Cylinder 3 Injector Circuit High
The P0268 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Cylinder 3 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 3
- Rough idle and vibration
- Check Engine Light illuminated
- Dead cylinder 3
- Poor acceleration and power loss
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Open circuit in cylinder 3 injector wiring Very High
- Faulty cylinder 3 fuel injector (open coil) High
- Disconnected or corroded injector connector High
- Broken ground wire to injector Moderate
- PCM injector driver circuit failure Low
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
-
Measure cylinder 3 injector resistance -- an open reading (OL) confirms a burnt-out coil
-
Check for 12V power at the injector connector with key on
-
Test for PCM ground pulse at the connector using a noid light during cranking
-
Inspect the connector for heat damage, pushed-back pins, or water intrusion
-
Replace injector if coil is open; repair wiring if a break is found
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with code P0268?
You can drive short distances. Cylinder 3 will not be firing, resulting in noticeable vibration and power loss. Get it repaired to prevent catalytic converter damage.
What causes an injector coil to burn out?
Injector coils can burn out from age, excessive heat exposure, voltage spikes, or electrical shorts in the wiring. High-mileage vehicles are more susceptible to this failure.
Can a bad PCM cause P0268?
Rarely. PCM injector driver failures do occur but are uncommon. Always rule out the injector and wiring before condemning the PCM.
Sources
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
P0268 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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