P0216

Injector/Injection Timing Control Circuit

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

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.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

scans in the past year

Found in

<0.1%

of scans

<0.1%

of scans that found faults

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

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.

Read & clear P0216 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX