Cylinder 1 Injector Circuit High
The P0262 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Cylinder 1 Injector Circuit High. This is a moderate severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Short distances only
- DIY difficulty
- moderate
- Estimated cost
- $100 - $400 (parts and labor)
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Common Symptoms
- Engine misfire on cylinder 1
- Rough idle and vibration
- Check Engine Light illuminated
- Cylinder 1 not firing
- Poor fuel economy
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Open circuit in cylinder 1 injector wiring Very High
- Faulty cylinder 1 fuel injector (open coil) High
- Disconnected or damaged injector connector High
- Broken ground wire to injector Moderate
- PCM injector driver circuit failure Low
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
-
Measure cylinder 1 injector resistance -- an open reading (OL) confirms a burnt-out injector coil
-
Check for power at the injector connector with key on -- if missing, trace the power feed from the fuse
-
Verify the PCM ground pulse signal at the injector connector using a noid light -- it should flash during cranking
-
Inspect the injector connector for pushed-back pins, corrosion, or melted terminals
-
Replace the injector if coil is open; repair wiring if power or ground circuit is broken
Common Fixes by Vehicle
What techs usually find when diagnosing P0262 on specific vehicles — tap your vehicle for the fix and the exact part:
2005-2018 Ford F-150/Explorer/Mustang moderate DIY
Cylinder 1 injector circuit high means excessive current draw or a short to power. Check the injector wiring harness for chafing against the intake manifold or valve cover -- exposed wires shorting to ground cause high-current faults. If the wiring is intact, the injector coil may be partially shorted, drawing more current than specified. Swap injector #1 with another cylinder to confirm. Replace the injector if the code follows it.
Labor: 30 min - 1 hour2008-2019 GM Silverado/Sierra/Equinox moderate DIY
On GM engines, P0262 indicates the #1 injector circuit has higher-than-expected resistance or a short to voltage. Check the injector resistance (should be 11-14 ohms for port injection). If resistance is abnormally high, the coil is open and the injector needs replacement. Also check the PCM connector for a backed-out pin on the injector driver circuit -- this causes intermittent high-resistance faults.
Labor: 30 min - 1 hour2010-2019 Ford Escape/Fusion/Focus EcoBoost moderate DIY
EcoBoost engines use high-pressure direct injectors that draw significantly more current than port injectors. P0262 on these engines can indicate an injector driver failure in the fuel injection control module (FICM). Before replacing the FICM, check the injector connector and wiring harness for damage. On turbocharged engines, heat from the turbo can damage wiring insulation near cylinder #1.
Labor: 1-2 hoursFrequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with code P0262?
You can drive short distances, but the engine will misfire on cylinder 1 causing rough running. Prolonged driving can damage the catalytic converter.
What does injector circuit high mean?
It means the PCM detects higher than expected resistance or voltage in the injector circuit, typically caused by an open circuit -- either a broken wire, bad connection, or burnt-out injector coil.
How much does a fuel injector cost?
A single fuel injector typically costs $50-$150 for the part. Many technicians recommend replacing all injectors as a set to maintain balanced fuel delivery, which increases the total cost.
Sources
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
P0262 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:
See All Codes & Fixes for Your Vehicle
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