Fuel and air

P0214 — Cold Start Injector 2 Circuit Malfunction

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P0214 means

P0214 means the engine control unit has detected a problem in the circuit of cold start injector 2. This injector adds extra fuel when a cold engine is started so the mixture doesn't run too lean. The control unit monitors the circuit and sets the code when the signal or electrical load isn't what it expects.

Symptoms

  • Long or hard starting when the engine is cold
  • Rough idle until the engine warms up
  • Check Engine light on
  • Hesitation or misfire when pulling away
  • Increased fuel consumption
  • Higher emissions during warm-up

Possible causes

  1. Failed cold start injector 2
  2. Damaged wiring, open or short in the injector circuit
  3. Corroded or loose injector connector
  4. Faulty coolant or intake air temperature sensor
  5. Failed injector driver inside the PCM

How to diagnose

  1. Scan for all codes and review freeze frame data to see when the fault set
  2. Inspect the injector connector and wiring for corrosion, chafing and a loose lock
  3. Measure injector coil resistance and compare it with the spec
  4. Check for power and the control signal at the connector, and for a short to ground
  5. Check coolant and intake air temperature sensor readings on a cold engine
  6. Review fuel trims and fuel pressure
  7. Look for intake air leaks and exhaust leaks
  8. If the wiring and injector are good, test the PCM

Common fixes

  • Replace cold start injector 2
  • Repair the wiring or replace damaged connectors
  • Replace a faulty temperature sensor
  • Reprogram or replace the PCM if the driver fault is confirmed

Questions and answers

Can I drive with a P0214 code?

Usually yes, but with limits. Cold starts may be difficult and the engine may run roughly. Get it checked soon to avoid wasted fuel and higher emissions.

What most often causes P0214?

The injector itself or a wiring or connector problem is the most common cause. Temperature sensors and the PCM are less likely.

This is general information about the code. The meaning can differ between makes and models: a scan tool and the repair manual for your car will show the exact cause.