Fuel and air code
P0201: Cylinder 1 injector circuit problem
How much to fix P0201? Typically $170–$820.
Wide range: this job varies a lot. Itemize your quote for a better answer.
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $50 | $260 |
| Labor: 1 to 3.5 hours × $110 to $150 an hour | $110 | $525 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $10 | $30 |
| Total, rounded | $170 | $820 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in the US, $27.13 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
This is the range for the most common fix, fuel injector replacement (one injector). Which repair your car needs depends on a proper diagnosis.
Each fuel injector is switched on and off by the computer, which also checks the circuit. For the injector on cylinder 1, the computer found an electrical problem, such as an open circuit or a short. The cylinder may not get the right amount of fuel, so it can misfire.
- Safe to drive?
- Short trips only
- Most common cause
- Failed injector coil
Drive gently to a shop. If the light flashes, stop.
Get quotes from local shops
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What you may notice
- Rough idle
- Misfire
- Hard start
- Check-engine light
Common causes, most likely first
- Failed injector coil
- Loose injector connector
- Damaged wiring
- Computer driver fault
Check this first
Check that the cylinder 1 injector connector is clipped on fully, and look at the wires for cracks or melting near the engine. A connector that has worked loose from vibration is a cheap fix.
Other repairs that sometimes fix P0201
| Repair | Typical range, US |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic scan (check engine light) | $55 to $250 |
| CAN bus wiring repair | $170 to $1,125 |
Before you pay
- Ask the shop what test showed this part is the cause, not just that the code appeared.
- Ask for parts and labor listed separately, and for the hours.
- Ask for a written OK before any extra work. Many states require written authorization before repairs.
Got a quote already? Check it against the range. Want to see if your car has a recall tied to this problem? Check recalls by VIN.
Need to read a code yourself? OBD-II scanners on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure).
P0201 questions
Is it electrical or a clog?
This code is electrical, which means the injector coil, its wiring or the computer driver. A clog gives different codes, usually lean or misfire codes, rather than a circuit one.
Replace all injectors?
Not unless the shop finds more faults. Each injector has its own code, so only the cylinder 1 circuit needs attention unless others test bad.
Can wiring cause this?
Yes, and it is cheaper to check first. A damaged wire, a corroded plug or a poor ground at the injector can cause the code on a perfectly good injector.
How much does it cost to fix P0201?
The most common fix, fuel injector replacement (one injector), has a typical range of $170 to $820 across the US. It is an estimate built from parts prices and local labor wages, not a quote. Your car and shop change it.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $180 to $910 |
| New York City area | $180 to $870 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $180 to $890 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $170 to $840 |
| Houston area, Texas | $160 to $800 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $160 to $800 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $170 to $820 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $170 to $840 |
| Miami area, Florida | $160 to $820 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $180 to $890 |
Related codes
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Code meaning written in our own words. Some codes mean different things on different makes, so check your scan tool or manual. Not a repair shop, estimates only.