Powertrain, generic (extended)

P2DE3 Cold Start Fuel Injection Quantity D Higher Than Expected

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modeNo

P2DE3 is the excess counterpart of P2DE2: during the cold-start strategy path D injected more than commanded. Nobody publishes this exact code, and the big diesel makers show why it is rare: GM's 2025 diesels judge fuel quantity in the SCR warm-up mode with the ordinary A codes P026C/P026D, keeping only rail pressure (P2C1F, more than 16 MPa below target) and injection timing (P05EC) as separate cold-start codes; Ford's 6.7 litre diesel files cold-start fuel balance errors under the cylinder codes. CARB only demands a response check of commanded quantity during cold start from 2026 on. A dripping injector, a stuck pressure regulator or a coolant sensor reading too cold suggest themselves; expect white smoke and fuel smell. P2DDF is the warm case.

Likely causes

Injector of group D dripping
Pressure regulator sticking, rail pressure too high when cold
Coolant temperature sensor reading too cold

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on after a cold start
  • White smoke and fuel smell when cold
  • Rising oil level over time

Repair estimate

DifficultyHardWorkshop job
Parts and labour€80–3,500
Time0.5–5 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

fuel injector group dfuel railecm

Related codes

P2DE2P2DDFP2DD8P2DE1P027FP2C1F

References: law.cornell.edu, gsi.ext.gm.com, fordservicecontent.com.