P0201 on 2011-2023 Dodge Charger 5.7L Hemi: Injector Circuit Malfunction Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2011-2023 Dodge Charger

On the Dodge Charger's 5.7L Hemi V8, cylinder 1 is conveniently located at the very front of the engine on the driver's side, making it one of the easiest injectors to access for testing and replacement. While these Hemi engines are known for potential mechanical valvetrain issues (the "Hemi tick") that can cause misfires, the P0201 code is specifically electrical. This is a significant advantage for diagnosis, as it allows you to confidently focus on the injector and its wiring. A known weak point on these engines is the plastic locking tab on the injector connectors, which becomes very brittle with heat cycles and often breaks, leading to a poor connection.

Generation note: The 2011-2023 year range covers the Dodge Charger's LD generation. This includes the initial 2011-2014 models and the significantly updated 2015-2023 models. However, the 5.7L Hemi engine design and fuel system architecture are fundamentally the same concerning this fault code, so the causes and repair procedures are consistent across the entire year span.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on (may be flashing in severe cases)
• Engine misfire, which feels like a shudder or shake
• Rough or unstable idle
• Noticeable loss of power and poor acceleration
• Reduced fuel economy
• Smell of raw fuel from the engine bay or exhaust

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Cylinder 1 Fuel Injector 🔴 High Probability → Shop Fuel Injector The internal electronic solenoid coil within the injector can burn out or develop high resistance over time due to millions of cycles and constant engine heat, which is a common failure mode for this type of component.
   How to confirm: Swap the cylinder 1 fuel injector with the cylinder 3 injector (on the same driver's side bank). Clear the codes and drive. If the code changes to P0203, the injector is faulty. Alternatively, use a multimeter to check the resistance across the two pins of the disconnected injector; a reading far outside the typical 11-15 ohm range indicates 🎬 See how to perform a Hemi injector ohm test. a bad injector. An infinite reading (OL) means the coil is open.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty fuel injector. The Mopar OEM part number for many 2011-2019 models is 05037479AE. It is often recommended to replace all injectors on a high-mileage vehicle as a set to ensure balanced performance.
   Est. part cost: $60-$180
2. Wiring Harness or Connector Fault 🟡 Medium Probability The engine wiring harness is exposed to significant heat and vibration. On Hemi engines, the plastic locking tab on the injector connector is known to become brittle and break, causing a loose connection. Wires can also chafe against brackets or other components, leading to an open or short circuit.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring going to the cylinder 1 injector for any signs of melting, chafing, or corrosion. Carefully unplug the connector and check for bent or corroded pins, and confirm the locking tab is intact. Use a noid light to confirm the PCM is sending a pulse signal to the connector; if the light flashes, the wiring from the PCM is likely good. If the injector swap test did not move the code, the wiring is the primary suspect.
   Typical fix: If the connector is damaged, replace it with a new pigtail connector (e.g., an EV6-style pigtail). If a wire is broken in the harness, it will need to be carefully repaired with solder and heat shrink or the harness section replaced.
   Est. part cost: $15-$40 for a pigtail connector
3. Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM) ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM)
   How to confirm: This is a diagnosis of exclusion. If the fuel injector and the wiring have both been tested and confirmed to be good (e.g., injector swap fails, noid light flashes, and resistance checks on the wire to the PCM are good), the internal driver circuit within the PCM is the likely culprit. This is rare and requires advanced diagnostics to confirm.
   Typical fix: The PCM must be repaired or replaced and will require programming to the vehicle's VIN.
   Est. part cost: $300-$800

