P0216 code meaning
Injector/Injection Timing Control Circuit
Powertrain system Generic code P02xx codes Check engine light
What P0216 means
P0216 is a diesel code for the control of injection timing. On 1990s distributor pumps with an electronic timing advance it meant that actual injection timing missed its target; today manufacturers use it for the electronic injector control, with different meanings. GM's Duramax diesels compare, inside the engine module, the summed injection pulse widths from the hardware driver with those calculated by the software; a mismatch in 30 of 124 or 60 consecutive checks sets the code with the warning light in the first trip. On GM's 3.0 litre LM2 it appeared together with P0202 from a broken pin in the injector 2 connector. Saab's 3.0 V6 diesel uses it for a fault in the separate injector power stage. The result can be loss of power, rough running, smoke and limp mode.
P0216 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 6 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0216
- Check engine light on
- Loss of power, limp mode
- Rough running, jerking
- Hard starting or stalling (distributor pump), smoke
Common causes of P0216
- PossibleInjector harness or connector (broken pin) – common rail
- PossibleEngine module or injector power stage faulty internally
- PossibleDistributor pump electronics or timing advance faulty
- PossibleLow supply pressure on distributor pumps (lift pump, filter)
- Less likelyPump installed incorrectly, drive gear misaligned
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Fuel injectorsInjector driver moduleInjection pumpEngine control module
What each part of P0216 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 2 | Area: fuel and air metering (injector circuit). |
| 16 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0216 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0216
What does P0216 mean?
P0216 means "Injector/Injection Timing Control Circuit". P0216 is a diesel code for the control of injection timing. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0216?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0216 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0216 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0216 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0216 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 6 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0216 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.