What Does P0261 Mean?
The ECM has detected that the cylinder 1 fuel injector circuit voltage is below the expected minimum threshold, indicating a low condition. This typically means the injector driver circuit is being pulled low by a short to ground, excessive injector coil leakage, or a wiring fault. Cylinder 1 may receive insufficient fuel, causing a misfire or lean condition on that cylinder.
Common Causes
35%
Short to ground in the cylinder 1 injector wiring harness
30%
Failed cylinder 1 fuel injector with internally shorted coil
20%
Corroded or water-damaged injector connector allowing current leakage to ground
15%
ECM injector driver circuit failure for cylinder 1
Diagnostic Steps
1
Step 1: Measure the cylinder 1 injector coil resistance with a DVOM — typical spec is 11-18 ohms for high-impedance or 2-5 ohms for low-impedance. Significantly low resistance confirms a shorted coil.
2
Step 2: Disconnect the cylinder 1 injector and check the harness-side connector for shorts to ground — measure from each injector pin to engine ground (should be open).
3
Step 3: Inspect the cylinder 1 injector connector and wiring for heat damage, chafing against the engine block, or coolant/oil contamination.
4
Step 4: Swap the cylinder 1 injector with an adjacent cylinder and clear codes — if the low circuit code follows the injector, the injector is confirmed faulty.
5
Step 5: If the code stays on cylinder 1 after the swap, trace the wiring from the ECM injector driver pin to the connector for harness damage or ECM driver failure.
Estimated Repair Cost
$100 - $500
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The ECM has detected that the cylinder 1 fuel injector circuit voltage is below the expected minimum threshold, indicating a low condition. This typically means the injector driver circuit is being pulled low by a short to ground, excessive injector coil leakage, or a wiring fault. Cylinder 1 may re...
The most common cause of P0261 (Injection Pump Fuel Metering Control "B" Intermittent (Cam/Rotor/Injector)) is: Short to ground in the cylinder 1 injector wiring harness
Typical repair costs for P0261 range from $100 to $500, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Vehicle will run rough with a single cylinder misfire. Drivable at reduced capacity but unburned fuel can damage the catalytic converter. Repair within a few days.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P0261 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Fuel Injection System
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
Recommended Tools
OBD2 Scanner
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