P0216
Fix within a few daysFuel Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 6
Code P0216 means the fuel injector circuit for cylinder 6 has a malfunction. Common causes: Faulty cylinder 6 fuel injector (70%), wiring issues (25%). Drivability: Limit driving, fix within a few days. Repair cost: $100-$350 DIY, $250-$800 professional.
Can I Drive With P0216?
Limit driving, fix within a few days
Essential trips under 10 miles, avoid highways and heavy acceleration. Prioritize immediate repair.
Stop driving immediately if: Flashing Check Engine Light, loud banging noises from the engine, strong rotten egg smell from the exhaust, significant power loss, or engine stalling.
Symptoms of P0216
- 1Check Engine Light is on
- 2Engine runs rough or idles poorly
- 3Engine misfires, shakes, or vibrates
- 4Reduced engine power and acceleration
- 5Poor fuel economy
- 6Engine hesitation or stumbling during acceleration
- 7Strong fuel smell from the exhaust
Common Causes of P0216
Parts most likely causing this code, ranked by probability
The fuel injector for cylinder 6 is faulty, either electrically (open/short circuit) or mechanically (stuck open/closed), preventing proper fuel delivery.
70% of P0216 cases are fixed by replacing the cylinder 6 fuel injector
Damaged, corroded, or disconnected wiring or a loose connector to the cylinder 6 fuel injector prevents the correct electrical signal.
25% of P0216 cases are fixed by repairing the wiring or connector
The engine computer's internal driver circuit for the cylinder 6 fuel injector has failed, preventing it from sending the correct pulse.
5% of P0216 cases are fixed by replacing the ECM/PCM
Check These First (Before Buying Parts)
- Visually inspect the electrical connector on the cylinder 6 fuel injector for looseness or corrosion.
- Check the wiring harness leading to the cylinder 6 injector for any visible damage, fraying, or signs of rodent chewing.
How to Diagnose P0216
- 1Connect an OBD-II scanner to confirm P0216 and check for other related codes.
- 2Visually inspect the wiring harness and connector for cylinder 6's fuel injector for any signs of damage, corrosion, or looseness.
- 3Using a multimeter, check for proper voltage supply to the cylinder 6 fuel injector connector.
- 4Use a noid light to check for injector pulse at the cylinder 6 injector connector while the engine is cranking or running.
- 5If voltage and pulse are present, test the resistance of the cylinder 6 fuel injector itself. Compare it to specifications and other injectors.
- 6If the injector tests bad, replace it. If wiring/pulse is missing, trace the wiring back to the ECM/PCM.
P0216 on Popular Vehicles
Ford F-150
2004-2024On many F-150 engines, especially EcoBoost, injector replacement can be more complex due to direct injection and intake manifold removal. The injector itself is the most common failure.
75% fixed by replacing the cylinder 6 fuel injector
Chevrolet Silverado
2007-2024Silverado trucks with P0216 often point directly to a failed cylinder 6 fuel injector. Wiring issues are less common but should still be inspected.
70% fixed by replacing the cylinder 6 fuel injector
Honda Accord
2003-2024For Honda Accords, P0216 is typically a failed fuel injector. Wiring issues are rare but can occur due to rodent damage or age.
65% fixed by replacing the cylinder 6 fuel injector
Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0216 mean?
P0216 indicates that the Engine Control Module (ECM) has detected an electrical malfunction in the circuit that controls the fuel injector for cylinder number 6.
Can I drive with P0216?
Limit driving, fix within a few days. Driving with P0216 means cylinder 6 is not getting fuel correctly, causing a misfire. This sends unburned fuel into your exhaust, which will quickly damage your catalytic converter. Avoid long trips or heavy loads.
Will P0216 clear itself?
No, P0216 will not clear itself. This code indicates a hard fault in the injector circuit. The Check Engine Light will remain on until the underlying issue is diagnosed and repaired, and the code is cleared with a scan tool.
How do I fix P0216 myself?
