Fault code P0205 โ€“ injector circuit malfunction โ€“ cylinder 5

Fault code P0205 is called “Injector Circuit Malfunction โ€“ Cylinder 5” but in different programs it may be called differently. This fault designation applies to all vehicles equipped with OBD-II.

Technical description and explained code P0205

This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic code. Error P0205 is considered a generic code because it applies to all makes and models of vehicles. Although the specific repair steps may vary slightly depending on the model.

Fault code P0205 โ€“ injector circuit malfunction โ€“ cylinder 5

The PCM communicates and commands the fuel injectors using an internal switch called a “driver. The control module monitors each driver circuit for malfunctions.

For example, when the PCM gives a command to “turn off” a fuel injector, it expects to see high voltage in the driver circuit. Conversely, when the fuel injector receives an “on” command, it expects to see a low voltage in the driver circuit.

The code P0205 means that the engine control module has detected a fault in the fuel injector circuit. The fuel injector circuit controls the fuel injectors and determines how much fuel is needed and when to spray it.

Fault code P0205 is set when the ECM detects that the sensor operation is out of the acceptable range for the injector circuit voltage or resistance. The controller initiates a fault mode that prevents further damage. It will remain until the error is corrected or a normal reading is detected.

Symptoms of vehicle malfunctions

The main signal that an error P0205 has occurred is the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is also known as the CheckEngine Light.

It can also be warning signs such as:

  1. Check engine control lamp on the control panel will light up (the code will be recorded in the ECM memory as a malfunction).
  2. Floating revolutions, vehicle engine may be unstable.
  3. Increased fuel consumption.
  4. Engine stalls or fails to start.
  5. Bitching/blanking ignition at idle or under load.
  6. Poor acceleration.
  7. Black smoke coming out of the tailpipe.

The error P0205 is above average, you should be careful. Because the vehicle may have serious problems potentially affecting safety.

Factors that can cause this error code

The error code P0205 can mean that one or more of the following problems have occurred:

  • Breakage or short circuit of injector wires.
  • Driver failure.
  • Open or shorted injector driver circuit.
  • The wiring harness is occasionally shorted to components under the hood.
  • Sometimes the cause is a faulty PCM module.

How to fix or reset OBD-2 code P0205

Some suggested steps for troubleshooting and fix the error code P0205:

  1. Read all stored data and error codes with an OBD-II scan tool.
  2. Clear the error codes from the computer memory.
  3. Test-drive the vehicle to find out if error P0205 appears again.
  4. Visually inspect the fuel injectors and related wires and connectors for damage.
  5. Check the operation of the fuel injectors.
  6. Check the voltage on the fuel injector driver.
  7. If necessary, check the operation of fuel injectors on a special test bench.
  8. Test the engine control module (ECM).

Diagnose and repair of problems

Before starting the diagnosis of P0205 fault, check the battery voltage (12 V) on the injector connector wire. If there is no voltage, check for continuity to the ground using a test lamp. Connected to the plus side of the battery. If it lights up, there is a short to the ground in the voltage supply circuit.

Correct the short in the voltage supply circuit and restore proper battery voltage. Remember to check the fuse and replace it if necessary.

One injector may short out the battery voltage to all injectors.

If battery voltage is being supplied to the injector wiring harness, the next step is to turn on the light to check that the injector driver is working. Install the injector light in the injector wiring harness instead of the fuel injector. This will flash quickly when the injector driver is operating.

Check the resistance on the fuel injector if you have resistance specifications. If the resistance is above or below the rating, replace the fuel injector. If the injector passes the test, the problem is probably unstable wiring.

Remember that a fuel injector can work fine when cold, but be faulty when hot, or vice versa.

Check the wiring harness

Check the wiring harness for chafing, and the connector for loose contacts or a broken lock. If necessary, repair and check if error P0205 returns.

Disconnect the PCM connector and connect to the fuel injector driver circuit. Any resistance indicates a problem. Endless resistance indicates a break in the circuit. Locate and repair, then try again.

If you cannot find any problems with the harness, but the fuel injector driver does not work, check the PCM power and ground. If they are OK, the PCM itself may be faulty.

On which vehicles does this problem occur most frequently

Fault code P0205 can occur on different vehicles but there are statistics on which brands this occurs most often. Here is a list of some of them:

  • Audi
  • BMW
  • Chrysler (Pacifica, Sebring)
  • Citroen
  • Dodge (Caravan, Nitro, RAM)
  • Ford
  • Hyundai
  • Jeep (Grand Cherokee, Liberty, Wrangler)
  • Mercedes-Benz (Vito)
  • Nissan
  • Toyota
  • Volvo

Fault code P0205 can sometimes be found with other errors. The most common are the following: P0201, P0202, P0203, P0207, P0208, P0209, P0300, P0302, P0305, P0306, P1647.

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