Injection Timing Control Circuit Malfunction
P0216 is an OBD-II trouble code that indicates injection timing control circuit malfunction. This page explains what the code means, what issues may trigger it, common symptoms and where to look next.
P0216 code meaning is one of the most common OBD-II searches when a warning light appears on the dashboard.
Drivers searching for P0216 usually want to know what the code means, whether the car is safe to drive and what part may need testing first.
Likely causes
- • Open circuit or short circuit
- • Poor electrical connection
- • Timing issue
- • Faulty cam/crank sensor
- • Oil flow or VVT problem
- • Wiring or connector issue
Symptoms
- • Check engine light illuminated
- • Hard starting or stalling
- • Reduced performance
Severity
High
Can you keep driving?
Driving may be risky if the engine is running poorly, stalling or showing strong timing-related symptoms.
Common fix areas
- • Check continuity, power and ground
- • Inspect for damaged wiring or corrosion
- • Scan all fault codes and freeze-frame data
- • Inspect wiring, connectors and grounds
- • Confirm repair with a retest after clearing codes
Manufacturer notes
FAQs
What does P0216 mean?
P0216 means injection timing control circuit malfunction.
What can cause P0216?
Common causes include component failure, wiring faults, incorrect sensor readings, leaks, pressure issues or related upstream faults in the same system.
Can I keep driving with P0216?
That depends on how the car is behaving. If there is rough running, overheating, loss of power or stalling, it should be diagnosed quickly.
Does P0216 always mean I need a new part?
No. A fault code points you to a system or condition, but proper diagnosis is still needed before replacing parts.