What Does P02B0 Mean?
The ECM has detected that the fuel injector on cylinder 6 is restricted, meaning it cannot deliver the commanded fuel quantity due to a partial blockage or reduced flow capacity. The system identifies this through individual cylinder fuel trim corrections showing the injector is consistently underperforming. The driver may experience cylinder 6 misfires, hesitation, rough idle, and diminished engine power.
Common Causes
40%
Clogged injector filter basket or nozzle tip from fuel contaminants, varnish, or carbon deposits
25%
Internal injector deposits from low-quality fuel or ethanol buildup partially blocking spray orifices
15%
Kinked or pinched fuel supply line reducing flow to the rail
12%
Clogged in-line fuel filter or pump strainer reducing overall fuel system pressure and flow
8%
Corroded or damaged injector electrical connector causing intermittent operation mimicking restriction
Diagnostic Steps
1
Check live data for cylinder 6 individual fuel trim — a high positive trim confirms the ECM is compensating for reduced fuel delivery from the restricted injector.
2
Perform an injector balance test by disabling each injector individually and comparing rpm drops — cylinder 6 should cause a similar rpm drop as others. A smaller drop indicates reduced flow.
3
Remove the fuel injectors and have them professionally flow-tested and ultrasonically cleaned to measure actual flow rate versus specification — variation between injectors should be less than 5%.
4
Inspect the fuel rail for debris or contamination by disconnecting it and examining the injector seats and fuel passages for visible deposits.
5
Verify fuel system pressure at idle (typically 55-62 PSI for port injection) and confirm it does not drop excessively under load.
Estimated Repair Cost
$100 - $400
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The ECM has detected that the fuel injector on cylinder 6 is restricted, meaning it cannot deliver the commanded fuel quantity due to a partial blockage or reduced flow capacity. The system identifies this through individual cylinder fuel trim corrections showing the injector is consistently underpe...
The most common cause of P02B0 (Cylinder 6 - Injector Restricted) is: Clogged injector filter basket or nozzle tip from fuel contaminants, varnish, or carbon deposits
Typical repair costs for P02B0 range from $100 to $400, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Generally safe to drive short distances, but the lean condition on cylinder 6 can cause elevated combustion temperatures that may damage the catalytic converter over time. Prolonged driving with a restricted injector risks engine misfires and potential lean detonation damage.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P02B0 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 System
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
Recommended Tools
OBD2 Scanner
A quality scan tool helps you read codes, view live data, and clear faults.
