P0203 on Dacia: How to Diagnose & Fix
Injector Circuit/Open - Cylinder 3
1 Dacia model · 1 documented issue · 1 critical · $250-$4,000 repair
P0203 on Dacia by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The K9K 1.5 dCi diesel — used across Dacia Sandero, Duster, Logan, plus Renault Clio/Captur/Kadjar, Nissan Note/Juke — suffers Bosch CP1 high-pressure pump and injector failure typically at 100,000-180,000 km. Worst case: pump self-destructs and sends metal particles through the entire fuel system, requiring full rail+pump+injector replacement (€2,500-€4,000).
Common Symptoms
- rough start
- misfire
- limp mode
- fuel smell
- no start
How to Fix
Back-leak test at 80,000 km as a precaution. Single-injector replacement €250-€500. If pump has failed catastrophically, full system flush + replacement is the only safe option. Use only diesel from major-brand stations and add a fuel-system cleaner per service.
P0203 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0203 mean on a Dacia?
P0203 stands for "Injector Circuit/Open - Cylinder 3." This code means the Engine Control Module detected an electrical problem (open circuit or out-of-range resistance) in the fuel injector control circuit for cylinder 3. The ECM pulses each injector electrically and watches the circuit to verify it is operating. P0203 means the expected feedback for cylinder 3's injector is missing or abnormal, so that cylinder may not be fueling properly. The typical result is a misfire, rough idle, and reduced performance traceable to cylinder 3. On Dacia it is documented across 1 model: Sandero.
What are the most common causes of P0203?
The most common causes of P0203 are: Damaged or corroded injector connector at cylinder 3, Open or shorted wiring in the injector control circuit, Failed (electrically open) fuel injector on cylinder 3, Loose or backed-out connector pin, Poor ground or power feed to the injector, Faulty injector driver inside the ECM/PCM, Chafed harness causing intermittent open. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0203 on a Dacia?
Published repair estimates on Dacia range from $250 to $4,000 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
Looking for P0203 on a different make?
View P0203 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.