P0216
Injector/Injection Timing Control Circuit
Fuel injection (timing)
Generic OBD-II
High
What it means
P0216 means there's a fault in the circuit that controls fuel injection timing — often the injection timing control valve or its wiring. Because correct timing is essential to combustion, this code can cause hard starting, stalling, no-start, rough running, and (on diesels) heavy smoke until the control valve or its circuit is repaired.
High
Can I keep driving? Have it checked before driving far — this controls injection timing, so it can cause hard starting, stalling, or no-start along with rough running.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Hard starting, stalling, or no-start
- Rough running and reduced power
- Excessive exhaust smoke (diesel)
Common causes
Most likely first
- Faulty injection timing control valve/solenoidLikely
- Open or short in the injection timing control circuit wiringCommon
- Corroded or loose connector at the timing control valveCommon
- Injection pump fault affecting timing controlLess often
- Faulty ECM (rare — confirm valve and wiring first)Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame data and check for related injection-pump or timing codes.
- Inspect the timing control valve connector and wiring for opens, shorts, or corrosion.
- Test the timing control valve/solenoid resistance and command it with a scan tool if supported.
- Verify power and ground to the valve before condemning it.
- Replace the confirmed-faulty valve, clear the code, and re-test.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0216?+
Not recommended. This circuit controls injection timing, so the engine can start hard, stall, or refuse to start. Get it diagnosed before relying on the vehicle.
Can I just clear P0216?+
It returns once the ECM sees the circuit fault again. The timing control valve, its wiring, or the pump has to be repaired first.
Related codes
Often seen with P0216
Read & clear P0216 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