P020C
Cylinder 3 Injection Timing
Fuel injection (timing)
Generic OBD-II
High
What it means
P020C means the ECM has detected that the fuel injection timing for cylinder 3 is incorrect. Because that cylinder isn't getting fuel at the right moment, the engine can run rough with a misfire-like feel, lose power, and — on diesels — produce smoke or start hard until the injector, its wiring, or the timing reference is corrected.
High
Can I keep driving? Drive gently and get it checked — off injection timing on a cylinder can cause rough running, reduced power, and on diesels, smoke or hard starting.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Rough running or a misfire-like feel
- Reduced power or hesitation
- Excessive exhaust smoke (diesel) or hard starting
Common causes
Most likely first
- Faulty cylinder 3 fuel injectorLikely
- Damaged wiring or connector on the cylinder 3 injector circuitCommon
- Fuel delivery/timing problem at the injection pump or high-pressure systemCommon
- Faulty crankshaft or camshaft position sensor affecting timing referenceLess often
- Faulty PCM (rare — confirm injector and wiring first)Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame data and check for related injector or cam/crank position codes.
- Inspect the cylinder 3 injector connector and wiring for damage or corrosion.
- Test the cylinder 3 injector's electrical values and, on common-rail diesels, its correction/balance data.
- Verify crankshaft and camshaft position signals so the timing reference is sound.
- Replace the confirmed-faulty injector, clear the code, and re-test.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P020C?+
Short, gentle trips only. Incorrect injection timing on a cylinder can worsen running and, on diesels, cause smoke or hard starting. Have it diagnosed promptly.
Can I just clear P020C?+
It returns while the timing on cylinder 3 is still off. The injector, wiring, or timing-reference fault has to be repaired.
Related codes
Often seen with P020C
Read & clear P020C yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX