AutoCodesMINI – P1346 MINI

P1346 MINI Code - Misfire During Start Cylinder 3

Quick Answer

As part of the CARB/OBD regulations, the Engine Control Module (ECM) must determine if a misfire is occurring and also identify the specific cylinder(s) and the severity of the misfire event and whether it is emissions relevant or catalyst damaging. Common causes include Faulty Spark Plug, Faulty Ignition Coil, Intake vacuum leak. 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
P1346 MINI indicates Misfire During Start Cylinder 3.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty Spark Plug, Faulty Ignition Coil, Intake vacuum leak.
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.
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Code Popularity 1,736
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on May 17, 2019
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Code P1346 MINI Description

As part of the CARB/OBD regulations, the Engine Control Module (ECM) must determine if a misfire is occurring and also identify the specific cylinder(s) and the severity of the misfire event and whether it is emissions relevant or catalyst damaging. In order to accomplish these tasks, the control module monitors the crankshaft for acceleration losses during firing segments of each cylinder based on firing order.
The misfire/engine roughness calculation is derived from the differences in the period duration (T) of individual increment gear segments. Each segment period consists of an angular range of 120° crank angle that starts 78° before Top Dead Center (TDC).
If the expected period duration is greater than the permissible value a misfire fault for the particular cylinder is stored in the fault memory of the ECM. Depending on the level of misfire rate measured the control unit will illuminate the "Service Engine Soon" light, may cutoff fuel to the particular cylinder and may switch lambda operation to open-loop. All misfire faults are weighted to determine if the misfire is emissions relevant or catalyst damaging.
OBDII Code P1346 MINI - Misfire During Start Cylinder 3 - AutoCodes.com
P1346 MINI Code - Misfire During Start Cylinder 3

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1346 MINI?

  • Faulty Spark Plug
  • Faulty Ignition Coil
  • Intake vacuum leak
  • Faulty Camshaft Position Sensor
  • Ignition Coil harness is open or shorted
  • Ignition Coil circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P1346 MINI?

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.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1346 MINI 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.

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P1346 MINI Code

What does the OBDII code P1346 mean on a MINI?

P1346 on a MINI indicates a "Misfire During Start Cylinder 3," meaning the third cylinder is not firing properly during engine startup.

What are the symptoms of code P1346 on a MINI?

Symptoms may include rough idling, difficulty starting the engine, reduced performance, poor fuel economy, and the check engine light turning on.

What causes the P1346 code on a MINI?

Common causes include a faulty ignition coil, bad spark plug, vacuum leaks, low fuel pressure, or issues with the fuel injector for cylinder 3.

Can a clogged fuel injector cause the P1346 code?

Yes, a clogged or malfunctioning fuel injector in cylinder 3 can disrupt fuel delivery and cause the misfire.

How do I diagnose the P1346 code on a MINI?

Start by scanning the vehicle for codes, inspecting the spark plug, ignition coil, and fuel injector for cylinder 3, and checking for vacuum leaks or fuel delivery issues.

Can driving with the P1346 code damage my MINI?

Yes, driving with a misfire can damage the catalytic converter over time and may lead to more severe engine issues if not addressed.

How do I fix the P1346 code on a MINI?

Common fixes include replacing the spark plug, ignition coil, or fuel injector for cylinder 3, repairing vacuum leaks, or addressing fuel pressure problems.

Can a weak battery trigger the P1346 code?

While unlikely, a weak battery can cause issues with electrical components, potentially contributing to ignition problems during startup.

Is the P1346 code specific to MINI vehicles?

No, the P1346 code can appear on other vehicles, but its meaning and causes may vary depending on the make and model.

How much does it cost to repair the P1346 code on a MINI?

Repair costs can range from $100 to $500 or more, depending on whether you need to replace spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P1346 MINI OBDII Code

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