What P0213 means
P means powertrain (engine and transmission). The 0 marks a generic code defined by SAE, so the same number means the same thing across makes. The third character, 2, places it in the fuel and air metering, injector circuits subsystem; the last two digits identify the specific fault.
Some older engines use a separate cold start injector that sprays extra fuel into the intake during cold cranking. The engine computer (or a thermo-time switch) controls it, and the module monitors its circuit.
What “Circuit” means here
"Circuit" is the broadest fault type in the standard. The module has found the cold start injector circuit electrically unusable: the signal is missing, outside its electrical limits, or the module's own self-test of the circuit failed. Some vehicles set this instead of the more specific low/high codes; others set it alongside them. Either way the first suspect is the wiring and connector, then the component, and only then the module.
What you may notice
Symptoms depend on the vehicle and on how the module responds to the fault. Any of these can accompany P0213:
- Hard cold starting
- Flooding or fuel smell if it leaks
Where to start diagnosing P0213
- Check the injector connector and wiring.
- Confirm power and control signal during cold cranking.
- Check the injector for leakage, which can cause hot-start flooding.
Clear the code only after recording freeze frame data: it shows the engine speed, load and temperature at the moment the fault set, which is often the best clue to reproducing it.
Live data to watch
These standard OBD2 values relate to P0213. Support varies by vehicle; a value your car does not report will simply be missing.
| Value | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Engine coolant temperature (PID 0x05) | The injector should only operate when cold. |
| Engine RPM (PID 0x0C) | Watch cranking speed and start time. |
Related codes
Codes from the same cold start injector family. If several are stored together, the shared part — wiring, a common reference voltage, or the component itself — is the place to start.
| Code | Definition |
|---|---|
| P0214 | Cold Start Injector 2 |
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0213 mean?
P0213 is the generic SAE J2012 code for "Cold Start Injector 1". In plain terms, it means the engine computer has detected a "circuit" fault on the cold start injector.
Can I keep driving with P0213?
Usually drivable once started; cold starting may be poor.
What should I check first for P0213?
Check the injector connector and wiring.
Definition source: SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 generic DTC definitions. This is the generic meaning that applies across makes; a manufacturer can define a code more narrowly or add its own sub-codes, so confirm against the service information for your vehicle before replacing parts. Written by the OBDAssistant engineering team — see our editorial policy.