OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Code
P0213 — Cold Start Injector 1 Malfunction
P0213 means the ECM detected a fault in the cold start injector 1 circuit or its operation. A cold start injector is an extra fuel injector, mainly found on older gasoline engines, that adds fuel to enrich the mixture during cold cranking. The code is uncommon on modern truck engines, so if it appears, check service information to confirm which cold-start fuel device the manufacturer assigns to it.
Severity 2/5
Truck-relevant
Service soon
Severity
Service soon
Cold Start Injector 1 Malfunction
Code
P0213
Category
Powertrain
Subsystem
Cold Start
Truck-relevant
Yes
What this means for truckers
P0213 (Cold Start Injector 1 Malfunction) — on older diesels with dedicated cold-start injectors (rare on modern HD common-rail). Replacement: $100-400.
Before you replace parts — try this first
P0213 on the Cold Start system is most often open or shorted wiring or connector to the cold start injector — not a dead part. On commercial diesels especially, work these in order before spending money on parts:
- Confirm the symptoms. Match what your truck is doing to the Symptoms section below. If the code is set but the symptoms are not there, clear the code and re-test after a drive cycle — it may not return.
- Clean and dry the sensor connector. Water, road salt, or oil seeping into a connector is the #1 fake sensor failure. Disconnect, look for green corrosion or moisture, spray with electrical contact cleaner, dry, reseat. Many faults clear here for $0.
- Inspect the wiring harness. Trace the wire from the sensor toward the ECM — look for chafing against the engine block, melted insulation near the turbo or exhaust, or pinch points where a clamp has rubbed through.
- Test the sensor before swapping it. Most Common Causes (below) list the expected voltage or resistance range — a $20 multimeter saves a $300 sensor swap that does not fix the problem.
- Only then, replace the part. Use the OEM or a tier-1 aftermarket. Cheap sensors throw the same code in two weeks.
Symptoms
Hard starting or long cranking in cold weather, rough running right after a cold start, and a check engine light. Warm-engine starting is usually normal. If the injector is stuck open or leaking it can cause flooding, rich running or a fuel smell.
Common causes
- CommonOpen or shorted wiring or connector to the cold start injector ($100–$400)
- CommonFailed cold start injector (open coil or stuck valve) ($150–$600)
- OccasionalFaulty thermo-time switch or coolant temperature input controlling the injector ($100–$350)
- RareECM driver fault ($1000–$3000)
How to fix
Identify the exact component the manufacturer assigns to this code
When to use: First, especially on engines without an obvious cold start injector
Check power, ground and coil resistance of the cold start injector
When to use: To separate wiring from component failure
Repair wiring or replace the injector
When to use: When a failed part or circuit is confirmed
Verify the coolant temperature input and any thermo-time switch
When to use: When the circuit is good but the injector does not operate when cold
Affects most
No specific vehicle pattern found in our complaint database. This code can appear on any vehicle that supports OBD-II diagnostics.
Related
- → Browse all DTC trouble codes
- → Decode a VIN to check codes for your truck
- → Owner-operator maintenance guides
- → P0200 — Injector Circuit Malfunction
- → P0201 — Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 1
- → P0202 — Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 2
- → P0203 — Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 3
- → P0204 — Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 4
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with code P0213?
P0213 is severity 2 — service this week. Not an immediate stop, but ignoring it usually compounds the problem. Most common cause for this code is a worn sensor or minor performance fault that won't strand you today but will get more expensive the longer you wait.
How much does it cost to fix P0213 on a commercial truck?
Total repair cost ranges $100–$3000 depending on the root cause. The cheapest fix is usually the first one listed below — Open or shorted wiring or connector to the cold start injector — which is also the most common. On commercial trucks the cost is usually higher than passenger vehicles due to part availability and shop labor rates ($120–185/hour at most truck shops, vs $90–130 at general auto shops). DIY-capable fixes (sensors, hoses, filters) are at the low end; major component replacements (turbo actuator, high-pressure fuel pump, transmission solenoid pack) are at the high end. Always diagnose with a scan tool BEFORE replacing parts — guessing wrong on a $1,500 turbo actuator when the actual issue was a $30 boost hose is a common expensive mistake.
Will P0213 fail a DOT inspection?
P0213 is generally not a direct DOT inspection fail item by itself. Inspectors focus on safety-critical systems (brakes, steering, tires, lights, hours-of-service). However, the check engine light alone can trigger additional inspection scrutiny. Best practice: fix the code and clear it before a planned inspection.
What's the difference between P0213 and related codes?
P0213 is closely related to: P0200 (Injector Circuit Malfunction), P0201 (Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 1), P0202 (Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 2), P0203 (Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cylinder 3). These codes share the same subsystem (cold-start) and often appear together. If you see this code, scan for the full code list — fixing the root cause usually clears multiple companion codes at once. If only P0213 is set without the companions, the issue is more isolated.
How do I prevent P0213 from coming back after a repair?
For P0213 (Cold Start Injector 1 Malfunction), prevention centers on the cold start system. Test glow plug system annually before winter. Use a battery in good condition — weak batteries make glow plugs work harder. Park indoors below -10°F if possible.