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the codes with an OBD-II scanner to confirm P0201 is present and note any other codes, like P0301.
2. Locate cylinder 1 on the 5.7L Hemi. It is the first cylinder at the front of the engine on the driver's side.
3. Perform a thorough visual inspection of the cylinder 1 injector's wiring harness and connector. Look for obvious signs of damage, melting, or chafing. Check if the connector's locking tab is broken.
4. The 'Injector Swap Test': Disconnect the battery. Relieve fuel pressure. Swap the cylinder 1 fuel injector with the cylinder 3 injector (the next one back on the same side). Reassemble, reconnect the battery, clear the codes, and start the engine. Let it run for a few minutes.
5. Re-scan for codes. If the code has changed to P0203 ('Injector Circuit/Open - Cylinder 3'), the fuel injector you moved is faulty and needs to be replaced.
6. If the code P0201 returns, the injector is good, and the problem lies in the wiring or the PCM.
7. Use a 'noid light' for fuel injectors. Disconnect the injector connector and plug in the noid light. Start the engine. The light should flash steadily, indicating the PCM is sending a signal. 🎬 Watch: How to test the injector circuit for wiring breaks. If it doesn't flash, the problem is in the wiring harness or the PCM.
8. If the noid light works, check the injector's resistance with a multimeter. A reading outside of 11-15 ohms suggests a faulty injector.
9. If the noid light does NOT work, check for 12V power on one pin of the injector connector with the key on. Then, check the continuity of the control wire (the other pin) from the injector connector back to the PCM connector to find any breaks in the wire.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Fuel Injector (OEM #05037479AE (for 2011-2019 models, verify by VIN)) — This is the most common cause of a P0201 code, where the injector's internal coil has failed.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Bosch, Standard Motor Products, GB Remanufacturing
  OEM price range: $100-$180
  Aftermarket price range: $50-$120
• Fuel Injector Connector Pigtail (OEM #Varies (e.g., Mopar S824, aftermarket EV6 style)) — The original connector can become brittle and the locking tab can break, causing a loose connection. Splicing in a new pigtail is the standard repair.
  Trusted brands: Dorman, Mopar, Standard Motor Products
  OEM price range: $25-$50
  Aftermarket price range: $10-$25

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0301 — P0301 means 'Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected'. A P0201 fault directly causes the cylinder 1 injector to stop working, which prevents fuel from being delivered and results in a misfire. It is the expected mechanical result of the electrical P0201 fault.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• TSB #9002688: While officially for older Dodge trucks, this TSB is highly relevant as it documents a known failure pattern on Mopar V8s where the injector wiring harness fails, causing codes P0201-P0206. It advises technicians to inspect the wiring loom before replacing injectors, establishing a precedent for wiring being a primary suspect.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• The plastic locking tabs on the fuel injector connectors are known to become brittle from engine heat cycles and can easily break during removal. This can cause a poor, intermittent connection that triggers P0201 even if the injector and wiring are otherwise intact.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Fuel Injector Resistance — expected: 12.0 to 14.5 Ohms. Failure: A reading of infinity (OL) indicates an open coil, 0 indicates a short, or any value significantly outside the expected range.
• Injector Pulse Width (at idle) — expected: 2.0 - 4.0 milliseconds (ms). Failure: A value of 0 ms or an erratic reading on a scan tool for cylinder 1 suggests the PCM is not commanding the injector or there's a complete circuit failure.
• Injector Power Supply Voltage — expected: ~12 Volts (Battery Voltage). Failure: Significantly lower or no voltage on the power supply wire at the injector connector (with key on) indicates a problem with the ASD relay or the wiring from it.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH or professional bidirectional scanner: Injector Kill Test / Cylinder Cut-Out Test — This function allows the user to disable individual injectors while the engine is running. If disabling cylinder 1 causes no change in engine RPM, it confirms that cylinder was not contributing, verifying the fault is isolated to the cylinder 1 fuel/ignition system.
• wiTECH or professional bidirectional scanner: ASD Relay Actuation Test — This command manually energizes the Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay with the key on, engine off. It is used to verify that the power supply circuit to the fuel injectors is functional. A technician can actuate the relay and then test for 12V at the injector connector, bypassing the need for the engine to be running.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Injector Power Supply — One wire on the injector connector, typically Dark Green/Orange on some Chrysler products.. This wire provides 12V+ power to the injector from the Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay. A break in this wire between the main harness and the injector will cause P0201. A fault closer to the relay would likely cause codes for multiple cylinders.
• Injector Control Wire — The second wire on the injector connector, leading back to a specific pin on the PCM.. The PCM grounds this wire to fire the injector. An open or short-to-ground on this specific wire will cause P0201. Continuity must be checked between the injector connector and the PCM connector if a noid light test fails.
• G100 — At the left front of the engine compartment.. This is a primary engine bay ground. While not directly for the injector circuit itself, a poor engine ground can cause a host of electrical issues and voltage drops, potentially leading to intermittent or unusual PCM behavior. Ensuring this ground is clean and tight is a good practice during any electrical diagnosis.
• G302 — Right front side of the cargo pan (in the trunk).. This ground is associated with the rear power distribution center and fuel system components located in the rear of the vehicle. While less likely to be the direct cause for a cylinder 1 injector code, it's relevant to the overall fuel system's electrical integrity.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• DodgeForum.com user (2001 Dodge Durango 4.7L (Similar wiring principles to the Charger)) — Rough idle, P0201 code present.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replaced injectors for cylinders 1 and 2, Replaced spark plugs, Replaced Throttle Position Sensor (TPS), Replaced fuel pump, Replaced PCM
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user noticed exposed wires on the cylinder 1 injector wiring harness connector. Replacing the connector pigtail resolved the P0201 code. This highlights the importance of thoroughly inspecting the wiring harness right at the injector before replacing expensive components like the PCM.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 5037479AB, 5037479AC, 5037479AD → 05037479AE — Standard part revision and consolidation by Mopar.
  Heads up: Part number 05037479AE is the correct replacement for most 2011-2019 5.7L Hemi models. However, always verify with VIN.
• 05037479AE → 5281568AA — Part change for updated engine designs, including eTorque models.
  Heads up: For 2019+ models, especially those with eTorque, 5281568AA is often the correct part. The injectors may have different characteristics, and using the wrong one could cause performance issues even if it physically fits.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2019-2023: Beginning around 2019, especially with the introduction of eTorque variants of the 5.7L Hemi, the fuel injector part number changed from 05037479AE to 5281568AA. While physically similar, it is critical to use the correct injector specified for the vehicle's VIN to ensure proper fuel delivery and engine management compatibility.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• Hemi Tick (MDS Lifter/Camshaft Failure) 🔴 High — A very common and well-documented issue, especially on engines with over 70,000 miles or those subjected to extended idling. The roller on a Multi-Displacement System (MDS) lifter can seize, destroying the camshaft lobe. (Ref: Multiple class-action lawsuits have been filed regarding this issue. While no recall exists, numerous internal STAR case reports and TSBs on related models address the diagnosis.)
• Broken Exhaust Manifold Bolts 🟠 Medium — Common across all 5.7L Hemi applications. The rear-most bolts on either side are most likely to break due to thermal stress from the cast iron manifold and aluminum head expanding at different rates.
• Water Pump Failure 🟠 Medium — The water pump is a common failure item, often occurring between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, leading to coolant leaks and potential overheating.

