P0204 Fault in 2006 Dodge Charger with 98,000 Miles - Misfire Only When Engine Warms Up
I own a 2006 Dodge Charger with 98,000 miles. The vehicle runs smoothly when the engine is cold, but as it warms up, it begins to misfire and triggers diagnostic code P0204. If the issue were simply a faulty fuel injector, wouldn't I experience misfires consistently rather than only after the engine reaches operating temperature? This behavior suggests a more specific fault related to warm-up conditions or wiring integrity.
The wiring harness connected to the #4 injector is often the first point of failure—don't assume the injector itself is faulty. Before replacing any component, inspect the connector for tightness, corrosion, and bent pins. Perform a KOEO (Key On, Engine Off) test to verify that there's 12 volts at the injector terminal. If you have a noid light, check if it's flashing—this indicates intermittent operation; steady illumination means no signal, while no response suggests an open circuit. Next, inspect the wiring between the injector and the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) for opens, grounding issues, or short circuits to power. Note: Injector #4 is located on the driver’s side center spark plug.