P0267 is a diagnostic trouble code that points to a problem with the fuel injector circuit for cylinder 3. When this code sets, your engine computer has detected an electrical issue, not necessarily a bad injector itself. You might notice rough running, poor fuel economy, or even a flashing check engine light. Left alone, it can lead to misfires and possible engine damage. In this guide, you’ll learn what P0267 means in plain language, how it affects your vehicle, common causes, and practical repair options so you can fix it with confidence.
What Does P0267 Mean?
P0267 stands for “Cylinder 3 Injector Circuit Low.” Your ECU (engine control unit) constantly monitors the electrical signal going to each fuel injector. When it sees the voltage or current for injector #3 is lower than expected, it sets this code.
In real terms, that means the injector for cylinder 3 may not be getting proper power or ground, or there’s too much resistance in the circuit. The result is poor fuel delivery to that cylinder, which leads to misfires, rough idle, and reduced performance.
Quick Reference
- Code: P0267
- Definition: Cylinder 3 Injector Circuit Low
- System: Fuel injection / engine management
- Severity: Moderate to high (can cause drivability issues)
- Typical fix: Wiring repair, connector cleaning, or injector replacement
Real-World Example / Field Notes
In the shop, I most often see P0267 on higher-mileage trucks and SUVs that have seen a lot of heat cycles. A common scenario: customer complains of a rough idle, poor fuel economy, and a flashing check engine light under load. Scan tool shows P0267 plus a misfire code for cylinder 3. A quick wiggle test on the injector harness causes the engine to stumble even more. Pull the connector and you’ll usually find green corrosion on the pins or a broken wire right at the plug. Clean or repair the connector, clear the codes, and the engine smooths out immediately.
Symptoms of P0267
- Check engine light illuminated, sometimes flashing under heavy acceleration.
- Rough idle or shaking, especially noticeable when stopped in gear.
- Engine misfire on cylinder 3, often felt as a hesitation or stumble.
- Loss of power and sluggish acceleration, particularly going uphill or towing.
- Poor fuel economy due to inefficient combustion and misfires.
- Hard starting or extended cranking, especially when the engine is cold.
- Fuel smell from exhaust or rough-sounding exhaust note under load.
- Increased emissions, possibly failing an emissions or smog test.
Common Causes of P0267
Most Common Causes
- Damaged or corroded wiring to injector #3 causing high resistance or open circuit.
- Loose, dirty, or corroded injector connector on cylinder 3.
- Internally failed fuel injector (shorted or high-resistance coil).
- Poor ground connection for the injector circuit, often at a shared engine ground point.
- Previous engine work where the harness was pinched, stretched, or not routed correctly.
Less Common Causes
- ECU (PCM) driver fault for cylinder 3 injector.
- Short to ground in the injector harness rubbing against metal or exhaust components.
- Aftermarket tuning or wiring modifications (remote start, alarm, piggyback ECU) interfering with injector control.
- Low system voltage from a weak battery or charging system issues exaggerating a marginal circuit.
- Connector pin pushed back or spread terminals causing poor contact.
Diagnosis: Step-by-Step Guide
Before you start, you’ll want a basic tool set: a quality OBD2 scan tool (preferably one that can read live data and Mode $06), a digital multimeter, a noid light or injector test light, some contact cleaner, and basic hand tools. A wiring diagram for your specific vehicle is very helpful.
- Confirm the code and check for companions. Scan the vehicle and note all stored and pending codes. Look for misfire codes (P0303) or other injector circuit codes that might help narrow things down.
- Visual inspection of injector #3 and harness. Locate cylinder 3 (check your engine’s firing order and layout) and inspect the injector and wiring. Look for broken insulation, melted wires, oil-soaked connectors, or obvious damage.
- Check the connector. Unplug the injector connector for cylinder 3. Inspect for corrosion (green or white buildup), bent pins, or loose terminals. Clean with electrical contact cleaner and reconnect firmly.
- Wiggle test. With the engine idling and your scan tool connected, gently wiggle the harness near injector 3. If the idle changes or the code resets quickly, you likely have an internal wire break or poor connection.
- Measure injector resistance. With the key off and injector unplugged, use a multimeter to measure resistance across the injector terminals. Compare the reading to the spec and to other injectors. A significantly higher or lower reading indicates a bad injector.
- Check power supply to the injector. With key on (engine off), use a test light or multimeter to verify that the injector has proper battery voltage on the power side. If there’s no power, trace back to the fuse, relay, or shared power splice.
- Check injector control (ground/driver side). Use a noid light or scope to verify that the ECU is pulsing the ground side of the injector while cranking or running. If there’s no pulse but other cylinders are working, suspect a wiring break or ECU driver issue.
