What it means
Cold-start injector drive is electrically OK but does not deliver the calibrated injection quantity — partial blockage or weak coil.
At a glance
- Usually lights the check-engine light
- Affects emissions; the car can fail an emissions test
How it works
The cold-start fuel injection system provides extra fuel during cold starting on some engines, and the control module checks whether its commanded operation produces the expected response. This code sets when the drive circuit appears electrically functional but the injector's delivery or response falls outside the calibrated range.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Nozzle partially blocked
- Sensor element aged beyond calibration window
- Sensor mounting loose - signal damping
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Hard starting when the engine is cold
- Rough running just after a cold start
How to diagnose it
- Use freeze-frame data to note engine temperature and compare commanded cold-start operation with available injector or fuel-response data.
- Inspect the cold-start injector connector, mounting, and nearby fuel or intake passages for looseness, leakage, contamination, or damage.
- Check that the injector receives its command and that the circuit behaves consistently during the cold-start event.
- Test injector operation and delivery using the manufacturer's procedure to identify a weak or partially blocked nozzle.
- If injector delivery is correct, check the related sensor or feedback signal and mounting for a loose fit or an out-of-range response.
Common fixes
- Secure a loose injector or sensor connection and correct any mounting issue affecting its response.
- Clean or service a partially blocked cold-start injector using an approved procedure.
- Repair connector or wiring faults that cause an inconsistent injector command.
- Replace a weak injector or aged feedback sensor when testing confirms it no longer responds within specification.
Can I keep driving?
The main concern is hard starting and rough running just after a cold start; warm driving may be unaffected. Avoid repeated cranking if the engine does not start promptly, to protect the battery and starter.
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.