P2E5C
Serious Severity (Level 4)Cylinder 4 Alternative Fuel Misfire Detected
P2E5C usually means cylinder 4 Alternative Fuel Misfire Detected.
Can you still drive with P2E5C?
⚠️Limited driving — get to a repair shop within 1–2 days. Avoid long trips and highway speeds.
Typical repair cost: $10 – $4000
Severity Level 4 — Serious
This code indicates a serious issue that can cause noticeable driveability problems and potential engine damage if not addressed. The vehicle should be taken to a mechanic as soon as possible. Extended driving is not recommended.
Common Symptoms
- The engine misfire detection is not operating as designed
- Warning light or malfunction indicator related to the engine misfire detection is illuminated
- Check Engine Light illuminated
- Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) stored in module memory
Possible Causes
- Faulty spark plug/coil — most common cause, test before replacing
- Damaged or corroded wiring/connector in the engine misfire detection circuit
- Blown fuse or faulty relay for the engine misfire detection
- Poor ground connection — check and clean all related ground points
- Control module fault — rare but possible, only consider after ruling out simpler causes
Common Fixes
- Scan vehicle with a professional-grade OBD2 scanner to read all stored codes and freeze frame data — note the conditions when the code set ($20-90 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan)
- Visually inspect the engine misfire detection wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $91 diagnostic fee at shop)
- Replace spark plug/coil if testing confirms it has failed — use OEM quality, avoid the cheapest no-name aftermarket parts that fail in a year ($10-4000)
- Check and replace any blown fuses in the engine misfire detection fuse circuit — if fuse blows again, there's still a short that needs to be found ($3-12 for fuses)
- Perform a wiggle test on the engine misfire detection wiring harness while monitoring live data — see if the fault returns when you move the harness at different points ($0-136 diagnostic labor)
Estimated Repair Cost
These are estimated costs based on generic repair data. Actual costs may vary depending on your vehicle, location, and labor rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does P2E5C mean?
P2E5C stands for "Cylinder 4 Alternative Fuel Misfire Detected". P2E5C usually means cylinder 4 Alternative Fuel Misfire Detected.
Can you drive with P2E5C?
Limited driving — get to a repair shop within 1–2 days. Avoid long trips and highway speeds.
How much does it cost to fix P2E5C?
Repair costs for P2E5C typically range from $10 to $4000, depending on your vehicle make, model, and local labor rates. Common fixes include: Scan vehicle with a professional-grade OBD2 scanner to read all stored codes and freeze frame data — note the conditions when the code set ($20-90 at shop, free at auto parts store for basic scan); Visually inspect the engine misfire detection wiring harness and connectors — look for chafed wires, melted insulation, green corrosion, loose pins, or rodent damage (often free to check yourself, $91 diagnostic fee at shop); Replace spark plug/coil if testing confirms it has failed — use OEM quality, avoid the cheapest no-name aftermarket parts that fail in a year ($10-4000).
Will P2E5C clear itself?
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