P0205
Fix within a few daysThe engine computer detected an electrical problem with the fuel injector circuit for cylinder #5.
Code P0205 means an electrical problem with cylinder 5's fuel injector circuit. Common causes: Bad injector (60%), wiring damage (25%). Drivability: Limit driving, fix within days. Repair cost: $50-$300 DIY, $150-$500 professional.
Can I Drive With P0205?
Limit driving, fix within a few days
Essential trips under 10 miles, avoid highways and heavy acceleration. Immediate repair needed to prevent further damage.
Stop driving immediately if: Flashing Check Engine Light, strong rotten egg smell from exhaust, significant power loss, or loud engine noises.
Symptoms of P0205
- 1Check Engine Light is on, possibly flashing
- 2Engine misfires or runs rough
- 3Reduced engine power
- 4Poor fuel economy
- 5Engine may idle poorly or stall
Common Causes of P0205
Parts most likely causing this code, ranked by probability
The fuel injector itself has an internal electrical open circuit, preventing it from firing correctly.
60% of P0205 cases are fixed by replacing this part
Damaged, chafed, or broken wires in the harness leading to the cylinder 5 fuel injector create an open circuit.
25% of P0205 cases are fixed by repairing this wiring
A loose, corroded, or damaged electrical connector at the cylinder 5 injector prevents proper electrical flow.
10% of P0205 cases are fixed by repairing or replacing this connector
A faulty PCM driver for the cylinder 5 injector circuit can cause this code, though it is a rare occurrence.
5% of P0205 cases are fixed by replacing the PCM
Check These First (Before Buying Parts)
- Visually inspect the electrical connector and wiring harness for cylinder #5's fuel injector. Look for any signs of damage, fraying, corrosion, or if the connector is loose.
- Listen closely to the cylinder #5 injector with a mechanic's stethoscope or a long screwdriver to hear if it's clicking. Compare the sound to other injectors.
How to Diagnose P0205
- 1Visually inspect the wiring harness and connector for cylinder #5 fuel injector for damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
- 2Using a multimeter, check the resistance of the cylinder #5 fuel injector. Compare it to specifications and other injectors.
- 3With the engine off, use a test light or multimeter to check for power at the cylinder #5 injector connector (one wire should have battery voltage with key on).
- 4Using a noid light, check for a pulsing ground signal at the cylinder #5 injector connector while cranking the engine.
- 5If resistance and power/ground checks are good, swap the cylinder #5 injector with an injector from another cylinder (e.g., cylinder #1) and see if the code moves.
P0205 on Popular Vehicles
Ford F-150
2004-2024Injector failures are common on these trucks, particularly the 5.4L and 5.0L engines. The injector itself often develops an internal open circuit.
65% fixed by replacing the injector
Chevrolet Silverado
2007-2024Injector failures can occur, sometimes exacerbated by fuel quality or age. Wiring harness issues are also seen due to engine bay heat and vibration.
55% fixed by replacing the injector, 20% by wiring repair
Honda Accord
2003-2024While injectors are generally reliable, wiring harness damage or connector issues are more common causes for P0205 on these vehicles than injector failure itself.
40% fixed by wiring repair, 30% by connector repair
Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0205 mean?
P0205 indicates that the engine's computer has detected an electrical open circuit or fault in the fuel injector circuit specifically for cylinder #5. This means the computer is not seeing the expected electrical signal from that injector.
Can I drive with P0205?
Limit driving, fix within a few days. A P0205 code means cylinder #5 is misfiring. Continued driving with a misfire sends unburned fuel into your exhaust, which can quickly damage your catalytic converter. Drive only for essential, short trips and avoid high speeds or heavy loads.
Will P0205 clear itself?
No, P0205 will not clear itself. This code indicates a hard electrical fault that requires diagnosis and repair. The Check Engine Light will remain on until the underlying issue is fixed and the code is cleared, either by the vehicle's computer after several drive cycles or with an OBD-II scan tool.
How do I fix P0205 myself?
