P0213 OBD-II Trouble Code: Cold Start Injector 1 Malfunction

P0213 code definition

Cold Start Injector 1 Malfunction

What the P0213 code means

• P0213 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code that is set when the Engine Control Module (ECM) detects an issue with the cold start number 1 fuel injector; the ECM triggers a Check Engine Light once out of range performance is detected.

• This code is similar to P0214 and may be seen with misfire, lean, and rich condition codes.

What causes the P0213 code?

• Cold start injector 1 failed
• Open or short in the wiring harness
• Poor electrical connection

What are the symptoms of the P0213 code?

• A failsafe mode is set with the Check Engine Light and remains until satisfactory performance is detected or the fault is fixed

• Vehicle may run poorly

• Poor fuel milage

• Lean or rich conditions

• The vehicle may be hard to start especially when cold

How does a mechanic diagnose the P0213 code?

• Hooks up a scan tool to the vehicle to check for any codes present (there may be more than one)

• Checks the freeze frame data for each code to tell what vehicle speed, RPM, coolant temperature, etc. were present when the codes first appeared

• Clears the codes and performs a test drive under similar circumstances to the freeze frame data

If the codes reappear:

• Checks the voltage at the injector itself.

Common mistakes when diagnosing the P0213 code

Mistakes can be made with any code. The mistake most commonly made is skipping steps or not doing them in order. Though the cold start injector is the usual cause for P0213, it must be tested before it is replaced. This is done to avoid unneeded repairs.

How serious is the P0213 code?

P0213 is an uncommon code that is usually not a serious issue. The vehicle should be able to be driven to a safe location after the code is found without issue. To avoid any further issues, however, the car should be diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible.

What repairs can fix the P0213 code?

• Replacing the cold start injector
• Fixing connection issues
• Repairing or replacing the wiring harness as needed

Additional comments for consideration regarding the P0213 code

The cold start injector is an important component for vehicles equipped with it. This enables the ECM to use the cold start injector to add fuel to richen the air fuel ratio when cold.

An advanced scan tool that allows live data such as voltage, ohms, and operation changes over time, is a handy tool for diagnosis of the cold start injector.

Need help with a P0213 code?

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