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: A used fuel injector from a reputable salvage yard can be a cost-effective option if the budget is tight, especially since it's an external, easily-swapped part. However, it carries risk. It makes the most sense when you can pull the part yourself from a low-mileage, collision-damaged vehicle, allowing you to inspect the donor.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 80000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Check the donor vehicle's mileage; lower is always better.
• Inspect the injector's plastic connector for cracks or brittleness.
• Look for rust or corrosion on the injector body and electrical pins.
• If possible, ask the salvage yard if the engine ran before being dismantled. Avoid parts from engines with known internal damage.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• Powertrain Control Module (PCM) - Due to complex VIN programming and security protocols, a used PCM is often more trouble than it's worth and should be sourced new or from a specialized remanufacturer who can program it for your vehicle.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• Bosch (often the original OEM supplier)
• Standard Motor Products (SMP)
• Mopar (OEM)

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Unbranded, no-name injectors from online marketplaces (e.g., Amazon, eBay) are frequently reported on forums to have inconsistent flow rates, fail prematurely, or cause fuel trim issues.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0301 — Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected; often accompanies P0201 because the circuit fault prevents the injector from firing, causing a misfire.
• P0203 — Injector Circuit Cylinder 3; used during the 'Injector Swap Test' to confirm if a fault moves with the physical injector.
• P0201-P0206 — Commonly grouped codes cited in TSB #9002688 regarding Mopar V8 wiring harness failures.
• P0201-P0208 — When all eight codes appear, it indicates a systemic failure in the Auto Shut-Down (ASD) relay or fuse circuit rather than individual injector faults.

Frequently Asked Questions