Start by inspecting the wiring and connector for cylinder #5's fuel injector. Look for any visible damage, corrosion, or loose connections. If the wiring looks good, test the injector's resistance with a multimeter. If the resistance is out of spec or significantly different from other injectors, replace the cylinder #5 fuel injector. If the injector tests good, you will need to check for power and ground signals at the injector connector.
How much does it cost to fix P0205?
DIY repair costs for P0205 typically range from $50 to $300, primarily for a new fuel injector or wiring repair supplies. Professional repair at a shop will cost between $150 and $500, which includes diagnostic time, the part, and labor.
P0205 keeps coming back - why?
If P0205 keeps returning, it indicates the initial repair did not address the root cause. Common reasons for recurrence include: a faulty replacement injector, an intermittent wiring issue that was missed, a problem with the injector's electrical connector, or, in rare cases, a failing Powertrain Control Module (PCM) driver for that specific injector.
Will P0205 fail emissions/smog test?
Yes, P0205 will cause your vehicle to fail an emissions or smog test. A misfiring cylinder directly impacts exhaust emissions, and the active Check Engine Light itself is an automatic failure in most inspection programs.
What's the difference between P0205 and P0305?
P0205 specifically indicates an electrical fault in the fuel injector circuit for cylinder #5. P0305 indicates a general misfire detected in cylinder #5. A P0205 code will almost always trigger a P0305 code because the injector circuit fault causes the misfire. However, a P0305 can be caused by many other issues (spark plug, coil, compression) without a P0205 being present.
P0205 on Ford F-150?
On Ford F-150s, especially those with the 5.4L or 5.0L engines, P0205 is often caused by a failed fuel injector. While wiring issues are possible, the injectors themselves are a common failure point. Diagnosis should focus on testing the injector's electrical resistance and verifying power and ground at the connector.
Questions to Ask Your Mechanic
Did you test the resistance of the cylinder #5 fuel injector and compare it to specifications and other injectors?
Good answer: Yes, I measured the resistance at X ohms, and it's either open or significantly out of spec compared to the other injectors which were all Y ohms.
Did you verify both power and ground signals are present at the cylinder #5 injector connector?
Good answer: Yes, I confirmed battery voltage on one pin with the key on, and a pulsing ground signal on the other pin using a noid light while cranking.
Repair Cost Estimate
DIY Repair
Parts only
$50-$300
Shop Repair
Parts + labor
$150-$500
Save $100-$300 by doing it yourself
Difficulty
intermediate
Time
1-3 hours
Intermediate - requires basic hand tools, a multimeter, and potentially a noid light. Accessing and replacing fuel injectors can be challenging on some engines, but it is a common DIY repair.
Cost of Waiting
Continued driving with a P0205 code means cylinder #5 is misfiring. This sends unburned fuel into your exhaust system, which rapidly overheats and destroys your catalytic converter. A $50-$300 fuel injector repair now prevents a $800-$2,500 catalytic converter replacement later.
While You're In There...
If you are replacing the injector, you are already accessing the cylinder. It's smart to replace the spark plug for that cylinder, especially if it's fouled from the misfire, to ensure complete combustion.
The ignition coil and boot are removed to access the injector. Replacing the boot ensures a good seal and prevents future misfires from spark issues, especially if the existing one is old or cracked.
Tools You'll Need
- OBD-II Scan Tool
- Multimeter
- Test Light
- Noid Light Set
- Basic Hand Tools (sockets, wrenches)
- Fuel Injector Puller (if applicable)
P0205 is a common code indicating a problem with a single fuel injector circuit. This is a very fixable issue, and addressing it promptly will restore your engine's performance and prevent more costly repairs down the road.
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Your Next Steps
Step 1: Visually inspect the wiring and connector for cylinder #5's fuel injector. Look for any obvious damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Repair as needed.
Step 2: If the visual inspection doesn't reveal the problem, use a multimeter to test the resistance of the cylinder #5 fuel injector. Compare its reading to the manufacturer's specifications and to other injectors. If it's open or significantly different, replace the injector.
Step 3: If the injector resistance is good, use a test light and noid light to verify that the injector is receiving both power and a pulsing ground signal from the PCM. If either is missing, you'll need to trace the wiring or suspect a PCM issue.