OBD Guide

P21B8

Cold Start Cylinder 3 Injection Timing

Severity
⚠️ Medium
Can you drive?
Yes, but get it checked soon
Approx. repair cost
$17–89 (est.)

Symptoms

  • Unstable engine operation at idle
  • Increased fuel consumption
  • Difficulty starting the engine, especially in cold weather
  • Loss of engine power
  • Increased emissions of harmful substances

Causes

  • Malfunction of the fuel injector of cylinder 3
  • Problems with the fuel pump or pressure regulator
  • Contaminated or damaged fuel lines
  • Malfunction of sensors affecting injection (mass air flow sensor, coolant temperature sensor)
  • Problems with the engine control unit (ECU)

How to Fix

  1. Check the condition and operation of the fuel injector of cylinder 3
  2. Check the pressure in the fuel system
  3. Clean or replace fuel filters
  4. Check the operation of sensors that affect fuel injection
  5. Scan the ECU for other errors

Related codes

Error P21B8 by Vehicle Brand