P01CE

What it means

P01CE is a generic powertrain code meaning the engine control unit has found that the fuel injection timing on cylinder 2 is over-advanced, so injection is starting earlier than commanded or expected. The ECU compares the actual or estimated start of injection with its target and sets the code when the difference stays beyond the allowed limit. It mostly applies to engines with electronically controlled injection timing, and the exact way timing is measured depends on the engine.

Symptoms

• Engine management light on
• Rough running or uneven idle, especially when cold
• Diesel knock or harsh combustion noise from the engine
• Hesitation or loss of power
• Increased exhaust smoke or a strong fuel smell
• Hard starting or extended cranking

Possible causes

• Faulty or sticking cylinder 2 fuel injector (slow to open or close, or leaking)likely
• Wiring or connector fault in the cylinder 2 injector circuit, such as high resistance, chafing or corrosionlikely
• Incorrect fuel pressure or fuel rail pressure control fault affecting injection timingpossible
• Crankshaft or camshaft position sensor signal fault or mis-correlation giving the ECU a wrong timing referencepossible
• Mechanical timing fault, such as a jumped or incorrectly fitted timing belt or chain, or a worn drive componentpossible
• Outdated or faulty ECU software calibration, where a known fault exists for that enginerare
• Internal ECU or injector driver faultrare

How to diagnose

1. Read all stored and pending codes and the freeze frame data, noting engine temperature, load and rail pressure when the fault set, and check for other injector, fuel pressure or crank/cam correlation codes.
2. Check for relevant technical service bulletins and software updates for the specific engine and model.
3. Visually inspect the cylinder 2 injector wiring, connector pins and earths for damage, moisture, corrosion or loose terminals.
4. Check the fuel supply: fuel level and quality, filter condition, and low-pressure supply, as the procedure varies by engine type.
5. Compare live data for injector correction values, balance rates or cylinder contributions between cylinders, and watch fuel pressure actual against target.
6. Test the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors and their signals, and check the signal patterns against known good values for the engine.
7. Test the cylinder 2 injector electrically (resistance and driver signal) following the manufacturer procedure for that engine.
8. If timing sensors and injector check out, verify mechanical timing marks and drive condition for the engine concerned.

How to fix

• Repair or replace damaged wiring, connectors or terminals in the cylinder 2 injector circuit.
• Replace the cylinder 2 injector if it is proven faulty, and code or adapt it as the manufacturer requires for that engine.
• Replace a faulty crankshaft or camshaft position sensor, or repair its wiring.
• Correct fuel supply or fuel pressure faults, such as a blocked filter or a failing pump or regulator.
• Correct mechanical timing faults by refitting or replacing the timing belt or chain and associated components.
• Update the ECU software only if an official update addresses this known fault.

Can I keep driving?

Nearby codes

• P01CDGenericCylinder 2 Injection Timing Performance - Over Retarded
• P01CFGenericCylinder 3 Injection Timing Performance - Over Retarded