Start by inspecting the wiring and connector for the cylinder 6 fuel injector. If they look good, test the injector's resistance with a multimeter and check for injector pulse with a noid light. If the injector is faulty, replace it. If wiring is damaged, repair it.
How much does it cost to fix P0216?
A DIY fix for P0216, typically involving a new fuel injector, costs $100-$350 for parts. Professional repair at a shop will cost $250-$800, including parts and labor.
P0216 keeps coming back - why?
If P0216 keeps returning, it means the root cause was not fully addressed. This often happens if you replaced the injector but the wiring harness is still damaged, or if the ECM itself has a rare internal fault. Double-check all wiring and connections thoroughly.
Will P0216 fail emissions/smog test?
Yes, P0216 will cause your vehicle to fail an emissions or smog test. The Check Engine Light being on is an automatic failure, and a misfiring cylinder significantly increases harmful emissions.
What's the difference between P0216 and P0306?
P0216 specifically points to an electrical malfunction in the *circuit* of the cylinder 6 fuel injector. P0306 indicates a general *misfire* detected in cylinder 6, which could be caused by a faulty spark plug, ignition coil, low compression, or a fuel injector issue.
P0216 on Ford F-150?
On Ford F-150s, especially those with direct injection, P0216 is most commonly a faulty fuel injector for cylinder 6. Wiring issues are less frequent but still possible. Accessing the injectors can be more involved on some F-150 engines.
Questions to Ask Your Mechanic
Did you test the resistance of the cylinder 6 fuel injector and compare it to specifications?
Good answer: Yes, I measured the resistance at [X ohms] and it was outside the acceptable range, indicating a faulty injector.
What did you find when checking for injector pulse at the cylinder 6 connector?
Good answer: I used a noid light and confirmed there was no pulse, so I traced the wiring back and found a break in the harness.
Repair Cost Estimate
DIY Repair
Parts only
$100-$350
Shop Repair
Parts + labor
$250-$800
Save $150-$450 by doing it yourself
Difficulty
intermediate
Time
1-3 hours
Intermediate - Requires basic diagnostic tools like a multimeter and noid light, and some mechanical skill to access and replace the injector. Access can vary significantly by vehicle.
Cost of Waiting
Continued driving with P0216 means cylinder 6 is misfiring, sending unburned fuel into your exhaust system. This will rapidly overheat and destroy your catalytic converter, turning a $100-$350 injector repair into a $800-$2,500 catalytic converter replacement.
While You're In There...
While diagnosing a misfire, it's good practice to inspect the spark plug for cylinder 6. If it's fouled or worn, replacing it along with the injector ensures a complete fix and prevents repeat misfire issues.
Although P0216 points to the injector, a failing ignition coil on cylinder 6 can sometimes cause similar symptoms. If you're already accessing the area, inspecting or testing the coil is a smart move to rule out other misfire causes.
When replacing a fuel injector, new O-rings and seals are essential to prevent fuel leaks and ensure a proper seal. These often come with a new injector but should be confirmed.
Tools You'll Need
- OBD-II scan tool
- Basic hand tools (sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers)
- Multimeter
- Noid light set
- Fuel injector puller (for some direct injection engines)
- Dielectric grease
P0216 is a specific code that points directly to an issue with one fuel injector or its wiring. This is a common problem, and once identified, the repair is straightforward and will get your engine running smoothly again.
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Your Next Steps
Step 1: Visually inspect the wiring and connector for the cylinder 6 fuel injector. Look for any obvious damage, corrosion, or loose connections. Wiggle the connector to see if the engine idle changes.
Step 2: If the visual inspection doesn't reveal anything, use a multimeter to check for power at the injector connector and a noid light to check for injector pulse. If either is missing, you'll need to trace the wiring or suspect an ECM issue.
Step 3: If power and pulse are present, test the resistance of the cylinder 6 fuel injector. If it's outside the manufacturer's specifications, you'll likely need a new fuel injector for cylinder 6.