2003 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.3L Engine P0205 Code: Diagnosis and Repair Steps

Note: This vehicle has a 3.3L V6 engine, which is known for being mechanically complex but also prone to wiring and sensor issues—can be challenging to troubleshoot without proper tools.

First, confirm that you're testing the correct cylinder. The P0205 code relates to injector #5. When diagnosing, ensure you're checking the ground signal from the PCM—there's a constant 12V supply to all injectors and a pulsed ground sent by the PCM. A noid light is an effective tool for this test. If only the pigtail was replaced, that’s unlikely to be the root cause. Many issues on this model occur in the wiring harness near the ignition coil or at the PCM connector.

After reviewing the PCM wiring diagram, I found that PCM pin #15 controls injector #5. I replaced the wire from the PCM all the way to the 10-pin injector harness connector. Could there be a break or poor connection in this section before it reaches the harness?

Helping here—what is the exact location of cylinder #5? Double-checking for accuracy. The circuit has two wires: one constant 12V and one ground wire from injector to PCM. Have you tested the resistance or continuity between the injector and PCM terminal pin? Could there be a bent pin? Have you checked for intermittent voltage on the 12V supply line? A noid light would be very helpful here.

Most P0205 issues in this model are caused by wiring faults between the 10-pin injector connector and the actual injector itself—especially on cylinder #5.

Kev2: Cylinder #5 is located on the rear bank, driver’s side. When viewing the engine from the front of the vehicle, it's on the passenger side (rear right). The ignition coil pack is on the back left. The injector harness has two wires that merge into one at the pigtail, which connects to a 10-pin connector. I replaced the wire from the PCM to this connector. As for the two-wire setup—I haven’t seen any documentation confirming this. If you know which wire corresponds to the control signal, I’d be happy to replace it. Could this be a compression issue? (Note: When I first removed the injector harness, I thought the wires were damaged—but they weren’t fully fried.)

Each fuel injector has two wires: one constant 12V supply and one ground wire that is switched by the PCM. When the PCM sends a pulsed ground, it activates the injector to spray fuel. The PCM also monitors the 12V on each injector circuit—if it detects no voltage or an intermittent signal (due to grounding or open circuits), the P0205 code will be set.

This is confusing—on the rear bank, cylinder #5 should actually be on the passenger side, not the driver’s side.

At this point, get a noid light (under $20) and plug it into the injector connector. Start the engine and rev it up. If the light flickers with RPMs, the circuit is functional. If there’s no flickering or the light stays solid—there may be an open circuit or high resistance somewhere in the wiring path.

I performed the noid test and found that the light remained on continuously with no flicker when revving. This indicates a consistent signal, not intermittent grounding.

Two possible causes: 1) The wire from injector to PCM is shorted to ground—try unplugging the PCM harness and testing. 2) The PCM’s internal driver circuit has failed. With the harness disconnected, check if pin #15 on the PCM (for cylinder #5) shows a grounded signal.

Okay, Kev2—new update: I rechecked all components and replaced spark plug wires again. I performed the noid test this time with more care. When touching pin #15 (cylinder #5), there was no light at all—no flicker during engine revs. The light only activated when connected to a positive battery terminal, confirming it’s not grounded. The car starts and runs normally, but the exhaust is rich and white smoke is now appearing in large amounts. Any ideas? JC

Check for voltage on the injector control wire at PCM pin #15 (with engine running). If there’s zero volts, it could indicate a short to ground or an open circuit in the control wire. Disconnect the PCM connector and remove the lock cover over the pins—then remove the #5 injector control wire from the PCM. Reinstall the cover and reconnect the harness. Start the engine and check for voltage on that wire. If no voltage, use a test light connected to battery positive and touch the wire while running—the test light should illuminate if there’s a ground issue. If it doesn’t light, then the control wire is open or shorted to ground. If zero volts with the wire disconnected and test light shows no response—this points to a failed PCM driver circuit. Some vehicles disable injectors during severe misfires to protect themselves, but they may still supply initial ground at startup before disabling. So if you see voltage at startup but lose it afterward, that suggests a failing PCM. Use a test light instead of a noid light for this test. Also note: disconnecting the PCM connector might interrupt fuel pump power from the ASD relay.

Just to clarify—where exactly is cylinder #5 located? Is it on the rear side near the coil pack?

Cylinder #5 is on the rear bank, driver’s side. I believe this is the same side as the ignition coil pack.

Kev2 wrote: Cylinder #5 is on the rear bank, driver's side—this matches the ignition coil pack location.