P0261: Cylinder 1 Injector Circuit Low
Can you still drive? You can drive short distances, but the engine will run rough. Prolonged driving with a dead injector can damage the catalytic converter.
What Does P0261 Mean?
Code P0261 indicates that the ECM has detected a low voltage condition in the fuel injector circuit for cylinder 1. This means the injector may not be receiving enough electrical signal to open fully, resulting in a lean condition or no fuel delivery to that cylinder.
Need to read your codes?
An OBD-II scanner lets you read and clear diagnostic trouble codes from your vehicle's computer. Most scanners work with any car made after 1996.
Browse OBD-II Scanners on AmazonCommon Causes
- Faulty fuel injector
- Open circuit in injector wiring
- Poor connector contact
- Failed ECM injector driver
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Rough idle
- Misfire on cylinder 1
- Reduced power
- Poor fuel economy
Diagnostic Steps
- 1Read freeze frame data and check for companion misfire codes
- 2Measure injector resistance with a multimeter
- 3Inspect injector connector for corrosion or loose pins
- 4Test wiring continuity between ECM and injector
- 5Swap injector with another cylinder to confirm fault follows
Recommended Parts & Tools
fuel injector
injector connector pigtail
electrical contact cleaner
Estimated Repair Cost
| Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Total Repair Cost Range | $100 - $500 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a bad fuel injector?
Short distances only. Running on fewer cylinders puts extra strain on the engine and can damage the catalytic converter from unburned fuel.
How do I test a fuel injector?
You can test injector resistance with a multimeter. Most injectors should read between 10-16 ohms, but check your vehicle's specifications.
Community Fix Reports
Community reports are user-submitted and not verified by Auto AI Buddy. Results may vary.
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