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P0213 OBD Error Code: Problem & Solutions

OBD Code P0213 - Cold Start Injector 1 Malfunction

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The fault code P0213 can be defined as cold start injector 1 malfunction. It is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code which would be set when the engine control module would detect an issue with the cold start number 1 fuel injector, the engine control module would start triggering a check engine light out of the range performance is detected. This fault code is similar to P0214 and can be seen with misfire, lean and rich conditions codes.

Learn More About OBD Error Code P0213

There are some fuel systems which would use separate injector so that it can provide additional fuel during cold starting. This injector is appropriately called a cold start injector. The design of the cold injector is just like a regular fuel injector. The cold start injector can be turned on with the help of a cold start injector switch and the powertrain control module. Now when the injector would be turned on, a solenoid which is present inside would lift a valve off its seat, thus allowing the injector to spray fuel.


What causes this problem with the Cold Start Injector 1 Malfunction?


  • There can be an open or short in the wiring harness
  • The electrical connection might be bad
  • Defects in the cold start injector
  • The engine coolant temperature sensor or circuit might be faulty
  • There can be bad intake air temperature sensor or circuit
  • Shorted or open wiring in the cold start injector circuit

Replace/Repair These Parts To Fix OBD Code P0213

  1. Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor - Do you remember when was the last time you got your car Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor checked up? A faulty Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor can cause a lot of issues like displaying P0213 code.
  2. Air Intake Temperature Sensor - Poor Air Intake Temperature Sensor can cause a lot of difficulties, so why not get it replaced at time?
  3. Fuel Injector - Are there some faults in your Fuel Injector? Don’t waste time and get them replaced or else P0213 code can turn up.
  4. Voltmeter - We are here to provide you with best quality of voltmeter online.
  5. Powertrain Control Module - Everything is fine with Powertrain Control Module and still P0213 code triggering? Then you must get your Powertrain Control Module checked.

Symptoms Of OBD Error Code P0213

Our main motive is to achieve customer satisfaction and that’s why we will help you to diagnose P0213 code by mentioning some major symptoms below:


Common Symptoms


  • There can be a delay in the engine start- up especially when it is cold
  • No symptoms might be exhibited during warm weather
  • The engine coolant temperature or intake air temperature codes may also be exhibited
  • The exhaust codes might be lean
  • Some misfire codes might also get stored
  • Vehicle may start running poorly
  • There can be a poor fuel mileage
  • Problem of some lean and rich conditions

How To Correct P0213 Cold Start Injector 1 Malfunction

Have a look at some ways with which you can correct the P0213 code:


  • Make sure that you replace the cold start injector
  • All the connection issues should be properly fixed
  • You must repair or replace the wiring harness as per the requirement

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Easy Diagnosis Of Engine Error OBD Code P0213

Here are some steps which you must follow to diagnose the P0213 fault code:


  • The lot of fuel injectors are actuated via a locking two-wire electrical connector
  • They are supplied with a constant supply of voltage which is comparable to that of the battery, through a fused power wire
  • The circuit is completed by the second wire which is grounded by the fuel injector driver in the Pcm (Or Other Suitable Controller) in the form of regulated pulses
  • Now when the circuit is actually completed, then the next step is to activate the fuel injector and later spray of fuel is injected in the individual cylinders or the throttle body. You can successfully diagnose this code storing condition with the help of a scanner, a digital volt/ohmmeter, a suitable ‘node lamp’ as well as a manufacturer’s service manual. You must begin your diagnosis by visually inspecting all the wirings as well as connectors
  • You can always repair or replace the damaged, disconnected, shorted, or corroded wiring, connectors, and other components as per the need
  • If you want to ensure success, then you must retest the system once all the repairs have been completed. If you find out that the system wiring, connectors and various other components are in good working order, then you must connect the scanner or the code reader to the diagnostic connector and record all the stored codes as well as freeze frame data
  • All this information would prove to be extremely helpful while diagnosing the intermittent conditions that have contributed to this code being stored
  • Now once the codes have been cleared up, then you should operate the vehicle to see if the code returns
  • If the code has failed to return immediately, then you surely have an intermittent condition
  • It can be quite challenging to diagnose an intermittent condition and in some extreme case it may have to be allowed to worsen before the correct diagnosis can be actually made. You should use a digital volt/ohmmeter to test the constant power supply to the particular fuel injector group
  • If you find out that no battery voltage has been detected at the fuel injector group connector, then you must check the system fuses as well as relays
  • All the faulty components should be repaired as per the requirement, then clear the codes and retest the system to ensure that the repair was successful
  • The fuses which are under load should be carefully tested
  • The fuses that appear to be working in normal condition with the key on and the engine off can fail when the engine is cranked
  • If there are poor connections in the fuse panel, then it can also contribute to this condition
  • If the fuses as well as relays are intact, then you must disconnect the connector from the powertrain control module and should perform a continuity and resistance test on all the related circuits
  • Make sure that you repair or replace the open or shorted circuits, connectors or other components as per the requirement
  • All the codes should be cleared up and then the vehicle should be taken out for a test drive to ensure a successful repair
  • If the power supply is present at the fuel injector connector or the harness connector, then you should use a “node lamp” to check for a ground pulse from the powertrain control module
  • If you find out that no ground pulse has been actually detected, then the electrical connector from the powertrain control module should be disconnected and a continuity and resistance test should be performed on all the circuits
  • Then you should repair the open or shorted electrical wiring, connectors, or components as required. Then the codes should be cleared up and retest the system
  • If all the circuits appear to be intact, then you must suspect the faulty injector driver in the powertrain control module
  • The failure of the powertrain control module is rare and its replacement would require the reprogramming of one or more controllers. If a constant power supply and ground pulse are present, then you should use a listening device to determine whether the injector is being activated

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P0213 Code


Some mistakes can be made if the steps are not followed properly or if entire steps are skipped. Though the fuel injector is the most common cause for the P0213 code, make sure that you test all other components before replacing anything.

Other Diagnostic Codes Related To OBD Code P0213

P0214 - Cold Start Injector 2 Malfunction