AutoCodes – Chevrolet – P1261 Chevrolet

P1261 Chevrolet Code - Cylinder 1,4,6 and 7 High Voltage Circuit Fault

Quick Answer

The Fuel Injection Control Module (FICM) supplies high voltage to each fuel injector on the ignition voltage circuits. Common causes include Faulty Fuel Injection Control Module (FICM), Fuel Injection Control Module (FICM) harness is open or shorted, Fuel Injection Control Module (FICM) 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: P1261 Chevrolet indicates Cylinder 1,4,6 and 7 High Voltage Circuit Fault.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Fuel Injection Control Module (FICM), Fuel Injection Control Module (FICM) harness is open or shorted, Fuel Injection Control Module (FICM) 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 2,546

How popular is this code, among other codes? Low

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

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Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Mar 21, 2022

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes ▶
Cost to Diagnose
FAQs
Comments
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Code P1261 Chevrolet Description

The Fuel Injection Control Module (FICM) supplies high voltage to each fuel injector on the ignition voltage circuits. The FICM energizes each fuel injector by grounding the command circuit between the FICM and the fuel injector. The FICM monitors the status of the ignition voltage circuits and the fuel injector command circuits. When a fuel injector circuit condition is detected by the FICM, all of the fuel injectors on the affected ignition voltage circuit will be disabled. If a circuit condition is detected on a fuel injector circuit for cylinders 1, 4, 6, or 7, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)s P0201, P0204, P0206, P0207 will set, along with DTC P1261.

OBDII Code P1261 Chevrolet - Cylinder 1,4,6 and 7 High Voltage Circuit Fault - AutoCodes.com — P1261 Chevrolet Code - Cylinder 1,4,6 and 7 High Voltage Circuit Fault

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1261 Chevrolet?

Faulty Fuel Injection Control Module (FICM)
Fuel Injection Control Module (FICM) harness is open or shorted
Fuel Injection Control Module (FICM) circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P1261 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

User Submitted Video

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1261 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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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 P1261 Chevrolet Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P1261 for Cylinder 1,4,6, and 7 High Voltage Circuit Fault?

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

2. What can cause the Cylinder 1,4,6, and 7 High Voltage Circuit Fault (P1261) in a Chevrolet?

- Possible causes include faulty ignition coil, damaged spark plugs, wiring issues, or a problem with the Engine Control Module (ECM).

3. How can I diagnose the Cylinder 1,4,6, and 7 High Voltage Circuit Fault in my Chevrolet?

- Diagnosis typically involves checking the ignition coils, inspecting the spark plugs, testing the wiring connections, and using a scan tool to retrieve the fault code.

4. Is it safe to continue driving my Chevrolet with OBDII code P1261 for Cylinder 1,4,6, and 7 High Voltage Circuit Fault?

- It is not recommended to drive the vehicle with this fault code, as it can lead to further engine damage and decreased performance.

5. Can I repair the Cylinder 1,4,6, and 7 High Voltage Circuit Fault in my Chevrolet myself?

- Depending on your mechanical skills, you may be able to address this issue by replacing faulty ignition components, checking wiring connections, or clearing the fault code with a scan tool.

6. How much does it typically cost to fix the Cylinder 1,4,6, and 7 High Voltage Circuit Fault in a Chevrolet?

- The cost of repair can vary significantly depending on the specific cause of the fault, but it may involve expenses for parts and labor that can range from $100 to $500 or more.

7. Will resetting the check engine light resolve the P1261 fault code in my Chevrolet?

- Resetting the check engine light may temporarily clear the code, but if the underlying issue causing the fault is not addressed, the code is likely to reappear.

8. How important is it to address the Cylinder 1,4,6, and 7 High Voltage Circuit Fault promptly?

- It is crucial to address this fault promptly to prevent potential damage to the engine, ensure optimal performance, and maintain fuel efficiency in your Chevrolet.

9. Can extreme weather conditions contribute to triggering the P1261 fault code in a Chevrolet?

- Yes, extreme weather conditions such as extreme heat or cold can sometimes exacerbate existing issues related to ignition components, potentially leading to the Cylinder 1,4,6, and 7 High Voltage Circuit Fault.

10. Are there any preventive maintenance measures to avoid encountering the P1261 fault code in the future?

- Regular maintenance, such as timely replacement of spark plugs, periodic inspection of ignition components, and keeping the engine well-tuned, can help prevent issues that may trigger the Cylinder 1,4,6, and 7 High Voltage Circuit Fault.