Fuel and air

P02FE — Cold Start Fuel Injection Control Circuit Range/Performance

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P02FE means

The engine control module monitors the circuit that controls extra fuel delivery during a cold start. Code P02FE sets when the signal or behavior of that circuit does not match what the ECM expects. The usual causes are an injector, wiring or connector problem, and only rarely the module itself.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light on
  • Hard starting when the engine is cold
  • Rough idle after a cold start
  • Reduced fuel economy
  • Unstable RPM during warm-up

Possible causes

  1. Faulty fuel injector or injectors
  2. Damaged wiring in the injector control circuit
  3. Corroded or loose injector connector
  4. Short to ground or to power in the control circuit
  5. ECM software fault or internal failure (unlikely)

How to diagnose

  1. Scan all codes and review freeze frame data, noting engine temperature when the code set
  2. Inspect injector wiring and connectors for chafing, corrosion, oil and moisture
  3. Check for power and ground at the injector connector
  4. Measure injector coil resistance and compare it to specification
  5. Check the control signal with a scope or noid light during a start
  6. Test the wire from the injector connector to the ECM for opens and shorts
  7. Check fuel pressure and look for leaking injectors
  8. Check for ECM software updates

Common fixes

  • Repair damaged wiring and replace or clean connectors
  • Replace the faulty fuel injector
  • Update or reflash the ECM software
  • Replace the ECM only after the fault is confirmed (last resort)

Questions and answers

What does code P02FE mean?

It is a range/performance fault in the cold start fuel injection control circuit. The ECM sees a signal in that circuit that falls outside the expected values.

Can I drive with P02FE?

For a short time, yes, but cold starts and idle may be poor. Get it checked soon to avoid misfires and wasted fuel.

How do I fix P02FE?

Start by inspecting injector wiring and connectors, then test resistance and the control signal. Most often the fix is a wiring repair or a new injector.

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.