AutoCodes – Generic – P0261

P0261 Code - Cylinder 1 Injector Control Circuit Low Voltage

Quick Answer

The Engine Control Module (ECM) supplies voltage to each Fuel Injector on the high control circuits. Common causes include Dirty Fuel Injector 1, Faulty Fuel Injector 1, Plugged Fuel Injector 1. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P0261 indicates Cylinder 1 Injector Control Circuit Low Voltage.
Common causes: Common causes include Dirty Fuel Injector 1, Faulty Fuel Injector 1, Plugged Fuel Injector 1.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

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Code Popularity 34,910

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 23, 2024

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P0261 Description

The Engine Control Module (ECM) supplies voltage to each Fuel Injector on the high control circuits. The ECM energizes each fuel injector by grounding the low control circuit of the fuel injector. The ECM monitors the status of the fuel injector circuits. When a fuel injector circuit condition is detected by the ECM, the affected fuel injector(s) is disabled. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will be set when the ECM detects the fuel injector control circuit is shorted to ground for greater than 2 s.

OBDII Code P0261 - Cylinder 1 Injector Control Circuit Low Voltage - AutoCodes.com — P0261 Code - Cylinder 1 Injector Control Circuit Low Voltage

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0261?

Dirty Fuel Injector 1
Faulty Fuel Injector 1
Plugged Fuel Injector 1
Fuel Injector #1 harness is open or shorted
Fuel Injector #1 circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P0261?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

A clogged or partially clogged fuel injector can cause this code. Start by performing an injector flush before replacing the injector.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0261 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

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Information for Specific Makes

P0261 Audi — Cylinder 1 Injector Circuit Low
P0261 BMW — Cylinder 1 Fuel Injector Circuit Low
P0261 Buick — Cylinder 1 Injector Control Circuit Low Voltage
P0261 Cadillac — Cylinder 1 Injector Control Circuit Low Voltage
P0261 Chevrolet — Cylinder 1 Injector Control Circuit Low Voltage
P0261 Chrysler — Fuel Injector 1 Circuit Low
P0261 Dodge — Fuel Injector 1 Circuit Low
P0261 Ford — Cylinder 1 Injector Circuit Low
P0261 GMC — Cylinder 1 Injector Control Circuit Low Voltage
P0261 Hyundai — Cylinder 1 Injector Circuit Low
P0261 Isuzu — Injector 1 Control Circuit Low Voltage
P0261 Jeep — Fuel Injector 1 Circuit Low
P0261 KIA — Cylinder 1 Injector Circuit Low
P0261 Lincoln — Cylinder 1 Injector Circuit Low
P0261 Mazda — Fuel Injector Driver Circuit Fault- Short To Ground- Injector 1
P0261 Mercedes-Benz — Cylinder 1 Injector 'A' Circuit Low
P0261 Mercury — Cylinder 1 Injector Circuit Low
P0261 MINI — Cylinder 1 Fuel Injector Circuit Low
P0261 Volkswagen — Cylinder 1 Injector Circuit Low

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.