P0262: Cylinder 1 Injector Circuit High - Causes, Fixes & Cost [2026]
What is P0262? P0262 means the PCM commanded the injector to fire but the control wire stayed at battery voltage. This points to an open circuit, an injector with an open coil, or a wire shorted to 12V instead of pulling down to ground.
🎯 Top 3 Causes Ranked by Probability
48%
#1 - Most Likely
Open Injector Coil (Cyl 1)
Injector coil winding has failed open. Resistance check shows infinity instead of the spec value.
🔨 Part
$80-$600
👨🔧 Labor
$100-$350
⚡ DIY
Medium
37%
#2 - Check First
Open Control Wire
A broken wire or pulled-back pin in the injector connector keeps the circuit from completing.
🔨 Part
$5-$50
👨🔧 Labor
$80-$200
⚡ DIY
Medium
15%
#3 - Less Common
Short to Battery Voltage
The control wire has rubbed through to a 12V source, holding it high constantly.
🔨 Part
$10-$60
👨🔧 Labor
$100-$250
⚡ DIY
Medium
🔧 Step-by-Step Diagnosis
- Confirm the code and look for a companion P0301 misfire.
- Measure cyl 1 injector resistance. Infinite reading = open coil = replace injector.
- If the injector is fine, back-probe both pins. With key on, one wire should show 12V and the other should pulse with the PCM driver during cranking.
- Check for continuity from the injector connector to the PCM pin. An open wire is the fault.
- Look for a short to battery: with the injector unplugged and key on, neither wire should show 12V to the harness pin labeled "control" on a saturated injector.
🚗 Most Affected Vehicles
🚫 Is It Safe to Drive with P0262?
No. Cylinder 1 is not injecting fuel, so the engine will misfire heavily and the catalyst is at risk.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does Cylinder 1 Injector Circuit High mean?
The PCM saw battery voltage on the injector control wire when it commanded the wire to pull low to ground. The injector did not fire as commanded.
Will my engine run with P0262?
It will run on the remaining cylinders but with a strong vibration. Drive only to the nearest shop to avoid catalyst damage.
How is P0262 different from P0261?
P0262 is high voltage (open or short to power); P0261 is low voltage (short to ground). Both kill cylinder 1 injection but the root cause is opposite.
Can a loose injector connector cause P0262?
Yes, very commonly. Push the connector firmly until it clicks, clear the code, and recheck.
Do I need a new harness if the wire is broken?
Often not. Repairing the broken wire with proper crimp-and-seal connectors and weather-pack pins is a permanent fix and far cheaper than a new harness.