What Does P02C5 Mean?
The ECM has detected that the fuel injector on cylinder 11 is leaking, delivering more fuel than commanded. The PCM identifies this through negative individual fuel trim values reaching their correction limit, or by detecting fuel pressure decay when the injector should be closed. The driver may notice a rich exhaust smell, rough idle, black smoke, or fuel-fouled spark plug on cylinder 11.
Common Causes
40%
Worn or damaged injector pintle/seat allowing fuel to drip when closed
25%
Cracked or deteriorated injector O-ring seals causing external fuel leak
15%
Carbon buildup preventing the injector valve from fully seating
12%
Electrical fault holding the injector solenoid partially energized
8%
Excessive fuel system pressure forcing fuel past the injector seal
Diagnostic Steps
1
Monitor cylinder 11 individual fuel trim — a large negative trim (e.g., -20% or more) confirms the ECM is compensating for excess fuel delivery.
2
Perform a fuel rail pressure decay test: turn key on/engine off, pressurize the fuel rail, and monitor for abnormal pressure drop that indicates a leaking injector.
3
Remove and inspect the cylinder 11 spark plug — heavy black soot or wet fuel fouling confirms that cylinder is running rich from injector leakage.
4
With the injector removed, apply regulated fuel pressure and observe the injector tip — any dripping with the injector de-energized confirms an internal leak. Maximum allowable leakage is typically 1 drop per minute.
5
Check the injector O-rings and fuel rail seating surface for cracks, hardening, or fuel residue indicating an external seal leak.
Estimated Repair Cost
$200 - $900
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The ECM has detected that the fuel injector on cylinder 11 is leaking, delivering more fuel than commanded. The PCM identifies this through negative individual fuel trim values reaching their correction limit, or by detecting fuel pressure decay when the injector should be closed. The driver may not...
The most common cause of P02C5 (Cylinder 11 - Injector Leaking) is: Worn or damaged injector pintle/seat allowing fuel to drip when closed
Typical repair costs for P02C5 range from $200 to $900, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
A leaking injector is a moderate fire risk if the leak is external, and will cause catalyst damage and oil dilution if internal. Do not ignore this code — have it repaired within a few days. If you smell raw fuel, stop driving immediately.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P02C5 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Fuel System
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
Recommended Tools
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