AutoCodesFord – P0273 Ford

P0273 Ford Code - Cylinder 5 Injector Circuit Low

Quick Answer

The Engine Control Module (ECM) supplies voltage to each Fuel Injector on the high control circuits. 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 Ford indicates Cylinder 5 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.
AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat
Code Popularity 11,604
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Jun 02, 2022
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Code P0273 Ford 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 P0273 Ford - Cylinder 5 Injector Circuit Low - AutoCodes.com
P0273 Ford Code - Cylinder 5 Injector Circuit Low

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0273 Ford?

  • 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 Ford?

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.

Code Tech Notes

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0273 Ford 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.

Need more information about the P0273 Ford code?

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Information for Specific Ford Models

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 Ford Code

1. What does the OBDII code P0273 mean for a Ford vehicle?

P0273 indicates a "Cylinder 5 Injector Circuit Low," meaning the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a low voltage or signal issue in the fuel injector circuit for cylinder 5.

2. What are the symptoms of code P0273 in a Ford?

Symptoms can include rough idling, engine misfires, reduced fuel efficiency, lack of power, poor acceleration, and in some cases, the engine may not start.

3. What causes the P0273 code on a Ford vehicle?

Common causes include a faulty fuel injector, damaged wiring or connectors in the injector circuit, a malfunctioning PCM, or a poor electrical ground connection.

4. Can I drive my Ford with a P0273 code?

While the vehicle may still run, driving with this code can lead to poor performance, increased fuel consumption, and potential engine damage over time. It’s best to address the issue promptly.

5. How do I diagnose the P0273 code on a Ford?

Start by inspecting the wiring and connectors for cylinder 5’s fuel injector for damage or corrosion. Use a multimeter to check for proper voltage and continuity. If the wiring is fine, test the injector itself and the PCM.

6. Can a dirty fuel injector cause a P0273 code?

No, a dirty fuel injector typically causes performance issues but not an electrical circuit code like P0273. The issue is more likely related to electrical wiring, connectors, or the injector’s internal circuitry.

7. How do I fix the P0273 code on a Ford?

Repairs may involve replacing a faulty fuel injector, repairing damaged wiring or connectors, cleaning corroded connections, or in rare cases, replacing the PCM.

8. How much does it cost to fix the P0273 code on a Ford?

Repair costs can vary. Replacing a fuel injector typically costs $150–$300, while wiring repairs may cost less. PCM replacement can be more expensive, ranging from $500–$1,500.

9. Will clearing the code fix the P0273 issue in my Ford?

Clearing the code will turn off the check engine light temporarily, but it won’t fix the root cause. The issue must be properly diagnosed and repaired to prevent the code from returning.

10. Can a bad PCM cause the P0273 code on a Ford?

Yes, although it’s rare, a malfunctioning PCM can cause the P0273 code by failing to properly control the injector circuit. Always rule out wiring and injector issues first.

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