P3101 - FAULT CODE - OBD2

P3101 Code failures by brands

P3101 BMW, MINI: CYLINDER 1 HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL INJECTOR LOW SIDE CIRCUIT, LOW

Description of DTC code P3101

The combustion chamber receives a high-pressure injection from the injection valve, which is controlled by the solenoid. This valve is a retractable plunger that has high levels of flexibility in its shape and angle, a feature that allows the spray spread pattern to be changed. The distribution turns out to be uniform because the discharge orifices have a high-pressure injection pattern.

The injection valve is controlled by the retractable plunger solenoid. This solenoid continuously maintains stable propagation properties, including combustion chamber pressure levels and temperatures. Fuel is injected with a pressure ranging from 50 to 200bar, in the compression and intake strokes.

During engine warm-up, a small amount of fuel is injected so that the catalytic converter reaches operating temperature. For cold starts, the fuel is sprayed during the compression stroke and it is thanks to this process or strategy that cold starts are reliable, also avoiding polluting emissions and increasing fuel efficiency.

The operation of the fuel injectors is permanently monitored by the DME (Digital Motor Electronics). If it detects that the fuel injector for cylinder 1 has a short to ground, it will set the diagnostic code P3101 OBD2.

Symptoms of fault code P3101

Check Engine light illuminated.
Misfiring.
Problems during acceleration.

Causes of OBD2 P3101

The reasons for the DTC P3101 OBDII P3101 code being set are:

Cylinder 1 injector wires or connectors may be damaged.
The fuel injector 1 circuit may be faulty causing the short.
Cylinder 1 injector may be in poor condition.
Digital Motor Electronics could be defective.

Possible solutions of the DTC code P3101

The steps to follow to troubleshoot the P3101 OBD2 fault code are:

To start the diagnosis consult the Technical Service Bulletins.
Check for common deficiencies in the wiring and connectors of the fuel injector corresponding to cylinder 1. If you detect conditions in these components that cause the short, proceed with the respective corrections.
Using the appropriate tools, take readings of the cylinder 1 injector voltages. As the code indicates, you should detect low voltages or conditions causing a short to ground, which you must locate. Correct it as required.
Check the cylinder 1 injector for blockage or other damage. If found to be defective, proceed with the replacement.