P0280 moderate

Injector Circuit - Cylinder 7

The P0280 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Injector Circuit - Cylinder 7. This is a moderate severity code.

My Garage →
Keep driving?
Short distances only
DIY difficulty
hard
Estimated cost
$150 - $600 (parts and labor)
Recommended Tool
ANCEL AD310 OBD-II Scanner

Best-selling code reader on Amazon. Reads and clears check engine codes on any 1996+ vehicle. Under $30.

Check Price on Amazon

Affiliate link -- we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Every Tech Needs This
AstroAI Digital Multimeter

Essential for diagnosing sensor codes, checking voltage, and testing circuits. Under $15 and pays for itself on the first job.

Check Price on Amazon

Affiliate link -- we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Common Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light on
  • Engine misfire on cylinder 7
  • Rough running especially at idle
  • Reduced power output

Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)

  • Faulty fuel injector on cylinder 7 Very High
  • Damaged wiring to cylinder 7 injector High
  • Corroded or loose injector connector Moderate
  • PCM injector driver failure Low

Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure

  1. Check for misfire code P0307 along with P0280.

  2. Measure cylinder 7 injector resistance and compare to spec.

  3. Inspect connector for damage or corrosion.

  4. Swap injector with adjacent cylinder to isolate the fault.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is cylinder 7?

Cylinder 7 is found on V8 engines. Its location varies: on GM V8s it is on the driver side, on Ford V8s it is on the passenger side. Check your engine's firing order diagram.

Is P0280 common on V8 engines?

Yes, injector circuit codes on cylinders 7-8 occur on V8 engines. The injectors and wiring are identical to lower-numbered cylinders.

Can I drive with a cylinder 7 misfire?

You can drive short distances, but a continuous misfire can damage the catalytic converter and decrease engine life.

Sources

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

P0280 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:

Explore More

Was this helpful?

Share carcodefinder.com with a friend who needs to decode their check engine light.