AutoCodes – Chevrolet – P0273 Chevrolet

P0273 Chevrolet Code - Cylinder 5 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 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 Chevrolet indicates Cylinder 5 Injector Control Circuit Low Voltage.
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 777

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
FAQs
Comments
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Code P0273 Chevrolet 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 Chevrolet - Cylinder 5 Injector Control Circuit Low Voltage - AutoCodes.com — P0273 Chevrolet Code - Cylinder 5 Injector Control Circuit Low Voltage

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0273 Chevrolet?

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
Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM)

How to Fix the DTC P0273 Chevrolet?

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 P0273 Chevrolet 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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Need Help with the Code?

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Information for Specific Chevrolet Models

P0273 2014 Chevrolet Silverado — Cylinder 5 Injector Control Circuit Low Voltage
P0273 2015 Chevrolet Silverado — Cylinder 5 Injector Control Circuit Low Voltage
P0273 2016 Chevrolet Silverado — Cylinder 5 Injector Control Circuit Low Voltage
P0273 2017 Chevrolet Silverado — Cylinder 5 Injector Control Circuit Low Voltage
P0273 2018 Chevrolet Silverado — Cylinder 5 Injector Control Circuit Low Voltage

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 Chevrolet Code

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

P0273 indicates a low voltage issue in the cylinder 5 injector control circuit, meaning the engine control module (ECM) is detecting an electrical problem with the fuel injector for cylinder 5.

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

Symptoms may include rough idling, engine misfires, reduced fuel efficiency, poor acceleration, and the check engine light turning on.

3. What causes the P0273 code to appear?

Common causes include a faulty fuel injector, damaged or corroded wiring in the injector circuit, a bad ECM, or a poor electrical connection to the cylinder 5 injector.

4. Can you drive with a P0273 code on a Chevrolet?

Driving with a P0273 code is not recommended as it can lead to poor performance, increased emissions, and potential engine damage if the misfire continues.

5. How do you diagnose a P0273 code on a Chevrolet?

Diagnosis involves checking the wiring and connectors for damage or corrosion, testing the cylinder 5 fuel injector with a multimeter, and verifying proper voltage and ground signals from the ECM.

6. Is a faulty injector the only possible cause of code P0273?

No, other causes include wiring problems, connector issues, or even a malfunctioning ECM causing the low voltage condition.

7. How much does it cost to repair a P0273 code on a Chevrolet?

Repair costs vary depending on the root cause. Replacing a fuel injector may cost $200â€“$500, while fixing wiring or connectors may be less expensive.

8. Can a dirty fuel injector cause the P0273 code?

A dirty injector is unlikely to cause a low voltage issue, as P0273 is more specifically related to electrical problems rather than clogging.

9. What tools are needed to troubleshoot a P0273 code?

Basic tools include a multimeter to test electrical circuits, a scan tool to clear and read codes, and possibly a noid light to check the injector's electrical signal.

10. What happens if the P0273 code is ignored?

Ignoring this code can lead to worsening engine misfires, higher emissions, potential catalytic converter damage, and reduced engine performance over time.