What Does P0205 Mean?
This code indicates a malfunction in the fuel injector circuit for cylinder 5. The ECM has detected an open, short, or resistance fault in the cylinder 5 injector driver circuit. This code is relevant to V6, V8, and inline-5 or inline-6 engines. Cylinder 5 will not receive proper fuel delivery, causing a misfire.
Common Causes
35%
Failed cylinder 5 fuel injector with internal coil winding open or shorted
30%
Wiring fault in the cylinder 5 injector circuit, often at the connector or where the harness crosses between cylinder banks
20%
ECM injector driver failure for the cylinder 5 output
15%
Power feed issue at the injector harness affecting cylinder 5 bank
Diagnostic Steps
1
Step 1: Measure cylinder 5 injector coil resistance with the connector disconnected. Compare to specification (typically 11-17 ohms for high-impedance). Replace if open or shorted.
2
Step 2: Verify 12V power at the injector connector. On V-engines, cylinder 5 is often on the second bank with a separate power feed branch.
3
Step 3: Use a noid light at the cylinder 5 connector during cranking to confirm ECM pulse signal is reaching the injector.
4
Step 4: Swap the cylinder 5 injector with an adjacent cylinder on the same bank. Clear codes and determine if the fault follows the injector or stays at the cylinder 5 position.
5
Step 5: On V-engines, inspect the wiring where it crosses from the ECM side to the rear bank. This is a common chafing location, especially near the intake manifold gasket area.
Estimated Repair Cost
$150 - $650
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
This code indicates a malfunction in the fuel injector circuit for cylinder 5. The ECM has detected an open, short, or resistance fault in the cylinder 5 injector driver circuit. This code is relevant to V6, V8, and inline-5 or inline-6 engines. Cylinder 5 will not receive proper fuel delivery, caus...
The most common cause of P0205 (Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 5) is: Failed cylinder 5 fuel injector with internal coil winding open or shorted
Typical repair costs for P0205 range from $150 to $650, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
A cylinder 5 injector failure causes a persistent misfire with raw fuel entering the exhaust. On V-engines, the rear bank catalytic converter is at elevated risk of thermal damage.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P0205 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Fuel Injection System
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
Recommended Tools
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