Cylinder 2 Injector Circuit Low
The P0264 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Cylinder 2 Injector Circuit Low. 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 2
- Rough idle
- Check Engine Light illuminated
- Reduced power and hesitation
- Fuel smell from exhaust
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Short to ground in cylinder 2 injector wiring Very High
- Faulty cylinder 2 fuel injector (shorted coil) High
- Corroded injector connector pins High
- Damaged wiring harness near cylinder 2 injector Moderate
- PCM injector driver circuit failure Low
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with code P0264?
You can drive short distances, but the engine will misfire on cylinder 2. Prolonged driving risks catalytic converter damage from unburned fuel.
How do I find cylinder 2 on my engine?
Cylinder numbering varies by manufacturer. Consult your vehicle service manual. On inline engines, cylinder 1 is typically closest to the timing belt/chain end. On V-engines, the numbering varies by make.
Can heat cause injector wiring to short?
Yes. Injector wiring runs close to the exhaust manifold and can have its insulation melted over time, causing bare wires to short to the engine block.
Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
-
Measure cylinder 2 injector resistance -- should be 11-18 ohms; below spec indicates a shorted coil
-
Check for short to ground between the injector signal wire and engine ground with injector disconnected
-
Swap cylinder 2 injector with another cylinder and clear codes -- if the code follows, the injector is faulty
-
Inspect the injector harness for chafed or melted insulation near exhaust manifold
-
Test PCM injector driver output with a noid light at the cylinder 2 connector
Sources 2
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
- SAE J2012Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (defines the generic OBD-II code ranges)
- Cross-checked against the SAE J2012:2002 DTC table (2026-08-27)archived scan of the SAE standard — readable copy, not SAE’s current edition
P0264 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:
Commonly Affected Vehicles
- 2008-2018 Toyota Camry
- 2010-2019 Honda Civic
- 2007-2017 Ford Escape
- 2009-2018 Chevrolet Equinox
- 2011-2020 Kia Optima
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