What Does P0201 Mean?
This code indicates a malfunction in the fuel injector circuit for cylinder 1. The ECM has detected an open circuit, short to ground, short to voltage, or abnormal resistance in the injector driver circuit. The cylinder 1 injector may not be receiving the correct pulse signal, resulting in a dead cylinder, misfire, and rough running condition.
Common Causes
35%
Faulty cylinder 1 fuel injector with an open or shorted internal solenoid coil
30%
Damaged wiring or connector at the cylinder 1 injector, including corroded terminals, broken wires, or heat-damaged insulation
20%
Faulty injector driver circuit in the ECM unable to properly ground or pulse the injector
15%
Loose or corroded power supply connection at the injector harness common feed, reducing voltage to the injector coil
Diagnostic Steps
1
Step 1: Measure the resistance of the cylinder 1 fuel injector by disconnecting the connector and testing across the two terminals. A typical high-impedance injector reads 11-17 ohms; a low-impedance injector reads 2-5 ohms. OL or near-zero indicates failure.
2
Step 2: Check for 12V power at the injector connector with the key on. If voltage is absent, trace the injector power feed circuit back through the relay and fuse.
3
Step 3: Use a noid light or oscilloscope on the cylinder 1 injector connector to verify the ECM is sending a proper pulse signal. No pulse indicates an ECM driver or wiring fault.
4
Step 4: Swap the cylinder 1 injector connector with an adjacent cylinder (e.g., cylinder 2). If the code moves to the other cylinder, the injector is faulty. If it stays on cylinder 1, the wiring or ECM driver is the issue.
5
Step 5: Inspect the injector harness for chafing near the intake manifold, valve cover, or any sharp metal edges. Repair damaged wiring with proper splice techniques and heat-shrink protection.
Estimated Repair Cost
$150 - $600
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
This code indicates a malfunction in the fuel injector circuit for cylinder 1. The ECM has detected an open circuit, short to ground, short to voltage, or abnormal resistance in the injector driver circuit. The cylinder 1 injector may not be receiving the correct pulse signal, resulting in a dead cy...
The most common cause of P0201 (Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 1) is: Faulty cylinder 1 fuel injector with an open or shorted internal solenoid coil
Typical repair costs for P0201 range from $150 to $600, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
A dead injector causes a complete misfire on one cylinder, dumping unburned fuel into the exhaust. This can overheat and damage the catalytic converter and reduces engine power, potentially making the vehicle unsafe to drive in traffic.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P0201 to identify the root cause.
OBDHut Mobile App
Scan codes directly from your car with the OBDHut app.
Coming Soon
Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Fuel Injection System
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
Recommended Tools
OBD2 Scanner
A quality scan tool helps you read codes, view live data, and clear faults.
