Fuel and air

P0265 — Cylinder 2 Injector Circuit High

Severity: medium Drive with care, to a shop

What P0265 means

The engine control module fires the cylinder 2 injector by switching its circuit to ground through an internal driver, and it monitors voltage and current in that circuit. P0265 is set when the signal reads higher than expected, for example from a short to voltage, a failed injector coil, or a faulty driver in the module. Fuel delivery to that cylinder may be disrupted as a result.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light on
  • Rough idle
  • Engine misfire or shaking
  • Reduced power and sluggish acceleration
  • Increased fuel consumption
  • Hard starting or unstable running when cold

Possible causes

  1. Failed cylinder 2 fuel injector (open or shorted coil)
  2. Damaged wiring harness, such as a short to positive or chafed insulation
  3. Corroded or loose injector connector
  4. Faulty injector driver inside the ECM/PCM
  5. Fuel pressure problems affecting injector operation (less common)

How to diagnose

  1. Scan for codes and freeze frame data, and note any other injector or misfire codes
  2. Inspect the cylinder 2 injector connector and harness for chafing, melting, or corrosion
  3. Measure injector coil resistance and compare it with the other cylinders or factory specs
  4. Test the supply and control wires for a short to voltage or ground
  5. Use a noid light or scope to confirm the ECM sends proper injector pulses
  6. Swap the injector with another cylinder to see whether the fault follows it
  7. Check fuel pressure and fuel trim values
  8. If wiring and injector test good, check ECM power and grounds and suspect the module

Common fixes

  • Replace the cylinder 2 fuel injector
  • Repair or replace the damaged wiring section or connector
  • Repair, reprogram, or replace the ECM/PCM
  • Correct any fuel pressure problem found
  • Clear the code after repair and confirm it does not return

Questions and answers

What does P0265 mean?

It means the ECM sees a high signal level in the cylinder 2 injector circuit. The usual culprits are the injector itself, its wiring or connector, and less often the control module.

Can I drive with P0265?

A short trip to a shop is generally fine at light load. Extended driving with a misfire can damage the catalytic converter and wastes fuel.

How do I tell if it's the injector or the wiring?

Measure the injector resistance and inspect the harness and connector. If the injector tests normal, look for a short to voltage in the wiring. Swapping the injector to another cylinder also helps isolate the fault.

This is general information about the code. The meaning can differ between makes and models: a scan tool and the repair manual for your car will show the exact cause.