What Does P02C8 Mean?
The ECM has determined that the fuel injector on cylinder 12 is restricted, meaning it cannot deliver the commanded amount of fuel. The PCM identifies this through individual cylinder fuel trim data showing the injector needs significantly more on-time than normal to meet fueling targets. The driver may notice misfires, rough running, or reduced power especially at higher RPM and load.
Common Causes
40%
Carbon or varnish deposits clogging the injector spray orifices on cylinder 12
25%
Contaminated fuel or debris in the fuel system blocking the injector inlet screen
15%
Damaged or deformed injector pintle not opening fully
12%
Low fuel rail pressure reducing effective injector flow rate across the bank
8%
Wiring or connector issue reducing voltage/current to the injector solenoid
Diagnostic Steps
1
Compare cylinder 12 fuel trim to other cylinders via live data — a significantly higher positive trim on cylinder 12 confirms restricted flow relative to others.
2
Perform an injector flow bench test if possible, or use a Noid light to verify the injector is receiving proper electrical pulses from the ECM.
3
Check fuel rail pressure with a mechanical gauge — verify it meets manufacturer specification under load; low pressure will worsen a restricted injector.
4
Remove the cylinder 12 injector and inspect the tip for visible carbon deposits or debris blockage; compare spray pattern against a known-good injector.
5
Attempt professional ultrasonic injector cleaning — if flow does not improve to within 5% of specification, replacement is required.
Estimated Repair Cost
$150 - $800
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The ECM has determined that the fuel injector on cylinder 12 is restricted, meaning it cannot deliver the commanded amount of fuel. The PCM identifies this through individual cylinder fuel trim data showing the injector needs significantly more on-time than normal to meet fueling targets. The driver...
The most common cause of P02C8 (Cylinder 12 - Injector Restricted) is: Carbon or varnish deposits clogging the injector spray orifices on cylinder 12
Typical repair costs for P02C8 range from $150 to $800, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
The vehicle can be driven carefully, but the lean condition in cylinder 12 may cause misfires and potential catalytic converter overheating. Avoid heavy acceleration and have the injector serviced or replaced promptly.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P02C8 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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