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DTC codes / P21xx · Fuel and air metering / P2153

P2153Fuel Injector Group 'C' Supply Voltage Circuit Low

P2153 indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a low voltage condition on the power supply circuit feeding fuel injector group 'C'. This group typically includes one or more injectors, and the PCM monitors the supply voltage to ensure it stays within the expected range; a low reading means the circuit is below the threshold, which can prevent proper injector operation.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeGeneric (all makes)
SeverityMedium
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaFuel and air metering

Symptoms you may notice

  • Illumination of the check engine light (malfunction indicator lamp).
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light, especially if the injector group still functions intermittently.
  • Rough idle or misfire if the low voltage causes injectors in group 'C' to not open fully.
  • Reduced engine power or hesitation during acceleration.
  • Poor fuel economy or increased emissions due to incomplete combustion.
  • In severe cases, the engine may stall or fail to start if the injector group is completely disabled.

Common causes, most likely first

  1. A weak or failing battery, or corroded battery terminals, causing low system voltage.
  2. A faulty fuel injector in group 'C' with an internal short or high resistance affecting the supply circuit.
  3. Damaged wiring or connectors in the injector supply circuit, such as chafed wires, loose pins, or corrosion.
  4. A blown fuse or faulty relay that supplies power to the injector group.
  5. A poor ground connection for the injector circuit or the PCM.
  6. A malfunctioning PCM driver for the injector group, though this is less common.
  7. Voltage drop across the supply circuit due to undersized wiring or added electrical loads.

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Check the battery voltage and condition, and inspect battery terminals for corrosion; recharge or replace the battery if needed.
  2. Inspect the fuse and relay that supply power to the fuel injector group 'C' circuit, and replace any faulty components.
  3. Perform a visual inspection of the wiring harness and connectors at the injectors in group 'C' for damage, corrosion, or loose pins.
  4. Measure the supply voltage at each injector in group 'C' with the key on, engine off, and compare to battery voltage; repair any excessive voltage drop.
  5. Test the resistance of each injector in group 'C' and compare to specifications; replace any injector that is out of range.
  6. Check the ground circuit for the injectors and PCM, and clean or repair grounds as necessary.
  7. If all external circuits and components test good, diagnose the PCM driver circuit or substitute a known-good PCM to confirm a faulty PCM.

Common oversights when diagnosing P2153

  • A weak battery or charging system is often the root cause of a low supply voltage code, so always verify system voltage under load before condemning injectors or wiring.
  • The injector group 'C' designation can vary between manufacturers, so consult the specific vehicle's service information to identify which injectors are included in that group.
  • Corrosion inside a connector can cause a voltage drop that only appears under vibration or temperature changes, so wiggle-test connectors while monitoring voltage.
  • A faulty injector with an internal short can pull down the supply voltage for the entire group, mimicking a wiring fault; isolating each injector helps pinpoint the culprit.
  • This code does not always mean the injectors are failing; it can be set by a marginal voltage drop that still allows normal operation, so don't replace parts without testing.

Can I keep driving with P2153?

If the check engine light is on but the engine runs smoothly, you can drive cautiously to a repair shop, avoiding heavy loads or aggressive acceleration. If you experience misfiring, rough running, or stalling, stop driving and have the vehicle towed to prevent damage to the catalytic converter or other components.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

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

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