P0311 Code - Cylinder 11 Misfire Detected
Quick Answer
The Engine Control Module (ECM) uses information from the crankshaft position sensor and the camshaft position sensor to determine when an engine cylinder misfire is occurring. Common causes include Faulty Spark Plug #11, Clogged or faulty Fuel Injector #11, Faulty Ignition Coil #11. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
- What it means
- P0311 indicates Cylinder 11 Misfire Detected.
- Common causes
- Common causes include Faulty Spark Plug #11, Clogged or faulty Fuel Injector #11, Faulty Ignition Coil #11.
- Severity
- High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
- Can I drive?
- Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.
Code P0311 Description
Extreme cylinder misfire events can cause catalytic converter damage. The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will flash when the conditions for catalytic converter damage are present. The Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) P0311 correspond to cylinders 11. When the ECM detects that one or more specific cylinders are misfiring, the DTC for the respective misfiring cylinder will set, and up to 2 of the corresponding fuel injectors are disabled for a minimum of 30 s. The ECM will then re-enable the fuel injector and, after approximately 200 engine revolutions, will determine if the misfire is still present. If the misfire is still present, the ECM will disable the fuel injector again repeating the process. If the misfire is not present, the fuel injector will remain enabled by the ECM.
What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0311?
- Faulty Spark Plug #11
- Clogged or faulty Fuel Injector #11
- Faulty Ignition Coil #11
- Fuel Injector #11 harness is open or shorted
- Fuel Injector #11 circuit poor electrical connection
- Ignition Coil #11 harness is open or shorted
- Ignition Coil #11 circuit poor electrical connection
- Insufficient cylinder 11 compression
- Incorrect fuel pressure
- Intake air leak
How to Fix the DTC P0311?
Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.
Code Tech Notes
What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?
Labor: 1.0
To diagnose the P0311 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.
Need more information about the P0311 code?
Need more information on how to fix the P0311 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals
Need Help with the Code?
Get the P0311 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area
Information for Specific Makes
- P0311 Mercedes-Benz — Cylinder 11 Misfire Detected
- P0311 Volkswagen — Cylinder 11 Misfire Condition
Frequently Asked Questions about P0311 Code
No Frequently Asked Questions about P0311 Code found.
Discuss the causes and fixes for P0311 OBDII Code
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What cylinder 11 misfire mean(fault code p0311) , when it’s a 6 cylinder engine ?
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Double check the code, the P0311 code is for vehicles with 12 cylinders engine. There is no information in the factory service manual about that code.
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It must be my cheap scan tools from eBay , I will take it into a garage tommorrow for another scan . Thx
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