Fault code P0216 is called “Fuel Injection Timing Control Circuit Malfunction” 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 P0216
Fault code P0216 indicates that the control module has detected a fault in the fuel advance angle control system. The vehicle ECM receives data from various sensors in order to adjust the fuel quantity and injection timing properly.
The engine control module has the ability to study the injector timing characteristics. When the engine is at operating temperature, with the throttle closed, in fuel cutoff mode, or during deceleration.
The ECM pulses each injector individually and measures the change in crankshaft speed. Using the input from the crankshaft position sensor.
The control module performs this diagnostics at each fuel rail pressure operating point for each injector. After that, the ECM stores the injector timing value.
The diagnosis code P0216 will be set if the injector ON time exceeds the set threshold value.
Symptoms of vehicle malfunctions
The main signal that an error P0216 has occurred is the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is also known as the CheckEngine Light.
It can also be warning signs such as:
- Check engine” control lamp on the control panel will light up (the code will be recorded in the memory as a malfunction).
- Decrease of engine power.
- The engine stops or starts badly.
- Floating revolutions, as well as attempts to stall at idle.
- The engine does not accelerate well.
- Poor acceleration.
- There may be no symptoms other than a stored fault code.
The severity of fault P0216 is not considered to be very serious until there is a problem with the handling of the vehicle. In some cases, driving with this fault can be extremely dangerous.
Factors that can cause this error code
The error code P0216 can mean that one or more of the following problems have occurred:
- Faulty camshaft position sensor.
- Faulty crankshaft position sensor.
- Breakage of electric wires related to the fuel advance angle control system.
- Sometimes the cause is faulty ECM module.
How to fix or reset OBD-2 code P0216
Some suggested steps for troubleshooting and fix the error code P0216:
- Connect the OBD-II scanner to the vehicle’s diagnostic connector and read all stored data and error codes.
- Clear any other errors that may be present before continuing to diagnose the P0216 code.
- Visually inspect the electrical wires and connectors related to the fuel advance angle control system.
- If necessary, repair or replace any components that are shorted, broken, damaged, or corroded.
- Check the camshaft position sensor.
- Test the crankshaft position sensor.
Diagnose and repair of problems
The first step in the P0216 troubleshooting process is to review the Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) for your particular vehicle. In some cases, this can save a lot of time pointing you in the right direction.
Next, you need to check the electrical part pertaining to the fuel advance angle control system. Do a thorough visual inspection of the wiring for obvious defects.
Then check the connectors and connections for safety, corrosion and damaged contacts. This process should include all circuit connectors and connections to all components, including the ECM.
Check the camshaft and crankshaft sensors to make sure they are in working order. Replace or repair failed components if necessary.
Continuity tests should always be performed with the power supply disconnected. Normal resistance readings for wiring and connections should be 0 ohms.
Resistance or lack of continuity is a sign of faulty wiring, opens, shorts, or corrosion that must be repaired or replaced. Very often it is these damages that cause fault P0216.
On which vehicles does this problem occur most frequently
Fault code P0216 can occur on different vehicles but there are statistics on which brands this occurs most often. Here is a list of some of them:
- Dodge (RAM)
- Ford (Transit)
- Hyundai
- Mazda
- Opel (Astra)
Fault code P0216 can sometimes be found with other errors. The most common are the following: P026C, P026D, P0341, P0602, P1689, P213E.
