P020D - OBD Trouble Code

<<See All OBD Codes

P020D is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code. It is considered generic because it applies to all makes and models of vehicles. P020D Decreased engine performance is defined as Cylinder 4 injection Timing. Common problems that trigger this code is fuel injector failure, PCM failure, wiring issues etc. When PCM cannot control the fuel injector, it will set code P020D.

OBD Error Code P020D is exclusively stored in vehicles equipped with diesel engines. This Code actually means that the Powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a malfunction in the injection timing circuit for a particular cylinder of the engine. In this case, the cylinder in question is cylinder four. Direct Injection diesel engines require extreme levels of fuel pressure and just because of this high degree of fuel pressure, we recommend only qualified personnel should attempt to diagnose or repair the high-pressure fuel system.

What causes this problem Cylinder 4 Injection Timing?

• Crankshaft or camshaft position sensor failure.
• Fuel injection solenoid failure.
• Flawed engine timing components.
• Shorted connections in fuel injector control circuit.
• Frayed fuel injector.

1. Powertrain Control Module - The Engine Control Module/Powertrain Control Module generally resides in either the engine compartment or under one of your front seats, it provides the brain for the engine of the vehicle and ensures the timing and emissions control system work properly. So, if should not be malfunctioned and should be repaired or replaced on priority basis.
2. Camshaft Sensor - A camshaft sensor is an integral part of the modern automobile. It is one of the devices that help the engine run smoothly. So, ensure its proper functionality to avoid error code P020D.
3. Fuel Injector - Fuel injectors are the components that are responsible for the final stage of fuel delivery in fuel injection systems. So, if you discover them faulty kindly replace them at earliest.
4. Fuel Injector Solenoid - Fuel Injection Solenoid injects into the cylinder the amount of fuel required for economical combustion. Hence, if it is faulty then can cause various problems.
5. Crankshaft Sensor - The crankshaft position sensor is a vital electronic device located in the engine of a car. Its purpose is to register the rate at which the crankshaft spins. Defective or faulty crankshaft sensor may lead to various problems so repair or replace it immediately.
6. Diagnostic Tool - In order to be that DIY guy, you need to have few diagnostic tools to get your car problems pointed out easily. Our diagnostic tools collection will come handy to do so, so why not have a look?

Below are the common symptoms for the code P020D. If you experience below mentioned symptoms please bring your vehicle to a reputable repair facility. Keep in mind; problems don’t get better over time unless rectified.

• Sluggish engine
• Reduced engine performance
• Misfiring of engine
• Poor fuel efficiency
• Check Engine Light On

To correct or fix this code one should seek assistance from a trained automotive diagnostician but if you want to do it by yourself, please follow the below mentioned steps:

• Verify the high-pressure fuel system related components and wiring harness.
• Check out the Fuel leakage as well as damage to wiring or connectors.
• Refer to technical service bulletins if available, it will provide very useful information for diagnosing this code.
• Try to restore all stored trouble codes and freeze frame data by connecting the scanner to the vehicle diagnostic port.
• Clear the codes and test-drive the vehicle to see if the code is reset.
• If by any chance crankshaft sensor or camshaft position sensor codes stored, diagnose an d repair those before attempting to diagnose the injector timing code.
• Once done, look for any damage component or duplicate components which fail to Obey with maker specifications, if it appears 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.

This trouble code is considered generic because it applies to all makes and models of vehicles, although specific repair steps may be different depending on your car model. Keep the below mentioned points in mind while fixing this code.

• Disconnect the valve.
• The red voltmeter lead should be attached to the IMRC valve power wire and the black voltmeter lead connected to ground.
• Diagnosing this code requires the engine to be in good running shape, without unmetered air entering the engine.
• If other codes that relates to misfiring condition, lean running or air entering the engine is present, then you must first fix those error codes before P020D.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing the P020D Code

Kindly keep the below mentioned points in mind to avoid committing any mistakes while fixing or diagnosing this code:

• Make sure to have a good quality fuel, generally people neglect it.
• Check fuel supply pump if defective kindly replace it.
• Have a look on fuel filters if they are dirty, don’t replace the fuel injectors directly.
• Verify if the glow plug relay is not flawed.