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What does code P0201 mean on a Nissan and is it safe to drive?

P0201: Injector Circuit / Open — Cylinder 1. Here's what it means on your Nissan, what usually causes it, what repairs typically cost, and how safe it is to keep driving.

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What this code means

The PCM detected an open circuit or a fault in the fuel injector circuit for cylinder 1. This means the injector may not be firing, causing a misfire and unburned fuel entering the exhaust.

Common causes for your Nissan

  • Failed fuel injector on cylinder 1
  • Damaged or corroded injector wiring / connector
  • Faulty PCM injector driver
  • Clogged injector not responding

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light, often with misfire codes
  • Rough idle and misfire on cylinder 1
  • Loss of power
  • Fuel smell from exhaust

Typical fixes

  • Test and replace fuel injector on cylinder 1
  • Inspect and repair injector wiring harness
  • Clean injectors (if partially clogged)

Repair cost range

For a Nissan, repairs for P0201 often fall between $150 and $500, depending on the cause and whether you use OEM or aftermarket parts. Labor rates vary by location.

Known issues on Nissan

Nissan P0201 on VQ and MR engines usually means a failed injector or broken wire at the injector harness plug. Verify with a noid light and an injector resistance test. Nissan injectors are moderately expensive—confirm the fault before ordering.

Most commonly affected models

Altima 2007–2012Maxima 2004–2008Frontier 2005–2012

Is it safe to keep driving your Nissan with this code?

For driving-safety guidance—how far you can go, when to tow, and what's urgent—see these checklists:

Browse P0201 on your Nissan by model year

Year-specific guides include Nissan-tailored causes and repair costs.

More codes for Nissan

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