HomeTrouble CodesP0264

P0264 — Cylinder 2 Injector Circuit Low

Generic OBD-II · all makesPowertrain (engine & transmission)

P0264 indicates that the powertrain control module has detected a low voltage condition in the circuit of the fuel injector for cylinder 2. This usually means the injector is not receiving enough power to open properly.

Symptoms

What causes it — most likely first

1. Faulty cylinder 2 injector

The injector may have an internal short or open circuit that prevents it from drawing the proper voltage.

2. Wiring harness damage

Chafed, broken, or corroded wires in the injector circuit can cause a drop in voltage.

3. Poor connector contact

Loose, dirty, or oxidized injector connector pins can increase resistance and produce a low‑voltage reading.

4. Injector driver circuit in the PCM

A malfunctioning driver transistor inside the powertrain control module can limit voltage to the injector, but this is less common than external faults.

How it's diagnosed

  1. Scan the vehicle and confirm P0264 is present, then clear the code and see if it returns.
  2. Inspect the injector wiring for visible damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
  3. Measure injector circuit voltage at the connector while the engine is cranking; it should be close to battery voltage (≈12 V).
  4. Perform a resistance test on the injector coil (typically 10‑30 Ω) and compare to specifications.
  5. Swap the cylinder 2 injector with a known good injector from another cylinder and re‑scan; if the code follows the injector, replace it.
  6. If all external checks are good, test the PCM injector driver output with a scope or a dedicated test tool; replace PCM only after confirming the driver is defective.

Code facts & related codes

SystemPowertrain (engine & transmission)
StandardizationSAE generic — identical on every make

Frequently asked

Can a bad spark plug cause P0264?

No. P0264 specifically monitors the injector circuit voltage, not ignition components. A faulty spark plug may cause a misfire but will not trigger this code.

Is the PCM usually the problem for P0264?

In the majority of cases the PCM is not at fault. External wiring, connectors, or the injector itself are far more common causes. PCM replacement should be a last resort after all other diagnostics are exhausted.

Will cleaning the injector solve the problem?

Cleaning may help if the injector is sticking mechanically, but P0264 is a low‑voltage circuit issue. Unless the cleaning also resolves a short or open circuit, it is unlikely to clear the code.

Can a weak battery cause this code?

A severely weak or failing battery can cause low system voltage, but the PCM monitors injector voltage relative to battery voltage and usually compensates. Only a battery that cannot maintain proper voltage under load would potentially affect the reading, and it would likely trigger additional codes.