AutoCodes – BMW – P0273 BMW

P0273 BMW Code - Cylinder 5 Fuel Injector Circuit Low

Quick Answer

This fault code is stored in the Engine Control Module (ECM) when the injector control circuit does not behave as expected. Common causes include Dirty Fuel Injector 5, Faulty Fuel Injector 5, Plugged Fuel Injector 5. 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: P0273 BMW indicates Cylinder 5 Fuel Injector Circuit Low.
Common causes: Common causes include Dirty Fuel Injector 5, Faulty Fuel Injector 5, Plugged Fuel Injector 5.
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 5,525

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 Jun 02, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0273 BMW Description

This fault code is stored in the Engine Control Module (ECM) when the injector control circuit does not behave as expected. The ECM uses the induced voltage from the injector to indicate that the fuel injector circuit is operating correctly electrically. It does not signal the mechanical condition of the injector. When the ECM opens the ground circuit for an injector, to cease current flow, a voltage is induced into the winding. This voltage shows the electrical integrity of the injector and associated wiring. Absence of this induced voltage results in a fault code being stored in the ECM.

OBDII Code P0273 BMW - Cylinder 5 Fuel Injector Circuit Low - AutoCodes.com — P0273 BMW Code - Cylinder 5 Fuel Injector Circuit Low

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0273 BMW?

Dirty Fuel Injector 5
Faulty Fuel Injector 5
Plugged Fuel Injector 5
Fuel injector 5 harness is open or shorted
Fuel injector 5 circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P0273 BMW?

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

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 P0273 BMW 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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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.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0273 BMW Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0273 in a BMW related to Cylinder 5 Fuel Injector Circuit Low?

The common symptoms include rough idling, engine misfires, decreased fuel efficiency, and potential stalling of the vehicle.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0273 in a BMW triggering the Cylinder 5 Fuel Injector Circuit Low?

Possible causes include a faulty fuel injector in cylinder 5, wiring issues in the fuel injector circuit, poor electrical connection, or a problem with the Engine Control Module (ECM).

3. How can I diagnose the issue related to OBDII code P0273 in my BMW?

You can diagnose the issue by performing a visual inspection of the fuel injector and its wiring, testing the fuel injector resistance, checking for voltage at the injector connector, and scanning the ECM for additional error codes.

4. Can a dirty fuel injector cause OBDII code P0273 in a BMW?

Yes, a dirty or clogged fuel injector can disrupt the fuel flow to cylinder 5, leading to a fuel injector circuit low error code.

5. What repair tips can help resolve OBDII code P0273 in a BMW with a Cylinder 5 Fuel Injector Circuit Low issue?

Repair tips include cleaning or replacing the fuel injector, repairing any damaged wiring, ensuring proper electrical connections, and resetting the ECM after completing the repairs.

6. Is it safe to drive my BMW with OBDII code P0273 indicating a Cylinder 5 Fuel Injector Circuit Low problem?

It is not recommended to drive your BMW with this issue as it can lead to further engine damage, increased fuel consumption, and potential safety hazards on the road.

7. How much does it cost to repair OBDII code P0273 in a BMW related to Cylinder 5 Fuel Injector Circuit Low?

The cost of repair can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but it may range from $150 to $500 for parts and labor.

8. Can I reset the OBDII code P0273 in my BMW myself after fixing the Cylinder 5 Fuel Injector Circuit Low problem?

Yes, you can reset the code by using an OBDII scanner or disconnecting the car battery for a few minutes to clear the error code from the ECM memory.

9. Are there any preventive maintenance measures to avoid OBDII code P0273 in a BMW due to Cylinder 5 Fuel Injector Circuit Low?

Regularly servicing and cleaning the fuel injectors, checking the wiring harness for any signs of wear, and using high-quality fuel can help prevent this issue from occurring.