P0214: The engine computer found a fault in the second cold start injector circuit
Cold start injector 2 malfunction
Severity: Inspect soon
TroubleCodes.net lists hard starting, poor economy and higher emissions rather than an immediate danger, but the fault should be checked.
P0214 in short
P0214 means the engine computer found a fault in the circuit of the second cold start injector, the injector that adds extra fuel when the engine is cold. Hard starting, poor fuel economy and higher emissions are the listed effects. Wiring, the injector or its switch are the usual causes.
A cold start injector gives the engine extra fuel while it is cold. P0214 is set for the second of these injectors when the computer sees a circuit fault.
TroubleCodes.net lists a failed injector, wiring faults, a faulty cold start injector switch (where fitted) and, less often, the computer as causes.
The Delaware DMV list gives the same title. Few modern engines use a separate cold start injector, so this code mostly turns up on older designs.
Most likely causes
These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.
Cause 1: Wiring fault in the cold start injector 2 circuit
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net lists circuit wiring faults among the causes, and they are cheap to check.
- What would change this
- Rises if the harness or connector is damaged or corroded. Falls if continuity is good.
Cause 2: Failed cold start injector 2
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- The injector is the load the circuit drives, and a failed coil sets the fault.
- What would change this
- Rises if resistance is outside specification. Falls if resistance is normal.
Cause 3: Faulty cold start injector switch (if fitted)
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net names the switch as a possible cause on systems that have one.
- What would change this
- Rises if the injector is fine but never gets switched on when cold. Falls if the vehicle has no such switch.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Look over the injector, connector and wiring for damage or corrosion, and read other stored codes.
IfDamage or corrosion found
It meansRepair the wiring first.
Points to: Wiring fault in the cold start injector 2 circuit
IfWiring looks fine
It meansTest the injector.
Step 2: With the connector off, measure the injector resistance against the factory specification and check that power reaches the connector with the ignition on.
Warning:Cold start injectors are fed from the fuel system; do not crank the engine with the injector removed or the fuel line open.
IfResistance out of specification
It meansThe injector is suspect.
IfInjector tests fine but never switches on cold
It meansCheck the switch and the control circuit.
Symptoms
- Hard starting when cold
- Poor fuel economy
- Check engine light
How to fix
Parts and cost context
- Fuel injector:Test the injector and wiring first; a connector fault is cheaper than a replacement.
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 P0214 yet. The causes and tests above apply across vehicles.
Related codes
P0214 questions
What does P0214 mean?
The engine computer found a fault in the circuit of the second cold start injector, which adds fuel when the engine is cold.
Sources and review
- P0214 – Cold Start Injector 2 Circuit Malfunction
- On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (generic code title list)
- 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