P0201 — Injector Circuit Malfunction
Drivable short-term, but fix now to avoid damage.
What P0201 means
This code means the engine computer has detected an electrical problem in the wiring or control circuit for one of the fuel injectors. It usually points to a damaged wire, a loose or corroded connector, or a failing injector itself. It's a fairly common code and is often fixable by repairing the wiring or replacing a single injector rather than major engine work.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light is on
- Rough idle or engine shaking
- Engine misfires or hesitates under load
- Noticeable loss of power
- Reduced fuel economy or smell of fuel
Common causes
- Faulty or clogged fuel injector
- Damaged or chafed injector wiring
- Loose or corroded injector connector
- Open or short in the injector control circuit
- Failing engine control module driver
Typical repair cost
$150 – $500
Varies by vehicle and root cause.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with a P0201 code?
For short trips, usually yes, but you shouldn't rely on it. If the affected cylinder is misfiring, driving for long can damage your catalytic converter, so it's best to get it diagnosed quickly.
How much does it cost to fix a P0201 code?
If it's just a wiring or connector repair, you might pay around $150 to $250. Replacing a fuel injector typically runs $300 to $500 including parts and labor, depending on your vehicle.
Is a P0201 code serious?
It can be. A bad injector circuit often causes a misfire, which wastes fuel and can harm the catalytic converter over time. It's not an emergency, but it should be addressed soon.
Does P0201 mean my fuel injector is bad?
Not always. The code points to an electrical problem in the injector circuit, which could be the injector itself, but is just as often a wiring or connector fault. A proper diagnosis tells you which.