What Does P02C0 Mean?
The ECM has detected that the fuel injector on cylinder 10 is restricted, meaning fuel delivery is reduced below the commanded amount due to partial blockage or diminished flow capacity. This code applies to engines with 10+ cylinders. The ECM identifies this through persistent positive individual fuel trim corrections for that cylinder. The driver may experience misfires, hesitation, rough running, and reduced power.
Common Causes
40%
Clogged injector filter basket or nozzle tip from fuel contaminants, varnish, or carbon deposits
25%
Internal injector deposits from poor-quality fuel partially blocking spray orifices
15%
Restricted fuel supply line or rail crossover reducing flow to the rail feeding cylinder 10
12%
Clogged in-line fuel filter or pump strainer reducing overall system pressure
8%
Corroded or damaged injector connector causing intermittent operation mimicking restriction
Diagnostic Steps
1
Check live data for cylinder 10 individual fuel trim — a high positive trim value confirms the ECM is compensating for reduced fuel delivery.
2
Perform an injector balance test by disabling each injector and comparing rpm drops — cylinder 10 should produce a similar drop as others.
3
Remove fuel injectors for professional flow testing and ultrasonic cleaning — variation between injectors should be less than 5%.
4
On multi-rail systems, verify fuel pressure independently at each rail to ensure the rail feeding cylinder 10 is not restricted.
5
Inspect the fuel rail for debris or contamination at injector seats and passages.
Estimated Repair Cost
$150 - $550
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The ECM has detected that the fuel injector on cylinder 10 is restricted, meaning fuel delivery is reduced below the commanded amount due to partial blockage or diminished flow capacity. This code applies to engines with 10+ cylinders. The ECM identifies this through persistent positive individual f...
The most common cause of P02C0 (Cylinder 10 - Injector Restricted) is: Clogged injector filter basket or nozzle tip from fuel contaminants, varnish, or carbon deposits
Typical repair costs for P02C0 range from $150 to $550, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Generally safe for short drives. The lean condition on cylinder 10 produces elevated combustion temperatures risking catalytic converter damage and lean detonation over extended periods of driving.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P02C0 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Fuel System
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
Recommended Tools
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