AutoCodes – Ford – P1266 Ford

P1266 Ford Code - Cylinder #6 High To Low Side Short

Quick Answer

The fuel injectors are connected to the high-pressure fuel rail and deliver a calibrated amount of fuel directly into the combustion chamber. Common causes include Faulty Fuel Injector 6, Fuel Injector 6 harness is open or shorted, Fuel Injector 6 circuit poor electrical connection. 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: P1266 Ford indicates Cylinder #6 High To Low Side Short.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Fuel Injector 6, Fuel Injector 6 harness is open or shorted, Fuel Injector 6 circuit poor electrical connection.
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 10,421

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 Jul 02, 2020

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P1266 Ford Description

The fuel injectors are connected to the high-pressure fuel rail and deliver a calibrated amount of fuel directly into the combustion chamber. The piezo actuator is commanded on by the PCM during the main injection stage for approximately 0-400 microseconds. The fuel injectors on and off time are controlled by the piezo actuator device which allows extreme precision during the injection cycle. The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is detected by the Fuel Injector Interface Module in the secondary (rearward) fuel injector circuit.

OBDII Code P1266 Ford - Cylinder #6 High To Low Side Short - AutoCodes.com — P1266 Ford Code - Cylinder #6 High To Low Side Short

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1266 Ford?

Faulty Fuel Injector 6
Fuel Injector 6 harness is open or shorted
Fuel Injector 6 circuit poor electrical connection
Faulty Fuel Injector Interface Module

How to Fix the DTC P1266 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.

What does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

Check valve cover wire harness connections first, including under the valve cover.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1266 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.

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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 P1266 Ford Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P1266 Ford (Cylinder #6 High To Low Side Short)?

- Common symptoms include engine misfires, rough idling, loss of power, and illuminated check engine light.

2. What does the OBDII code P1266 Ford indicate?

- This code indicates a high to low side short in the fuel injector circuit of cylinder #6.

3. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P1266 Ford?

- Possible causes include a faulty fuel injector, wiring issues, poor electrical connections, or a problem with the Engine Control Module (ECM).

4. How can I diagnose the cause of OBDII code P1266 Ford?

- Diagnose by inspecting the wiring harness for damage, testing the fuel injector resistance, checking for proper voltage at the injector, and scanning the ECM for related codes.

5. Can I still drive my vehicle with OBDII code P1266 Ford?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with this code active, as it can lead to engine performance issues and potential damage.

6. How can I repair OBDII code P1266 Ford?

- Repair options include replacing the faulty fuel injector, repairing any damaged wiring, ensuring proper electrical connections, and clearing the trouble code with a scan tool.

7. Are there any preventative maintenance tips to avoid OBDII code P1266 Ford?

- Regularly inspecting and maintaining the fuel injectors, wiring harness, and electrical connections can help prevent issues that trigger this trouble code.

8. Is it safe to reset the OBDII code P1266 Ford without fixing the underlying issue?

- While you can clear the code temporarily, it is important to address the root cause to prevent further engine problems and potential safety hazards.

9. How much does it cost to repair OBDII code P1266 Ford at a mechanic?

- Repair costs can vary depending on the exact cause of the issue, but expect to pay for parts and labor associated with diagnosing and fixing the problem.

10. Can OBDII code P1266 Ford affect fuel efficiency?

- Yes, this code can lead to decreased fuel efficiency due to improper fuel delivery to the affected cylinder, resulting in inefficient combustion.