P0202
Fix within a few daysFuel Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 2. This means the engine computer has detected an electrical problem with the fuel injector for cylinder #2.
Code P0202 means the engine computer detected an electrical fault with cylinder 2's fuel injector. Common causes: Faulty fuel injector (70%), wiring issues (20%). Drivability: Limit driving, fix within a few days. Repair cost: $50-$200 DIY, $150-$500 professional.
Can I Drive With P0202?
Limit driving, fix within a few days
Essential trips under 10 miles, avoid highways and heavy acceleration. Expect reduced power and poor fuel economy.
Stop driving immediately if: Flashing Check Engine Light, loud knocking noises, burning smell, rotten egg smell from exhaust, significant power loss.
Symptoms of P0202
- 1Check Engine Light is on (may be flashing)
- 2Engine misfire or rough idle
- 3Reduced engine power
- 4Poor fuel economy
- 5Engine hesitation or stumbling
- 6Strong fuel smell from the exhaust (unburned fuel)
Common Causes of P0202
Parts most likely causing this code, ranked by probability
The injector itself has an internal electrical fault, preventing it from opening or closing correctly.
70% of P0202 cases are fixed by replacing the fuel injector
Damaged, corroded, or disconnected wiring to the cylinder 2 fuel injector prevents proper electrical signal transmission.
20% of P0202 cases are fixed by repairing the wiring harness or connector
A rare internal fault in the engine computer can prevent it from properly controlling the cylinder 2 fuel injector circuit.
5% of P0202 cases are fixed by replacing or reprogramming the ECM/PCM
A loose, corroded, or damaged electrical connector at the cylinder 2 injector can interrupt the circuit.
5% of P0202 cases are fixed by repairing or replacing the injector connector
Check These First (Before Buying Parts)
- Visually inspect the wiring and connector for cylinder #2 fuel injector for any obvious damage, fraying, or corrosion. Ensure the connector is fully seated.
- Listen carefully to the cylinder #2 injector area with a mechanic's stethoscope or a long screwdriver to hear if it's clicking. A lack of clicking indicates an electrical issue or a stuck injector.
How to Diagnose P0202
- 1Visually inspect the wiring harness and connector for cylinder #2 fuel injector for any signs of damage, corrosion, or looseness.
- 2With the engine off, disconnect the cylinder #2 fuel injector and use a multimeter to check the resistance across its terminals. Compare this reading to specifications (usually 10-16 ohms).
- 3With the engine running (or cranking), use a noid light or multimeter to check for power and ground pulses at the cylinder #2 injector connector.
- 4If the injector resistance is out of spec, or if power/ground pulses are missing, swap the cylinder #2 injector with an injector from another cylinder (e.g., cylinder #1). Clear the code and see if the code moves to the new cylinder (e.g., P0201).
- 5If the code moves, replace the faulty fuel injector. If the code remains P0202, the issue is likely wiring or the ECM.
- 6If wiring is confirmed good and the injector is good, further diagnosis of the ECM may be necessary by a professional.
P0202 on Popular Vehicles
Ford F-150
2004-2024Ford trucks, especially with V8 and EcoBoost engines, are known for fuel injector failures. The connectors can also become brittle or corroded over time.
75% fixed by replacing injector or repairing wiring
Honda Accord
2003-2024Honda engines are generally reliable, but injector failures do occur. Sometimes, a clogged injector can mimic an electrical fault, so testing resistance is key.
70% fixed by replacing injector or repairing wiring
Toyota Camry
2007-2024Toyota engines are also very reliable. When P0202 appears, it's often a direct injector failure or a specific wiring issue that can be traced back to a loose connection or rodent damage.
70% fixed by replacing injector or repairing wiring
Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0202 mean?
P0202 indicates an electrical circuit malfunction with the fuel injector for cylinder #2. The engine computer is not seeing the correct electrical signal from or to this injector.
Can I drive with P0202?
