Technical Description of OBD-II Trouble Code
Injection Timing for Cylinder 11
What does this mean?
This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic powertrain code that applies to most OBD-II equipped vehicles, including VW Volkswagen, Dodge, Ram, Kia, Chevrolet, GMC, Jaguar, Ford, Jeep, Chrysler, Nissan, etc. Although it is a generic code, the specific repair steps may vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
A stored code P021E indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a malfunction in the injection timing circuit for cylinder eleven of the engine. To determine the exact location of cylinder number eleven for the vehicle with the stored P021E code, consult a reliable vehicle information source.
Based on my experience, a code P021E is typically stored in vehicles equipped with diesel engines. Modern diesel engines with direct injection require extremely high fuel pressure.
Due to the high fuel pressure, only qualified personnel should attempt to diagnose or repair the high-pressure fuel system.
In vehicles with unit injectors, the high-pressure injection pump is driven by the engine timing chain and timed according to the position of the crankshaft and camshaft/s. When the engine crankshaft and camshaft/s reach a certain point, the high-pressure injection pump is pulsed, resulting in fuel pressure as high as 35,000 psi.
Common rail direct injection systems use a common high-pressure fuel rail and individual solenoids for each cylinder. The PCM or a stand-alone diesel injection controller is used to control injector timing in this type of application.
If there are variations in camshaft and/or crankshaft timing, the PCM detects inconsistencies in specific cylinder injection timing and stores a code P021E. In some cases, multiple ignition cycles with a failure may be required for this code to be stored and for the malfunction indicator lamp to illuminate.
Other injection timing codes related to cylinders 1 through 12 include: P020A, P020B, P020C, P020D, P020E, P020F, P021A, P021B, P021C, P021D, P021E, and P021F.
Severity of the Code & Symptoms
All codes related to the high-pressure fuel injection system should be considered severe and addressed urgently.
Symptoms of a P021E engine code may include:
Possible Causes
Possible causes for the P021E code include:
Diagnostic and Repair Procedures
To diagnose a code P021E, you will need a diagnostic scanner, a digital volt/ohmmeter (DVOM), and a reliable vehicle information source.
Start by visually inspecting high-pressure fuel system components and wiring harnesses. Look for signs of fuel leakage and damage to wiring or connectors.
Check for any technical service bulletins (TSB) that pertain to the vehicle, symptoms, and codes in question. If you find a relevant TSB, it will provide valuable information for diagnosing this code.
Next, connect the scanner to the vehicle diagnostic port and retrieve all stored trouble codes and freeze frame data. Make a note of this information as it may be helpful during the diagnosis. Clear the codes and test-drive the vehicle to see if the code is reset. If there are stored codes for crankshaft sensor and/or camshaft position sensor, diagnose and repair those before attempting to diagnose the injector timing code.
If the code is reset:
If the vehicle is equipped with a common rail injection system, use the DVOM and the vehicle information source to test the injector solenoid for the cylinder in question. Replace any component that does not meet the manufacturer’s specifications before proceeding. After repairing/replacing suspicious parts, clear any codes that may have been stored during testing and test-drive the vehicle until the PCM enters readiness mode or the code is reset. If the PCM enters readiness mode, it indicates a successful repair. If the code is reset, there is still a problem.
If the injector solenoid is within specs, unplug the controller and use the DVOM to test system circuits for shorts or opens. Repair or replace system circuits that do not conform to the manufacturer’s specifications according to the pin-out chart in your vehicle information source.
Unit injector failure is often associated with engine timing component failure or some type of high-pressure fuel system leak.
