What Does the Engine Code P0205 Mean?

If your car shows the P0205 engine code, there is a problem with the injector circuit for cylinder 5. A car with this engine code needs immediate repair.
Written by Mary Cahill
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
If your car is showing the P0205 engine code, the injector circuit for cylinder 5 is malfunctioning. A car with this engine code needs immediate repair, as problems with a fuel injector can result in engine failure. 
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) help you pinpoint an issue with your engine. You should never ignore the check engine light when it turns on. Instead, an
OBD-II code reader
can be used to determine what’s causing the problem and assist in finding the right solution.  
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and broker, is here to help you better understand DTCs while also getting you the lowest rates on
car insurance
. In this article, we’ll give you a breakdown of the P0205 engine code: what it means, how to fix it, and how much you can expect to pay for repairs. 
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What does the P0205 engine code mean?

Definition: Injector circuit malfunction for cylinder 5 
The engine control module is responsible for checking the injectors’ circuit resistance and monitoring drops in voltage as the car drives. If the voltage is out of range or resistance, the P0205 engine code is triggered. 

How much will it cost to fix?

A mechanic should be able to diagnose the code in an hour. Mechanic labor costs vary by region, but you should anticipate a charge of $75 to $150 an hour. 
If your car needs a
replacement fuel injector
for cylinder 5, you can expect to pay between $617 and $730.

What can cause the P0205 engine code? 

An injector circuit malfunction for cylinder 5 can be caused by one or more of the following culprits:
  • Defective fuel injector for cylinder 5
  • Dirty or clogged fuel injector
  • Corroded or faulty fuel injector wiring
  • Broken or poor electrical connection in the harness or connector
  • Short or faulty wiring harness of injector circuit for cylinder 2
  • Defective fuel injector power circuits

Common symptoms of the P0205 engine code?

Symptoms of the P0205 engine code are usually noticeable even before your
check engine light comes on
. These symptoms include:
  • Poor acceleration 
  • Excessive fuel consumption 
  • Lack of power
  • Engine misfire
  • Engine dying while driving or not starting at all

How serious is the P0205 engine code?

Due to the severity of the P0205 engine code symptoms, you’ll need to schedule a diagnosis and thorough inspection as soon as possible. Driving a vehicle with a P0205 engine code is very unsafe due to the possibility of the engine dying

Can I fix the P0205 engine code myself?

You may be able to fix the P0205 engine code yourself, but it’s very important that you diagnose the issue correctly. The P0205 engine code could require the following repairs: 
  • Replacing the cylinder 5 fuel injector
  • Fixing poor connections
  • Repairing or replacing damaged or broken wires
  • Replacing the engine control module (ECM)
If you’re unsure which parts need to be fixed, a professional mechanic can perform a diagnostic inspection and make the necessary repairs. 

What is a P0205 engine code diagnostic inspection?

After using the OBD-II code reader to determine which DTCs are present, the mechanic’s inspection of the injector circuit will include the following:
  • Monitoring the voltage and resistance for cylinder 5 using a scan tool
  • Monitoring the pulse of the fuel injector 
  • Testing the ECM
Once the necessary repairs are made, the mechanic may also test drive the vehicle to make sure that the cleared engine code does not return. 

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