P0216 Injection Timing Control Circuit — Causes & Fix

What Does P0216 Mean?

P0216 indicates the ECU cannot keep injection timing inside its control window. On rotary-pump diesels this is a classic pump timing-solenoid fault; on common-rail engines timing is electronic per injector, so injector condition and wiring take priority in the diagnosis.

P0216 at a Glance

• What it means: The injection timing control circuit is operating outside its expected range.
• Most common cause: Timing control solenoid fault
• Severity: Moderate to serious — rail-pressure faults cause power loss and non-starts.
• Can you drive?: Short distances in limp mode only. Diagnose promptly.
• Typical repair cost: £40-£150 for sensor/regulator work; £100-£350 per injector where back-leak is the cause.