Failed cold start injector 2 (open or shorted internal coil); Damaged or corroded wiring harness connector at the injector; Open or shorted wire in the injector control circuit between the PCM and injector; Faulty cold start injector relay or fuse (if used in the circuit); PCM driver circuit failure (rare but possible); Poor ground connection for the injector circuit

DTC codes / P02xx · Fuel and air metering (injector circuits) / P0214

P0214Cold Start Injector 2

Q: What does code P0214 mean?

Cold Start Injector 2. P0214 indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an electrical fault in the circuit for cold start injector 2, which is a secondary fuel injector used only during very cold engine starts on certain engines. The PCM monitors the injector driver circuit and sets this code when the current flow is outside the expected range, indicating an open circuit, short to ground, or short to power.

P0214 indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an electrical fault in the circuit for cold start injector 2, which is a secondary fuel injector used only during very cold engine starts on certain engines. The PCM monitors the injector driver circuit and sets this code when the current flow is outside the expected range, indicating an open circuit, short to ground, or short to power.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeGeneric (all makes)

SeverityLow

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaFuel and air metering (injector circuits)

Symptoms you may notice

Illuminated check engine light, often with no other symptoms
Extended cranking or hard starting when the engine is cold
Rough idle or stalling immediately after a cold start
Hesitation or stumble during the first few seconds of engine operation
A strong fuel odor from the exhaust during cold starts if the injector is stuck open

Common causes, most likely first

Failed cold start injector 2 (open or shorted internal coil)
Damaged or corroded wiring harness connector at the injector
Open or shorted wire in the injector control circuit between the PCM and injector
Faulty cold start injector relay or fuse (if used in the circuit)
PCM driver circuit failure (rare but possible)
Poor ground connection for the injector circuit

How to diagnose and fix it

Verify the code with a scan tool and check for any related codes in the cold start injector circuit
Inspect the cold start injector 2 connector and wiring for corrosion, damage, or loose pins
Measure the resistance of the cold start injector 2 coil with a multimeter and compare to specification
Check for battery voltage at the injector connector with the key on and engine cold (or during cranking)
Test the control wire from the PCM to the injector for continuity and shorts to ground or power
If the circuit tests good, substitute a known-good injector or use a noid light to confirm the PCM is pulsing the injector
Replace the faulty injector, repair wiring, or replace the PCM as needed, then clear the code and verify the repair with a cold start test

Cold start injector circuit quirks you should know

Many vehicles with this code never exhibit a drivability problem because the cold start injector is only used below a certain temperature threshold, so the fault may only appear during winter months.
A common misdiagnosis is replacing the cold start injector when the actual problem is a corroded connector pin or a chafed wire in the harness near the intake manifold.
The PCM may set P0214 if the cold start injector circuit is tested while the engine is warm, because the PCM only enables the injector during cold cranking; always perform circuit tests with the engine cold.
On some engines, the cold start injector shares a power feed with other injectors or sensors, so a blown fuse or relay can set this code along with misfire codes.
A stuck-open cold start injector can cause rich running and black smoke on cold starts, but the code may not set until the PCM detects an abnormal current draw.

Can I keep driving with P0214?

The vehicle is generally safe to drive because the cold start injector only affects cold starting and the engine will run on the main injectors once warmed up. Avoid extended cranking if the engine is hard to start, and address the issue before cold weather arrives to prevent starting problems.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.