P0213 — Cold Start Injector 1 Malfunction
Drive with caution — fix soon.
What P0213 means
This code means the engine computer detected an electrical fault in the cold start injector circuit, the injector that delivers extra fuel to help a cold engine start. It usually points to a faulty cold start injector, damaged wiring or connectors, or a problem in its control circuit. Repairs typically involve testing and replacing the injector or fixing the wiring, and it's usually a straightforward fix.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light is on
- Hard starting when the engine is cold
- Engine cranks longer than usual before starting
- Rough running or stalling right after a cold start
- Possible fuel smell or flooding in some cases
Common causes
- Faulty cold start injector
- Damaged or corroded wiring or connector at the injector
- Open or short circuit in the cold start injector control wiring
- Failed cold start injector relay or temperature sensor
- Poor electrical ground or loose connection
Typical repair cost
$150 – $450
Varies by vehicle and root cause.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with a P0213 code?
Usually yes, since this mainly affects cold starting rather than driving once the engine is warm. Still, have it checked before cold weather and watch for any fuel smell, which can mean a stuck-open injector that floods the engine.
How much does it cost to fix a P0213 code?
Most repairs land between $150 and $450. A wiring or connector fix is on the lower end, while replacing the cold start injector with labor sits at the higher end.
Is a P0213 code serious?
It's usually moderate. The main symptom is hard cold starting, which is annoying but not dangerous. The exception is a stuck-open injector that floods the engine, so it's worth fixing rather than leaving indefinitely.
What does the cold start injector actually do?
It sprays extra fuel during a cold start so the engine catches quickly when it's hard to ignite. Once the engine warms up it stops being needed, which is why a fault here mostly shows up first thing on cold mornings.