P0265 moderate

Cylinder 2 Injector Circuit High

The P0265 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Cylinder 2 Injector Circuit High. This is a moderate severity code.

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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 2
  • Rough idle and vibration
  • Check Engine Light illuminated
  • Dead cylinder 2
  • Poor acceleration

Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)

  • Open circuit in cylinder 2 injector wiring Very High
  • Faulty cylinder 2 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

  1. Measure cylinder 2 injector resistance -- an open reading (OL) confirms a burnt-out coil

  2. Check for 12V power at the injector connector with key on -- if missing, check the injector fuse

  3. Test PCM ground pulse at the connector with a noid light during cranking

  4. Inspect the connector for pushed-back pins, corrosion, or heat damage

  5. Replace injector if coil is open; repair wiring if a break is found in the circuit

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with code P0265?

You can drive short distances. Cylinder 2 will not be firing, causing rough running and vibration. Extended driving can overheat the catalytic converter.

Should I replace just one injector or all of them?

If only one injector has failed, you can replace just that one. However, if the vehicle has high mileage (over 150,000 miles), replacing all injectors as a set ensures balanced fuel delivery.

What is a noid light test?

A noid light plugs into the injector connector and flashes when the PCM sends a pulse signal. It confirms the PCM is sending the proper drive signal to activate the injector.

Sources

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

P0265 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:

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