P0267 is a generic OBD-II powertrain code indicating a Cylinder 3 Injector Circuit Low condition. The powertrain control module detects a voltage signal in the cylinder 3 fuel injector control circuit that is lower than the expected minimum threshold.
Because this code identifies an electrical circuit fault, it does not automatically prove the fuel injector itself has failed. Accurate diagnosis requires testing the injector coil and the control wiring for a short to ground.
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Key Takeaways
- P0267 indicates a low voltage condition or short to ground in the control circuit for the cylinder 3 fuel injector.
- Possible causes include damaged wiring, corroded connectors, an internally shorted injector solenoid, or a failed PCM driver.
- Symptoms typically include an illuminated Check Engine Light, a specific cylinder 3 misfire, rough idling, and decreased engine power.
- Diagnosis involves visually inspecting the harness, measuring the injector coil resistance, and testing the circuit for a short to ground.
- Repairs require fixing the confirmed electrical fault, which may involve wiring repairs or replacing the cylinder 3 fuel injector.
P0267 Code Description and Implications
P0267 is a generic diagnostic trouble code that applies to all OBD-II equipped vehicles. It indicates that the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected a low voltage condition in the control circuit for the fuel injector on cylinder 3.
The PCM controls the fuel injector by switching the ground circuit on and off. When the injector is commanded off, the PCM expects to see system voltage on the control circuit.
If the PCM detects a voltage significantly lower than expected, it indicates a short to ground in the circuit or an internally shorted injector coil. This trouble code strictly monitors the electrical control circuit.
It does not indicate a mechanical fuel delivery issue or a clogged injector nozzle.
Common Causes of the P0267 Code
Possible causes for a circuit low condition include a short to ground in the fuel injector control wire, often caused by chafed insulation rubbing against the engine block or cylinder head.
Damaged, corroded, or loose electrical connectors at the cylinder 3 fuel injector harness can also interrupt the circuit or cause a short.
An internal electrical failure of the fuel injector solenoid coil, causing it to short to ground internally, is another possibility.
In rare cases, a failed injector driver circuit inside the powertrain control module may cause this code.
Symptoms Associated With P0267
Because the fuel injector control circuit is malfunctioning, the PCM will typically disable the injector to prevent engine damage or flooding the cylinder with raw fuel.
The most common symptom is an illuminated Check Engine Light. You will also likely experience a severe engine misfire on cylinder 3, which may set an additional P0303 code.
Other symptoms include rough idling, noticeable engine vibration, hesitation during acceleration, and decreased overall engine power.
Diagnosing the P0267 Trouble Code
Diagnosis begins by scanning for codes and checking for related misfire codes, such as P0303.
Visually inspect the wiring harness and connector at the cylinder 3 fuel injector for physical damage, chafing, melted insulation, or corrosion.
Use a digital multimeter to measure the electrical resistance across the fuel injector terminals. Compare the reading to the exact manufacturer specifications and to the resistance of the other fuel injectors.
Check the control circuit for a short to ground with the injector disconnected. If the circuit shows continuity to ground with the injector unplugged, the wiring harness is shorted.
Repairing the P0267 Issue
If testing confirms damaged wiring or a short to ground in the harness, repair or replace the affected wiring sections and secure the harness away from hot or sharp components.
If the fuel injector coil fails the electrical resistance test or shows an internal short, replace the cylinder 3 fuel injector with a component meeting the correct vehicle specification.
After completing the electrical repair, clear the diagnostic trouble codes and perform a test drive to verify the misfire is resolved and the injector operates correctly.
Cost Considerations for P0267 Repairs
Repair costs depend heavily on diagnostic time, component accessibility, and whether the fuel injector is easily accessible on the engine.
Wiring repairs are generally less expensive but require precise diagnostic time to locate the exact point of the short circuit.
Replacing a fuel injector involves standard parts costs and moderate labor, though labor increases significantly on engines where the intake manifold must be removed to access the fuel rail.
Prevention Strategies for Future Occurrences
Inspect exposed engine wiring harnesses near the fuel rail and cylinder head for signs of heat damage, chafing against engine components, or rodent activity.
Ensure that all electrical connectors in the engine bay remain clean and properly sealed to prevent moisture intrusion and corrosion in the injector circuits.
Troubleshooting Tips and Best Practices
Do not assume a P0267 code means the fuel injector is clogged or dirty. This code specifically flags an electrical short to ground in the control circuit, not a mechanical flow restriction.
Do not ignore a cylinder 3 misfire caused by a disabled injector. Driving with a continuous misfire can dump raw fuel into the exhaust system, potentially overheating and destroying the catalytic converter.
Always verify the exact cylinder numbering and firing order for your specific engine before replacing parts, as cylinder 3 location varies between different manufacturers and engine layouts.
More OBD-II Codes
| P0265 | P0264 | P0262 | P0261 |
| P0223 | P0222 | P0268 | P0303 |
| P0304 | P0305 | P0306 | P0462 |
| P0203 | P0204 | P0300 | P0301 |
| P0302 | P0171 | P0420 | P0430 |
| P0174 | P0172 | P0440 | P0441 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is P0267 a generic OBD-II code?
Yes. P0267 is a generic SAE code, meaning its definition as a Cylinder 3 Injector Circuit Low fault applies universally across all OBD-II compliant vehicle makes and models.
Can I drive with a P0267 code?
No, it is not recommended. Because the PCM typically disables the injector to prevent cylinder flooding, the engine will misfire continuously, which can cause severe damage to the catalytic converter.
Will a P0267 code cause a misfire code?
Yes. Because the cylinder 3 fuel injector is not operating correctly, the cylinder will misfire, frequently triggering a specific P0303 cylinder 3 misfire code alongside the P0267 circuit code.
Can a bad PCM cause P0267?
Yes, a failed injector driver inside the PCM can cause a circuit low code. However, a short to ground in the wiring harness or an internally shorted fuel injector solenoid are much more common causes.
Does P0267 mean my fuel injector is clogged?
No. P0267 indicates an electrical short to ground in the injector control circuit. A clogged or dirty fuel injector nozzle restricts fuel flow mechanically and will not trigger an electrical circuit low code.
What Should You Do About the P0267 Code?
Confirm the exact factory definition for your vehicle, then follow the applicable manufacturer diagnostic procedure. Inspect the relevant system and components for electrical faults, and repair or replace the confirmed failed parts to restore proper operation.
