P0200 - OBD Trouble Code

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Are you experiencing rough idles with engine stalling and not starting on many occasions? Is the Check Engine Light illuminated and you notice affected fuel economy? All this can be an indication of problem with the fuel injection system and thus can store and flash P0200 error in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

OBD code P0200 is defined as Fuel Injector Circuit Malfunction. It can’t due to too high or low voltage and or resistance causing engine misfires and rich or lean conditions.

The PCM (Powertrain Control Module) acknowledges the proper functioning of the fuel injector circuit and the sensor and monitors the amount of fuel needed by the engine for combustion and for maintaining proper air to fuel ratios. If the PCM detects that the circuit voltage or resistance is out of range, it will make the engine to go into fail safe mode to avoid any damages to the engine, set the P0200 code and illuminate the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL).

What causes the problem of Fuel Injector Circuit Malfunction?

• Faulty or failed fuel injector
• Injector circuit open or short
• Injector wiring harness has an open or short
• Poor or damaged electrical connection
• Faulty Powertrain Control Module

1. Engine Control Module - Faulty ECM may flash and store wrong OBD error and cause engine stalling and hard idles. Thus, replace faulty ECM immediately.
2. Powertrain Control Module - P0200 error code also relates to problems with the PCM. This can cause improper engine and throttle response. Replace faulty PCM now.
3. Diagnostic Tool - Use professional scanning and diagnostic tools to detect the OBD error code. Buy from us now!
4. Fuel Injector - Checked for damaged or faulty fuel injector and replace or repair it as necessary. Buy new fuel injector form us.
5. Engine Wiring Harness - If the P0200 error is set, its ca be due to faulty wiring harness. Replace them immediately.
6. Fuel Sender Connector - Buy quality connectors form us and replace the old ones now!

The engine control module (PCM) determines the voltage and resistance of the injector circuit. If the voltage and resistance is out of range, the PCM can set code P0200. Some of the prime symptoms of this problem are mentioned below;

Common Symptoms

• Low engine power and limited output
• Abnormal throttle response and hard cold starting
• Declined fuel economy
• Sluggish Engine and lot of noise
• Engine smoking on start-up with increased emissions

As explained earlier, faulty injector circuit can affect the fuel delivery system and thus the performance. The severity would be set to moderate-high, because if you plan to drive your vehicle daily, you will need to make sure your fuel system is function adequately.

Some of the parts that are directly affected and can be immediately replaced are as follows;

• Fuel Filter
• Fuel Injector
• Fuel Replay
• Wiring and Connectors
• PCM/ECM
• Fuel Pump

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Locate your fuel injector which usually is pretty simple to find and do a proper visual inspection. Make sure to ensure that there is no fuel leakage in the fittings and connectors. Also, the injector itself (O-ring) is a common leak. Inspect for any signs of physical damage or anything that would cause fuel flow to be reduced (i.e. kinked line at injector). Clogging of particles within the fuel is a real possibility given the openings being very small. Ensure proper fuel system maintenance (e.g. fuel filters, EVAP, etc.)

• Inspect the fuel injection area for any corrosion or leakages on the exterior and if found, suspect it to be failed.
• One will require tools like a diagnostic scanner, digital volt/ohmmeter, and automotive stethoscope.
• Connect the OBD scanner and retrieve all the coded and freeze frame the data. After doing that test run the vehicle again under same circumstances to see if the code returns to make sure which codes are persistent (in case of more than one code).
• When the vehicle is on, do a sound test to hear the fuel injector working. If there is no continuous clicking sound, suspect for failed of clogged injector.
• Also check the wiring and harness in association to the injector circuit and check for the voltage of each fuel injector.
• If there is no battery voltage detected at the fuel injector group connector, check system fuses and relays.
• Repair faulty components as required, clear the code and retest the system to ensure that the repair was successful.
• If the fuses and relays appear to be intact, disconnect the connector from the PCM (and other related controller/s) and perform a continuity and resistance test on all related circuits.
• Repair or replace open or shorted circuits, connectors, or components as required.
• Clear the codes and test drive the vehicle to ensure a successful repair.
• PCM failure is rare and replacement will require reprogramming of one or more controllers.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P0200 Code

Most of the time we tend to diagnose the problem without completely identifying the real cause of it. It is important to follow all the diagnostic steps and examine each component carefully before correcting. Some of the components to be focused on are listed below;

• Clogged fuel filter
• Fuel pressure regulator failure
• Fuel pump/injector failure
• Leaking fuel lines
• Powertrain Control Module (PCM) failure
• Wiring/harness issue