Limit driving, fix within a few days. If your Check Engine Light is flashing, stop driving immediately. A flashing light means a severe misfire is occurring, which can quickly damage your catalytic converter. If the light is solid, you can drive for essential short trips, but expect reduced power and poor fuel economy.
Will P0202 clear itself?
No, P0202 will not clear itself. This code indicates a hard electrical fault that requires diagnosis and repair. The engine computer will keep the Check Engine Light on until the underlying issue is resolved.
How do I fix P0202 myself?
Start by visually inspecting the wiring and connector for cylinder #2. If no obvious damage, test the resistance of the cylinder #2 fuel injector with a multimeter. If it's out of specification, replace the injector. If the injector tests good, check for power and ground pulses at the injector connector.
How much does it cost to fix P0202?
A DIY fix for P0202 typically costs $50-$200 for a new fuel injector and basic tools. Professional repair at a shop usually ranges from $150-$500, covering parts and labor.
P0202 keeps coming back - why?
If P0202 keeps returning, it indicates the initial repair didn't address the root cause. Common reasons include a faulty replacement injector, an intermittent wiring issue that wasn't fully resolved, or a rare problem with the engine computer itself. Re-diagnose thoroughly, focusing on the wiring harness.
Will P0202 fail emissions/smog test?
Yes, P0202 will cause your vehicle to fail an emissions or smog test. The Check Engine Light being on is an automatic failure in most jurisdictions, and the underlying misfire will also result in high emissions.
What's the difference between P0202 and P0302?
P0202 specifically indicates an electrical circuit malfunction with the cylinder #2 fuel injector. P0302 indicates a general misfire detected in cylinder #2. A P0202 will almost always cause a P0302, but a P0302 can be caused by many other issues (spark plug, coil, compression, etc.) besides an an injector circuit fault.
P0202 on Ford F-150 - what's common?
On Ford F-150s, especially with the 5.4L or 3.5L EcoBoost engines, P0202 is frequently caused by a faulty fuel injector. Wiring issues, particularly around the injector connectors, are also common due to heat and vibration.
Questions to Ask Your Mechanic
Did you check the resistance of the cylinder #2 fuel injector, and did you test for power and ground pulses at the connector?
Good answer: Yes, the injector resistance was [X ohms], which is out of spec. We also confirmed power and ground pulses were present, so the injector itself is the problem.
Repair Cost Estimate
DIY Repair
Parts only
$50-$200
Shop Repair
Parts + labor
$150-$500
Save $100-$300 by doing it yourself
Difficulty
intermediate
Time
1-3 hours
Intermediate - requires a multimeter for electrical testing and potentially specialized tools for injector removal on some vehicles.
Cost of Waiting
Ignoring P0202 leads to a continuous misfire on cylinder #2. This sends unburned fuel into your exhaust system, which rapidly overheats and destroys your catalytic converter. A $50-$200 fuel injector replacement now prevents a $800-$2,500 catalytic converter replacement later.
While You're In There...
If the fuel rail and injectors are located under the intake manifold, you will remove the manifold to access them. Replacing the gaskets prevents vacuum leaks and repeat labor.
These seals are disturbed when removing and reinstalling injectors. They are inexpensive and critical for preventing fuel leaks.
Tools You'll Need
- Multimeter
- Basic hand tools (sockets, wrenches)
- Fuel injector puller (some vehicles)
- Noid light (optional, for testing pulses)
P0202 is a common code indicating a problem with a specific fuel injector. While it can cause serious damage if ignored, it's a very fixable issue, and your engine will run smoothly once repaired.
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Your Next Steps
Step 1: Visually inspect the wiring and connector for the cylinder #2 fuel injector. Look for cuts, chafing, corrosion, or loose connections.
Step 2: If the wiring looks good, use a multimeter to test the resistance of the cylinder #2 fuel injector. If it's outside the manufacturer's specification (check your vehicle's service manual), replace the injector.
Step 3: If the injector resistance is good, use a noid light or multimeter to check for power and ground pulses at the injector connector while the engine is cranking or running. If pulses are missing, the issue is in the wiring harness or the ECM.