P0206 critical

Injector Circuit / Open - Cylinder 6

The P0206 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Injector Circuit / Open - Cylinder 6. This is a critical severity code.

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Keep driving?
No -- stop driving
DIY difficulty
moderate
Estimated cost
$100 - $400 (fuel injector $50-$200; wiring repair $50-$100; labor $50-$200)
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Common Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light on or flashing
  • Cylinder 6 misfire and rough idle
  • Noticeable loss of power
  • Strong fuel smell if injector is stuck open
  • Engine vibration and rough running

Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)

  • Failed fuel injector on cylinder 6 Very High
  • Open or broken wire in the injector circuit High
  • Corroded or damaged injector connector Moderate
  • PCM injector driver failure Low
  • High resistance in injector coil Low

Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure

  1. Use a scan tool to confirm cylinder 6 misfire. Check for companion codes P0306 (cylinder 6 misfire).

  2. Measure fuel injector resistance on cylinder 6 (typically 11-17 ohms for high-impedance injectors). Out of range or infinite resistance indicates a failed injector.

  3. Check for 12V power and PCM ground signal at the injector connector using a noid light or test light. No pulse indicates a circuit issue.

  4. Swap the cylinder 6 injector with an adjacent cylinder. If the fault moves, the injector is bad. If it stays, the wiring or PCM driver is the issue.

  5. Inspect the wiring harness to cylinder 6 for damage, chafing, or breaks. Check the connector for corrosion or pushed-out pins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with code P0206?

No. A dead cylinder 6 injector means unburned fuel enters the exhaust, which can overheat and destroy the catalytic converter. If the Check Engine Light is flashing, stop driving immediately.

How do I find cylinder 6?

Cylinder numbering varies by manufacturer. On V6 engines, cylinder 6 is typically the rear cylinder on bank 2. On V8 engines, check your service manual as numbering differs between Ford, GM, and Chrysler.

Can I swap injectors to diagnose P0206?

Yes, swapping the cylinder 6 injector with another cylinder is an excellent diagnostic technique. If the code changes to the new cylinder location, the injector is confirmed faulty.

Sources

This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.

P0206 on Diesel, EV & Equipment

The same code ID appears across other engines and platforms. The diagnostic flow varies by manufacturer — these are the platform-specific breakdowns:

Duramax serious Injector Circuit / Open — Cylinder 6 Hino serious Injector Circuit Cylinder 6 MaxxForce serious Injector Circuit Cylinder 6 Power Stroke serious Injector Circuit Malfunction - Cyl 6 Yanmar serious Injector Circuit - Cylinder 6

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