- Continuity and short-to-ground tests. If needed, unplug the ECU and injector, then check continuity of the injector control wire end-to-end. Also check for shorts to ground or power. Any abnormal readings mean the harness needs repair.
- Swap test (when accessible). On some engines, you can swap injector 3 with another cylinder. If the misfire and code move to the other cylinder, the injector itself is faulty.
- Recheck after each repair. Clear codes, road test, and monitor live data and misfire counters. Make sure P0267 does not return under similar driving conditions.
Pro tip: Don’t condemn the injector until you’ve checked the connector and wiring thoroughly. A corroded or loose connector is more common than a failed injector coil, especially on vehicles exposed to road salt and moisture.
Possible Fixes & Repair Costs
The actual repair for P0267 depends on what you find during diagnosis. In many cases, cleaning and tightening the injector connector or repairing a short section of wiring solves the problem. If the injector itself has failed, replacement is usually straightforward but can be labor-intensive on some engines where the fuel rail is buried under the intake.
- Clean/repair injector connector or terminals: $0–$100 (DIY or shop minimum).
- Harness repair (splicing, replacing section of wire): $100–$350 depending on access and length of harness.
- Replace fuel injector #3: $150–$450 parts and labor for most vehicles; direct-injection or diesel injectors can run $400–$900 each.
- ECU repair or replacement: $500–$1,500+, but this is rare and should be last on the list.
Typical repair cost ranges from about $150 to $600 for most gasoline engines. Costs are affected by vehicle make, engine design (V6/V8 vs inline), injector type (port vs direct injection), labor rates in your area, and whether other components need to be removed for access.
Can I Still Drive With P0267?
You can often drive short distances with P0267, but it’s not recommended for long-term use. A misfiring cylinder 3 means unburned fuel can enter the exhaust, overheating and damaging the catalytic converter. You’ll also have reduced power, rough running, and potentially unsafe driving behavior when merging or passing. If the check engine light is flashing, that’s the ECU warning you that the misfire is severe and could cause damage. In that case, limit driving and get the issue diagnosed as soon as possible.
What Happens If You Ignore P0267?
If you ignore P0267, you risk long-term engine and exhaust damage. Continuous misfires can foul spark plugs, wash down cylinder walls, dilute engine oil with fuel, and overheat the catalytic converter to the point of failure. What starts as a relatively simple wiring or injector issue can turn into a much more expensive repair if left unresolved.
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Related Cylinder Injector Codes
Compare nearby cylinder injector trouble codes with similar definitions, fault patterns, and diagnostic paths.
Key Takeaways
- P0267 means the ECU sees low voltage/current in the injector circuit for cylinder 3.
- Most issues stem from wiring, connectors, or the injector itself, not usually the ECU.
- Symptoms include rough idle, misfire, poor power, and a check engine light.
- Ignoring the code can damage the catalytic converter and other engine components.
- Proper diagnosis with a scan tool and multimeter saves money by avoiding guesswork.
Vehicles Commonly Affected by P0267
P0267 shows up across many brands that use sequential fuel injection. It’s fairly common on Ford and GM trucks and SUVs (F-150, Silverado, Sierra, Suburban), especially with higher mileage. You’ll also see it on Dodge/Ram pickups, Jeep models, and various Nissan and Toyota V6/V8 engines. Diesel engines from Ford Power Stroke, GM Duramax, and Ram Cummins can also trigger similar injector circuit codes, though diagnosis and injector costs are higher on diesels.
FAQ
Can P0267 go away on its own?
Sometimes the code may clear temporarily if a loose connector makes better contact, but the underlying problem usually returns. If P0267 appeared once, you should still inspect the wiring and connector to avoid future misfires and potential damage.
Is P0267 caused by bad fuel?
Bad fuel by itself rarely causes P0267. This code is about the injector’s electrical circuit, not fuel quality. However, contaminated fuel can cause drivability issues that might be mistaken for injector problems, so it’s important to distinguish between electrical and mechanical/fuel issues.
Can I fix P0267 myself at home?
If you’re comfortable with basic tools and using a multimeter, you can often handle the initial inspection and simple repairs like cleaning connectors or repairing obvious wiring damage. Injector replacement is also DIY-friendly on some engines, but tight spaces or direct-injection systems may be better left to a professional.
How do I know if the injector or wiring is bad?
Measure injector resistance and compare it to the other injectors, check for proper power and ground, and perform a swap test if possible. If the problem follows the injector to another cylinder, the injector is bad. If it stays on cylinder 3, the wiring or ECU is more likely at fault.
Can a weak battery trigger P0267?
A weak battery or charging system can exaggerate marginal electrical connections and may contribute to injector circuit codes, but it’s rarely the sole cause. If you suspect low system voltage, test the battery and alternator, but still inspect the injector circuit itself for damage or corrosion.