P0201: Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 1
Can you still drive? Not recommended. Running on a dead cylinder causes rough operation and can damage the catalytic converter over time.
What Does P0201 Mean?
Code P0201 indicates that the ECM has detected an electrical malfunction in the fuel injector circuit for cylinder 1. This could mean the injector coil is open, shorted, or has abnormal resistance. The cylinder 1 injector is not being properly controlled, resulting in either no fuel delivery or uncontrolled fuel delivery to that cylinder.
Need to read your codes?
An OBD-II scanner lets you read and clear diagnostic trouble codes from your vehicle's computer. Most scanners work with any car made after 1996.
Browse OBD-II Scanners on AmazonCommon Causes
- Failed cylinder 1 fuel injector
- Broken or corroded wiring to cylinder 1 injector
- Poor connector contact at injector
- Faulty ECM injector driver for cylinder 1
- Injector harness damaged by heat or vibration
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Misfire on cylinder 1
- Rough idle
- Loss of power
- Strong fuel smell from exhaust if injector is stuck open
Diagnostic Steps
- 1Measure resistance of cylinder 1 injector and compare to specifications
- 2Use a noid light to verify ECM is sending pulses to the injector
- 3Swap cylinder 1 injector with another cylinder to see if code follows
- 4Check wiring continuity from ECM to injector connector
- 5Inspect connector pins for corrosion or damage
- 6Listen for injector clicking with a stethoscope while engine is running
Recommended Parts & Tools
fuel injector
noid light set
mechanic's stethoscope
injector connector pigtail
Estimated Repair Cost
| Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Total Repair Cost Range | $100 - $600 |
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Chat with AI About P0201Commonly Affected Vehicles
Related Recalls
1 Active Recall — 2026 Ford F-150
The following NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for this vehicle. Contact your dealer to check if your vehicle is affected.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Remedy: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 17, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 17, 2026.
Data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a bad fuel injector?
You can drive short distances but it is not recommended. Running on fewer cylinders puts extra strain on the engine and unburned fuel can damage the catalytic converter.
How do I know which cylinder is number 1?
Cylinder numbering varies by engine. Check your repair manual or look for numbers on the intake manifold or coil pack mounting locations. On inline engines, cylinder 1 is typically at the front.
Community Fix Reports
Community reports are user-submitted and not verified by Auto AI Buddy. Results may vary.
Related Codes
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