Cylinder 1 injector electrical fault.
P0201 — also written PO2O1, P 0201, 0201 — is the OBD-II code for injector circuit / open — cylinder 1. Same code, same fix: this page covers every spelling of it.
This is an electrical shout for help from Cylinder 1. On UK roads, we see this most often on the 1.6 TDCi Fords and the 2.0 CDTi Vauxhalls where the wiring loom has rubbed itself raw.
P0201 is a fuel & air fault code, typically costing £120–£600 to put right in a UK garage.
What P0201 actually feels like to drive
- The car starts 'missing' and shaking like a wet dog, especially under load.
- Engine 'Limp Mode' kicks in and you've got zero power for overtaking on the A9.
- A very distinct rhythmic tapping or knocking sound that changes with engine speed.
- The 'check engine' light or the 'Glow Plug' light starts flashing at you.
- It might start okay when stone cold, but cuts to three cylinders the second it gets some heat.
What causes P0201?
- Failed injector
- Wiring open
- Bad ECU driver
UK vehicles that throw P0201 most often
- Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi (DV6) 2011-2015
- Vauxhall Vivaro 2.0 CDTi (M9R engine) 2006-2014
- Volkswagen Golf Mk6 1.6 TDI (CAYC engine) 2009-2013
- Vauxhall Insignia 2.0 CDTi (A20DTH) 2008-2015
- Peugeot 208 1.4 HDi 2012-2015
- Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi (K9K engine) 2007-2013
How P0201 is fixed
- Injector replacement
- Wiring repair
The P0201 misdiagnosis that wastes money
I see it all the time—folks jump straight to the injector or, worse, a new ECU because they think the 'circuit' fault means the computer's fried. They'll lob a cheap eBay reconditioned injector at it, and the fault stays. In my experience, especially on the Vivaros and Trafics, it’s often just a tiny bit of corrosion in the multi-plug or a wire that’s chafed through against a plastic bracket. Always check the harness resistance before you go binning an expensive Bosch unit.
What a UK garage should charge for P0201
For a basic wiring repair, you're looking at about £120 for an hour's diagnostic and a bit of soldering. If the injector's actually dead, a new Bosch unit is usually £220-£350 plus VAT, and labour is another £80-£150 depending on how stuck it is. If you go to a main dealer, expect to see a bill north of £800 once they've added their 'diagnostic fee' and marked up the parts by 40%. We usually use Euro Car Parts or GSF for the units to keep costs down for the customer.
P0201 repair cost in the UK
Most P0201 repairs land between £120–£600 including parts and labour. The spread is wide because the cheap fix (a sensor, a hose, a leak) and the expensive fix (a major component) throw the same code — which is why a proper diagnosis before parts are bought saves the most money.
Bob's tip on P0201
If a garage tells you the injector is 'siezed' and they need a slide hammer or hydraulic puller, ask if they’ve tried a 'Leak-Off Test' or any electrical continuity checks first. On the Renault-engined stuff (Vivaro/M9R), those injectors love to weld themselves into the head with 'black death' (carbon). If you're getting an injector replaced, insist they use a genuine Bosch or Delphi unit—the cheap 'refurbished' ones from eBay are usually just spray-painted rubbish that'll have you back in the workshop within a month.
Can you drive with P0201?
Avoid driving — risk of cat damage.
Urgency: high.