What it means
The PCM detected an open or electrical fault in the cylinder 8 injector A circuit. The code does not establish that the ECU disables the injector or that a misfire code will also set.
At a glance
- Usually lights the check-engine light
- Affects emissions; the car can fail an emissions test
How it works
The PCM switches the cylinder 8 injector circuit to control fuel delivery to cylinder 8. P0208 means the PCM detected an open or other electrical fault in the cylinder 8 injector A circuit; it does not confirm that the injector is inactive or that a misfire code will also appear.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Injector winding failed open
- Wiring or connector fault
Symptoms
- Check-engine light
- Rough running or engine misfire
- Reduced engine power
- Hard starting or stalling
How to diagnose it
- Record freeze-frame data and scan for cylinder 8 misfire or related circuit codes to establish when the fault appeared and whether it is limited to that cylinder.
- Locate cylinder 8 using the vehicle's cylinder identification information and inspect its injector connector and wiring for a loose fit, corrosion, chafing, or heat damage.
- Check the cylinder 8 injector connector and compare the injector winding resistance with the manufacturer's specification.
- Follow the wiring diagram to test the cylinder 8 injector supply and control wires for opens, shorts, and poor connections.
- If the cylinder 8 injector and circuit test correctly, have the PCM's cylinder 8 injector driver checked.
Common fixes
- Reconnect or clean the cylinder 8 injector connector.
- Repair damaged wiring in the cylinder 8 injector circuit.
- Replace the cylinder 8 injector if testing confirms an electrical winding fault.
- Repair or replace the PCM if testing confirms a failed cylinder 8 injector driver.
Can I keep driving?
Avoid driving if the engine runs rough, misfires, stalls, or loses power, since continued operation can worsen these symptoms and emissions. If it runs normally, limit driving until the cylinder 8 circuit is checked.
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.