What it means
Injection timing performance for cylinder 3 is more advanced than the expected range.
At a glance
- Usually lights the check-engine light
- Affects emissions; the car can fail an emissions test
How it works
The control module controls the cylinder 3 injector and checks whether its injection timing follows the commanded value. This code means cylinder 3 injection timing is more advanced than the allowed range, which can result from an injector response, wiring, driver, or fuel-delivery problem.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Injector wear, sticking, or restricted flow
- Fault in cylinder 3 injector wiring or connector
- Injector driver or control circuit fault
- Fuel pressure or delivery problem affecting injector response
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Rough idle or vibration
- Reduced power or uneven acceleration
- Increased fuel consumption
How to diagnose it
- Use a scan tool to save the freeze-frame data and compare cylinder 3 injection timing or balance data with other cylinders under the same conditions.
- Inspect the cylinder 3 injector connector and wiring for looseness, corrosion, chafing, or heat damage.
- Check available live data for cylinder 3 injector command and response, and note whether the reading changes with engine speed or load.
- Test the cylinder 3 injector circuit and driver operation using the manufacturer's procedure and specification.
- If the electrical checks pass, assess cylinder 3 injector operation and fuel pressure or delivery to determine whether the injector is sticking or responding abnormally.
Common fixes
- Clean and securely reconnect the cylinder 3 injector connector.
- Repair damaged wiring or terminals in the cylinder 3 injector circuit.
- Correct a fuel delivery or pressure problem affecting injector response.
- Replace a faulty cylinder 3 injector if testing confirms it is sticking, worn, or restricted.
- Repair the injector driver or control circuit if tests identify a fault.
Can I keep driving?
If the engine runs smoothly and the warning light is steady, a short, gentle trip may be possible, but arrange diagnosis soon because poor combustion can increase emissions and fuel use. Avoid hard acceleration; stop driving if it runs roughly, loses significant power, or the warning light flashes.
A code shows where the control module detected a fault, not always which part failed. Check the causes in order and confirm with a test before replacing parts. Have several codes? Check them together
This is a generic code: it means the same on every make. The car’s maker may add more detail in its own service information.