What Does P02AE Mean?
The ECM has detected that the individual fuel trim correction for cylinder 6 has reached its maximum enrichment limit. The system is adding as much extra fuel as possible to cylinder 6 but still detects a lean condition, indicating a significant fuel delivery shortfall or unmetered air entering that cylinder. The driver may notice a cylinder 6 misfire, rough idle, hesitation under acceleration, and reduced power output.
Common Causes
30%
Clogged or partially restricted cylinder 6 fuel injector reducing fuel delivery below the ECM's compensation range
25%
Vacuum leak at the cylinder 6 intake runner gasket or port allowing unmetered air into that cylinder
20%
Faulty cylinder 6 injector electrical circuit causing reduced injector pulse width or intermittent operation
15%
Low fuel pressure at the rail causing inadequate fuel delivery to cylinder 6
10%
Exhaust leak near the cylinder 6 port introducing false lean readings to the O2 sensor
Diagnostic Steps
1
Review live data for cylinder 6 individual fuel trim — confirm it is at or near the maximum positive correction limit (typically +25% to +30%) indicating the ECM cannot add enough fuel.
2
Perform a smoke test on the intake manifold to check for vacuum leaks at the cylinder 6 intake runner, gasket surfaces, and any connected vacuum hoses.
3
Compare injector flow rates using an injector balance test by disabling each injector individually and monitoring rpm drop — cylinder 6 should cause a similar drop as other cylinders.
4
Check fuel rail pressure under key-on engine-off (typically 55-62 PSI) and at idle, then verify it holds under load with a snap throttle test.
5
Inspect the cylinder 6 injector connector for corrosion, backed-out pins, or damaged wiring, and measure injector resistance (typically 11-17 ohms for high-impedance injectors).
Estimated Repair Cost
$150 - $500
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The ECM has detected that the individual fuel trim correction for cylinder 6 has reached its maximum enrichment limit. The system is adding as much extra fuel as possible to cylinder 6 but still detects a lean condition, indicating a significant fuel delivery shortfall or unmetered air entering that...
The most common cause of P02AE (Cylinder 6 - Fuel Trim at Max Limit) is: Clogged or partially restricted cylinder 6 fuel injector reducing fuel delivery below the ECM's compensation range
Typical repair costs for P02AE range from $150 to $500, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Driving is possible but not recommended for extended distances. A maxed-out lean fuel trim on cylinder 6 can cause elevated combustion temperatures, potential catalytic converter damage from persistent misfires, and in extreme cases, piston or valve damage from detonation.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P02AE to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Fuel System
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
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