OBD Guide

P0261

Cylinder 1 Injector A Circuit Low

P0261 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code meaning: Cylinder 1 Injector A Circuit Low. Common causes: injector wire short circuit to ground, broken injector power wire. Estimated repair cost: $33โ€“222.

Severity
๐Ÿ”ด High
Can you drive?
Yes, but get it checked soon
Approx. repair cost
$33โ€“222 (est.)

Symptoms

  • Misfire in cylinder 1
  • Vibration and rough engine operation
  • Check Engine light comes on (flashes when misfired)
  • Power reduction
  • Smell of unburned fuel from the exhaust

Causes

  • Injector wire short circuit to ground
  • Broken injector power wire
  • Internal short circuit of the injector winding
  • ECU transistor switch malfunction
  • Damage to the injector connector or wiring harness

How to Fix

  1. Read codes and check for misfire codes (P0301)
  2. Measure the injector resistance (the norm is 12โ€“16 Ohms for a high-resistance one)
  3. Check the supply voltage at the injector connector
  4. Check the wiring harness for breaks and short circuits
  5. Try replacing the injector with a known working one.
  6. If the injector and wiring are excluded - ECU diagnostics

Related codes

Error P0261 by Vehicle Brand

FAQ

What does the P0261 code mean?

P0261 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code that indicates: Cylinder 1 Injector A Circuit Low

What causes a P0261 error code?

The most common causes of P0261 include: Injector wire short circuit to ground; Broken injector power wire; Internal short circuit of the injector winding; ECU transistor switch malfunction.

How do I fix a P0261 diagnostic trouble code?

To fix P0261: Read codes and check for misfire codes (P0301). Measure the injector resistance (the norm is 12โ€“16 Ohms for a high-resistance one). Check the supply voltage at the injector connector. For a complete diagnosis, use an OBD-II scanner.

Is it safe to drive with P0261?

Yes, but get it checked soon

How much does it cost to fix P0261?

The estimated repair cost for P0261 is $33โ€“222. Actual cost depends on your vehicle, location, and labor rates.

See also: Russian version ยท NationStat