P0212: The engine computer sees a fault in the fuel injector circuit for cylinder 12
Cylinder 12 injector circuit malfunction
Severity: Inspect soon
An injector that does not work can cause a misfire, stalling or a no-start, according to TroubleCodes.net, so get the car checked soon.
It gets more serious if:
- Stop: Stop and have the car towed if the check engine light flashes or the engine misfires badly. Unburnt fuel from a dead cylinder can overheat the catalytic converter.
P0212 in short
P0212 means the engine computer found a fault in the injector circuit for cylinder 12. Only engines with at least 12 cylinders can use it. A failed injector, a wiring or connector fault, or the computer's injector driver can cause it. Expect misfires or stalling, so get it checked soon.
The computer switches each injector on and off to deliver fuel. If it cannot control the cylinder 12 injector circuit, it sets P0212.
TroubleCodes.net says misfire codes often appear with it.
Most likely causes
These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.
Cause 1: Failed cylinder 12 fuel injector
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net lists a failed injector first.
- What would change this
- Rises if resistance is out of specification or the injector does not pulse. Falls if it tests good.
Cause 2: Wiring or connector fault in the injector circuit
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net lists wiring faults next.
- What would change this
- Rises if the harness is damaged or the circuit has no power or ground. Falls if the circuit tests good.
Cause 3: Engine computer injector driver fault
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net lists it as a possibility after the injector and wiring.
- What would change this
- Rises only if injector and wiring both test good. Falls if either is faulty.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Read all stored codes and note misfire codes or other injector circuit codes.
IfSeveral injector circuit codes are stored
It meansA shared wiring or computer fault is more likely.
IfOnly P0212 is stored
It meansCheck the cylinder 12 injector and wiring.
Step 2: Look over the cylinder 12 injector and connector for damage or a loose plug.
IfDamage or a loose connector is found
It meansRepair it and retest.
Points to: Wiring or connector fault in the injector circuit
IfAll looks fine
It meansTest the injector.
Step 3: Check injector resistance and the control signal with a meter, noid light or scope.
Warning:Fuel is flammable and injector circuits carry current while the engine runs. Let a shop do the testing.
IfResistance is out of specification or there is no pulse
It meansThe injector is suspect.
IfThe injector is fine but the signal is missing
It meansWiring or the computer is suspect.
Points to: Wiring or connector fault in the injector circuit
Symptoms
- Check engine light
- Misfire or rough running
- Cranking without starting, or stalling Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
- Flashing check engine light Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
How to fix
Step 1: With the engine off and cool, look over the cylinder 12 injector connector for damage or corrosion.
Parts and cost context
- Fuel injector:Test wiring and connectors before replacing an injector. Labour varies; get a quote.
Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.
Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuideOn your vehicle
We don't have reviewed vehicle-specific evidence for P0212 yet. The causes and tests above apply across vehicles.
Related codes
No curated relationships for P0212 yet.
P0212 questions
Is it safe to drive with P0212?
Not for long. A dead injector can cause misfires, stalling or no-start. A flashing light means stop.
Sources and review
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error