P020A - OBD Trouble Code

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Are you facing issues in the Injection timing circuit? Do you remember when the last time was your engine not started? Did your mechanic tell you that there are some defects in fuel injection Solenoid? If you are facing all these conditions, then your vehicle might have the OBD Code P020A error.

P020A code is stored in vehicles equipped with diesel engines. There will be exhaust smoke during cranking and no fuel rail pressure will develop during cranking. P020A code is generated when the PCM analyses that unpremeditated fuel injection has occurred. Fuel efficiency will reduce when the fuel injector will not work. In this situation, the engine will start.

What causes this problem with the injection timing circuit?

• Inoperative Crankshaft or Camshaft Position Sensor
• Faulty Engine timing component
• Frayed Fuel Injector
• Open or short circuit in connectors in fuel injector control circuit
• Defective fuel injection solenoid

1. Crankshaft Sensor - A crank sensor is an electronic device used in an internal combustion engine, both petrol and diesel, to monitor the position or rotational speed of the crankshaft. This should work efficiently else will lead to code P020A.
2. Camshaft Sensor - The camshaft sensor enables the engine control to determine the exact position of the crankshaft drive. This information is required to calculate the ignition point and injection point, among other things. If it is malfunctioned can cause this trouble code.
3. Fuel Injector - The fuel injectors spray a fine gasoline mist into the engine's intake manifold, which then delivers it to the engine for combustion with the oxygen that the engine is receiving. Ensure its efficient functioning to avoid error code P020A.
4. Fuel Injection Solenoid - Fuel injection is the introduction of fuel in an internal combustion engine, most commonly. The solenoid lifts the needle valve from the valve seat, and fuel under pressure is sent in the engine cylinder. If you discover it faulty, replace it immediately.
5. Powertrain Control Module - The ECM/ PCM, it’s a crucial part of the vehicle’s on-board computer, which usually resides in either the engine compartment or under one of your front seats, it provides the brain for the engine of the vehicle and makes sure the timing and emissions control system work properly. So, if it founds faulty should be repaired or replaced as required.
6. Diagnostic Tool - One must have high grade diagnostic tools to diagnose and fix any OBD code, our diagnostic tools collection will come handy to do so, so why not have a look?

Symptoms of a P020A trouble code may include:

• Poor fuel efficiency
• Distinct smell of fuel
• Reduced engine performance
• Illuminated check engine light

Here are some ways with the help of which P020A code can be addressed:

• The camshaft sensor should be replaced.
• Crankshaft should work properly. Make sure to replace it else you might face some major issues.
• The PCM (Powertrain Control Module) should be replaced if found faulty.
• The inoperative wiring to the camshaft or crankshaft sensors should be repaired or replaced
• Fuel Injector must be replaced if faulty.
• Fuel Injection Solenoid should be replaced.

There are some steps that we have to follow while the code P020A generates. we can resolve the issue if we follow the following steps.

• We would require a scanner, a digital volt/ohmmeter to diagnose a code P020A.
• Start with a visual inspection of high-pressure fuel system related components and wiring harnesses. Be aware of fuel leakage as well as damage to wiring or connectors.
• Check for technical service bulletins (TSB) which relate to the vehicle, symptoms, and codes in question. If such a TSB is Available, it will provide very useful information for diagnosing this code.
• Now, connect the scanner to the vehicle diagnostic port and restore all stored trouble codes and freeze frame data. Thereafter, clear the codes and test-drive the vehicle to see if the code is reset. If there is crankshaft sensor or camshaft position sensor codes stored than diagnose and repair those before attempting to diagnose the injector timing code.
• If the code is reset, any damage component or duplicate components which fail to Obey with maker specifications should be replaced before moving forward. After suspicious parts are repaired or replaced, Clear codes which may have been stored during testing and test drive the vehicle until the PCM enters readiness mode or the code is reset. If the PCM does enter readiness mode you know that the repair was successful. If the code is reset - you can analyse that you still have a problem.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P020A Code

People usually commit some common mistakes while fixing the trouble code P020A. Have a look at below mentioned mistakes to avoid them in future:

• Replacing the fuel injectors when the problem is with unclean or dirty fuel filter.
• Glow plugs may worn out and not changed or the faulty glow plug relay.
• May have defective fuel supply pump that was not replaced.
• Verify the quality of last filled fuel.