What Does P02C3 Mean?
The ECM has detected that the individual fuel trim correction for cylinder 11 has reached its minimum (maximum lean correction) limit. The PCM is subtracting as much fuel as possible from cylinder 11 but cannot lean it out enough to hit the target air/fuel ratio. This indicates cylinder 11 is running excessively rich. The driver may notice black smoke, fuel smell, rough idle, or fouled spark plug symptoms.
Common Causes
40%
Leaking fuel injector on cylinder 11 allowing excess fuel delivery
20%
Faulty injector driver circuit holding injector open longer than commanded
18%
Oil fouled or carbon-fouled spark plug on cylinder 11 causing incomplete combustion
12%
Cylinder 11 exhaust valve not sealing properly, causing O2 sensor misread
10%
Incorrect fuel pressure — regulator stuck closed causing system over-pressure
Diagnostic Steps
1
Monitor cylinder 11 individual fuel trim via live data — values near -25% or lower confirm the ECM is at its maximum fuel subtraction limit.
2
Remove and inspect the cylinder 11 spark plug for black soot or wet fuel fouling, which confirms rich combustion in that cylinder.
3
Perform an injector leak-down test by pressurizing the fuel rail with the engine off and monitoring for pressure drop; inspect cylinder 11 injector for dripping.
4
Measure injector resistance at cylinder 11 (typically 11-18 ohms) and compare to adjacent cylinders; check wiring for shorts that could hold the injector open.
5
Check fuel pressure at idle and snap-throttle — should be within manufacturer specification (typically 55-62 PSI DI); excessively high pressure points to a regulator fault.
Estimated Repair Cost
$200 - $850
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The ECM has detected that the individual fuel trim correction for cylinder 11 has reached its minimum (maximum lean correction) limit. The PCM is subtracting as much fuel as possible from cylinder 11 but cannot lean it out enough to hit the target air/fuel ratio. This indicates cylinder 11 is runnin...
The most common cause of P02C3 (Cylinder 11 - Fuel Trim at Min Limit) is: Leaking fuel injector on cylinder 11 allowing excess fuel delivery
Typical repair costs for P02C3 range from $200 to $850, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
The vehicle can be driven short distances, but a rich-running cylinder will foul spark plugs, contaminate catalytic converters, and dilute engine oil with fuel. Address within a few days to prevent catalyst and engine damage.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P02C3 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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