P0315: Cylinder Misfire / Combustion Fault

P0315 on the Mercedes Sprinter VS30 falls under the cylinder misfire / combustion fault group for the OM642 V6 diesel. The ECU sets this code when it detects an out-of-range condition in this system. Use the symptoms, common causes, and diagnostic steps below as a starting point, and always read the live data and freeze-frame for this specific code before replacing parts. If you're searching for the P0315 Mercedes Sprinter fix or P0315 VS30 / OM642 information, start with a full scan to capture any related codes stored at the same time.

• Rough idle or shaking, especially when cold
• Hesitation, stumbling, or power loss
• Check engine light (may flash under heavy misfire)
• Hard starting
• Increased smoke or fuel smell

• Worn, clogged, or leaking fuel injector (cylinder-specific)
• Low fuel rail pressure / delivery fault
• Faulty glow plug (cold-start misfire)
• Low or uneven cylinder compression
• Air ingress in the fuel system

1. 1Scan and record all codes, noting which cylinder(s) are flagged.
2. 2Read live misfire counters per cylinder.
3. 3Perform an injector return (back-leakage) test on the affected cylinder.
4. 4Verify rail pressure tracks the commanded value.
5. 5Test glow plugs for cold-start misfires.
6. 6If fuel and glow systems are good, perform a compression/leak-down test on the affected cylinder.

1. 1Replace a worn, clogged, or leaking injector on the affected cylinder.
2. 2Restore fuel rail pressure by fixing the supply or pump fault.
3. 3Replace a failed glow plug causing cold-start misfire.
4. 4Purge air ingress from the fuel system and reseal connections.
5. 5Address low/uneven compression with mechanical repair if confirmed.