Error Code P0201: What It Means & What To Do?

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Is the car engine not performing at par with the expectations? Do you notice affected fuel economy, delayed throttle response and Check Engine Light illuminated on the dashboard? This can be an indication of the problem the fuel delivery system of the vehicle, resulting in OBD code P0201 getting stored in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

OBD code P0201 is defined as Cylinder 1 Injector Circuit Malfunction. This error code is set by the PCM/ECM if it detects low or high voltage drop or resistance in the fuel injector of cylinder 1. Special transistors, called ‘drivers’ are used by PCM to operate the fuel injector On and Off in the fuel injection system. If it doesn’t see the injector voltage close to battery voltage, i.e. high, it will set P0201 error code. Also, if the PCM notices that the resistance of higher or lower than the expected range for the cylinder 1 fuel injector, the OBD code P0201 error code will set.

What causes the problem of Cylinder 1 Injector Circuit Malfunction?

• Fuel injector cylinder 1 problem
• Fuel line common rail leakage
• Fuel pressure sensor malfunction/faulty
• Fuel pump or lift pump failure/damage
• Leakage in the high-pressure circuit
• Electrical connector corrosion/damages
• Fuel pressure regulator malfunction/faulty
• Plugged fuel filter dropping the fuel line volume
• Injector pump leakage
• Fuel control actuator failure/faulty
• Electrical harness damaged at the injectors or to the PCM
• PCM failure/faulty

1. Fuel Injector - Faulty fuel injector is the prime reason for OBD code P0201 getting stored. Replace it with new one.
2. Engine Wiring Harness - Check for damaged wiring harness and replace it now! Buy new components form us.
3. Fuel Sender Connector - Always inspect for faulty connectors that might pose hindrance to the performance. Replace faulty connector now!
4. Powertrain Control Module - PCM can store and flash wrong OBD error if it is itself faulty. Replace the faulty PCM components immediately.
5. Engine Control Module - Damaged ECM components should be replaced as it can directly affect engine performance if it reads wrong data. Buy from us now!
6. Battery & Electrical System - Buy quality battery and electrical components and replace the old ones, if found faulty. Buy from us now!
7. Diagnostic Tools - Use professional level tools to detect and correct the OBD code problems. Buy now!

It is important to understand the intricacies involved when the fuel injection system doesn’t response to the expectation. All types of performance issues can come up making it difficult to know the core of the problem.

Common Symptoms

• Reduced fuel economy
• Engine misfiring
• Degrading engine performance
• Fuel smell from under the hood
• CEL (Check Engine Light) illuminated
• Engine performing abnormally
• Excessive exhaust smoke on load
• Reduced throttle response and acceleration

Repairs for this error code are pretty straightforward, which will be derived from a thorough diagnosis. Possible fixes include:

• Replacement of the Cylinder 1 Fuel Injector
• Repair or replacement of any wiring issues (damaged or broken wires)
• Fixing poor connections
• Replacement of the PCM

It is important to check all the components and repair/replace them, if necessary. You can find catalytic converters, temperature sensors, exhaust manifolds, battery connectors, MAF sensors, fuel pumps and parts and a lot more to solve any car part requirement. Buy now!

Take help of a qualified mechanic to diagnose this OBD code P0201 error issue.

• 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.
• Use the DVOM to test for voltage and a ground pulse, when the engine is running. Most manufacturers utilize a system of constant battery voltage on one terminal of the fuel injector and a ground pulse (from the PCM) applied to the other terminal at the appropriate time.
• If no voltage is discovered at the connector of the fuel injector in question, use the DVOM to test system fuses and relays. Replace fuses and/or relays as needed.
• If everything seems to work fine, then check for faulty PCM and replace or reprogram as required.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P0201

It is important to understand that there can be many other factors causing this problem rather than directly blaming the injection system completely. Always check for faulty wirings, and fuses as well as MAP/MAF sensor and O2 sensors for error too. Take help of professional mechanic to solve OBD code problem as this will ensure avoidance of misdiagnosis and can also help to reduce the costs associated with the repairs.

• Fuel injector failure
• Powertrain Control Module (PCM) failure
• Wiring and connector issues in relation to the sensor and circuits
• Damaged or clogged fuel filter