timing is incorrect, and the engine is stalling or misfiring. Another sign that your IDM isn’t working is poor fuel efficiency, although this could be a sign of various other issues, including a faulty Injection Control Pressure (ICP) sensor. 

For more signs of a faulty ICP, check out my article describing seven symptoms.   

Another possible cause of the P1316 code is a malfunctioning Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM manages the engine based on the signals it receives from the various sensors in the vehicle, including the IDM. The PCM acts as the engine’s mastermind and decides:

  • How much fuel goes into what cylinders
  • When to fire spark plugs
  • How to deliver the best performance 

How To Fix the P1316 Code 

Now that you know what the P1316 code means let’s get into how to fix the problem.

1. Determine the Cause of the Problem Using a Ford Breakout Box

A breakout box measures voltages from your vehicle’s sensors, so you can use it to determine where your IDM is going wrong.

If you have a Ford breakout box, follow the below steps. If you don’t have one, you’ll need to go to a mechanic to have them diagnose the problem. 

Here’s how to use a breakout box: 

  1. Turn off the ignition. 
  2. Locate the IDM. It is on the left side of the engine compartment. 
  3. Disconnect the IDM.  
  4. Check the PCM pin connector for any damage and corrosion. 
  5. Install the breakout box. 
  6. Measure the resistance between the test pins in the breakout box and various wires in the IDM. If the resistance readings are off, your IDM isn’t working because of an intermittent short to ground, an intermittent short to voltage, or an intermittent open. 

Once you know the IDM is the problem, you can work on replacing it. You can perform this replacement on your own if you’re handy with tools, but I strongly recommend asking an expert for help, as you’re less likely to make mistakes that’ll worsen the problem. 

2. Replace the IDM

If you have a faulty IDM, a mechanic can repair it, but you’ll most likely have to replace the part entirely.

Here’s how to do it: 

  1. Undo the inner fender. 
  2. Undo the wiring harness. 
  3. Undo the two-millimeter bolts holding the old IDM in place. 
  4. Change the mounting bracket to the new IDM. 
  5. Place the replacement IDM in the same location as the old one. No additional programming is required. 
  6. Reconnect the wiring harness. 
  7. Redo the inner fender. 

Unless you have extensive mechanical experience, I don’t recommend trying to replace the IDM on your own. 

To remove the inner fender, you must remove the 4-5 screws holding the fender in place. I recommend investing in the SUNHZMCKP Store Magnetic Screwdriver Set from Amazon.com. I like this set because the screwdrivers are pretty durable and are made of sturdy S2 alloy steel. I also like that the handle conforms to the hand for more comfort.  

Most often, IDMs fail because they get exposed to too much moisture or water. The IDM has a vent on the side, which is important for the part to keep functioning in changing elevations and temperatures. Still, it also allows water and other debris to get into the vent and cause corrosion and other damage.  

The best replacement part is this Cardone 78-2000 Remanufactured Injector Driver Module from Amazon.com. The part is an original equipment piece that can go on most vehicles. Suppliers test the part with cutting-edge technology to ensure they have little to no issues. And because of how it’s manufactured, you can be sure you won’t leave a significant carbon footprint if you use this piece.

Other than receiving the error code, here are some other signs of a bad IDM: 

  • The ride is less smooth than it used to be. You’ll notice lots of loud, harsh noises and bumpiness with a bad IDM. Your truck will probably start rocking aggressively if the problem gets bad enough. 
  • You receive another error code. Some codes other than the P1316 also indicate IDM failures, such as PO261, PO267, and PO282. 
  • Your truck doesn’t start at all. If the IDM is so bad, no fuel will go to the cylinders, and the engine won’t ignite. If this is the case, you’ll be stuck trying to start your car repeatedly with no luck.  

If you experience any of the above symptoms, check your IDM for signs of failure or bring your truck to a mechanic for help. 

3. Replace the PCM 

If the IDM isn’t the problem, the PCM probably is. If you have a faulty PCM, your truck isn’t working well, as this part is responsible for over 100 functions in the vehicle.  

Every model of vehicle has certain requirements for the PCM, so you’ll need to research what kind of PCM you need. If you’re unsure, you can check the part itself to find the OEM replacement number. 

Alternatively, you can look for a PCM that will improve your vehicle’s performance, but the part still needs to be compatible with your vehicle’s make and model.

Since the PCM is such an important part of your vehicle’s performance and operation, I only recommend trying to replace it if you’re a mechanic or working on an old car that you don’t care much about. If you go to a mechanic, you can expect to pay between $800 and $1,000 or more for a PCM replacement. 

The module itself is the most significant expense. A new PCM is anywhere from $500 to $1,500, depending on the kind of PCM you get. Then, the labor cost is likely around $150 at a local mechanic and even more if you go to a dealership. 

Here are some signs to look out for (beyond the P1316 code) that indicate a bad Powertrain Control Module: 

  • Your car repeatedly stalls. If you suddenly experience a loss of power steering or brakes, your vehicle is stalling. This is certainly annoying, but more importantly, it can be incredibly dangerous, especially if you’re in heavy traffic when it occurs. A stalling car might indicate a problem with the PCM, or it could be a sign of a bad battery, low fuel pressure, a bad distributor cap, or a bad fuel pump.  
  • Your ride isn’t smooth. A bad PCM often causes choppiness, rocking, and shaking. 
  • Your engine misfires a lot. Sometimes engines misfire without reason, but if it starts happening regularly, it might indicate a problem with the PCM. 
  • You have lots of dashboard lights lit up. Since the PCM is responsible for so much of a car’s function, if it isn’t working, you’ll probably have all sorts of system errors that cause the lights on your dashboard to illuminate. Most notably, your “check engine” light will almost definitely be lit. 
  • Your truck doesn’t shift properly. Shifting requires a functioning PCM, so if you notice improper shifting, check for water damage in your PCM or Transmission Control Unit (TCU). 
  • The truck won’t start. PCM failure often results in the inability of a car to start at all. If you can get the engine to ignite, it’ll probably take multiple attempts. This is a serious problem, as you could end up stranded in the middle of nowhere or in an unfamiliar place at night. 

You’ll probably receive many error codes if something is wrong with your PCM. One of these codes could be the P1316. 

Final Thoughts 

One of the error codes you can get on a 7.3 Powerstroke engine is P1316. This code indicates that something is wrong with the IDM, the IDM wiring harness, or the PCM. You can solve the problem by replacing the faulty part or by hiring a mechanic to help.