P216E code meaning
Fuel Injector Group F Supply Voltage Circuit Low
Powertrain system Generic code P21xx codes Check engine light
What P216E means
P216E marks the feed of injector group F, the cylinder 6 injector on GM gasoline direct injection, as shorted toward ground. It therefore concerns GM V6 and V8 engines with direct injection. The 2016 3.6 LGX and the 2018 LT4 tables use a current test: with the driver on, 25 A or more through the high side counts as a short, and 10 failures in 20 samples taken every 100 ms at 11 V or more store a type A code with the MIL on the first trip. GM's PI0631H for the 2012 and 2013 Impala includes P216E among the circuits that a harness rubbing on the transmission can damage; GM adds that usually only one circuit is hit. Diagnosis compares the resistance from the injector 6 feed pin to ground with the module unplugged. P216F is the high fault.
P216E at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor1 to 5 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P216E
- Check engine lamp on immediately
- Cylinder 6 misfire and loss of power
Common causes of P216E
- Most likelyCylinder 6 feed wire chafed through to ground
- PossibleCylinder 6 injector shorted to ground
- Less likelyEngine control module output stage faulty
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Fuel injectorInjector wiringEngine control module
What each part of P216E means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 1 | Area: fuel and air metering. |
| 6E | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P216E 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 P216E
What does P216E mean?
P216E means "Fuel Injector Group F Supply Voltage Circuit Low". P216E marks the feed of injector group F, the cylinder 6 injector on GM gasoline direct injection, as shorted toward ground. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P216E?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P216E the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P216E fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P216E 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 P216E to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 1 to 5 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P216E clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.