P0276
Cylinder 6 Injector Circuit LowP0276 is a generic OBD-II powertrain diagnostic trouble code: Cylinder 6 Injector Circuit Low. It is logged by the engine control unit when the fuel/inj monitor detects that a specific fault threshold has been exceeded — typically resulting in the malfunction-indicator lamp (MIL / check-engine light) being illuminated.
What P0276 means
P0276 — Cylinder 6 Injector Circuit Low — is stored when the PCM measures a voltage or current level in the cylinder 6 injector control circuit that falls below the manufacturer-specified minimum. The low reading typically indicates that too little voltage is reaching the injector, preventing it from opening with the correct timing and duration. The MIL illuminates and engine operation may become rough immediately.
This code is relevant to any six-or-more-cylinder engine fitted with individual fuel injectors: V6, inline-6, V8, V10, and V12 configurations all carry a cylinder numbered 6. Common affected platforms include GM V8 trucks (LS/LM-series), Ford Modular V8, Mercedes-Benz M-class V6/V8, BMW inline-6, and most diesel V6 engines. A low-circuit condition causes the injector to fire weakly or not at all, producing a lean mixture in cylinder 6 that triggers detonation, knock-sensor retard, rough running, and reduced power.
The fault is most often electrical rather than mechanical: a corroded connector, a chafed wire creating a partial open-circuit, or a failed injector solenoid winding are the primary suspects. Because the PCM drives the low side of the injector circuit, a short to ground in the control wire or a fault inside the injector driver stage of the PCM can also generate this code. Accurate diagnosis requires a wiring schematic and a digital multimeter or oscilloscope before any component is replaced.
Common causes
Most-frequently reported root causes when P0276 is logged.
-
1
Corroded, loose, or damaged electrical connector at the cylinder 6 injector.
-
2
Open circuit or high resistance in the injector control wiring between PCM and injector.
-
3
Failed injector solenoid coil (open winding) on cylinder 6.
-
4
Short to ground in the injector low-side control wire.
-
5
Faulty injector driver circuit inside the PCM.
-
6
Clogged injector filter screen causing the solenoid to draw insufficient current.
-
7
Poor battery voltage or a failing alternator reducing available injector drive voltage.
Symptoms drivers notice
How to diagnose P0276
A typical diagnostic flow when this code is present.
-
1
Retrieve all DTCs with a scan tool; note companion codes such as P0306 (cylinder 6 misfire) and any PCM-driver or fuel-system codes.
-
2
Visually inspect the cylinder 6 injector connector and harness for corrosion, pushed-out pins, melted insulation, or chafing against engine components.
-
3
Measure injector coil resistance with a DMM between the two injector terminals; typical specification is 0.5–2.0 Ω for port injectors and 0.3–1.0 Ω for high-pressure direct injectors — an open reading confirms a failed coil.
-
4
Use a noid light or injector pulse tester connected to the connector to confirm whether the PCM is delivering a drive signal when the engine cranks.
-
5
Back-probe the PCM injector driver pin with a voltmeter to verify that control-side voltage swings correctly; a stuck-high reading indicates an internal PCM driver fault.
-
6
Check fuel rail pressure to rule out a system-wide low-pressure condition before condemning a single injector.
-
7
Replace or repair the confirmed faulty component — connector, harness, injector, or PCM — and clear codes before verifying the repair with a test drive.
Related powertrain codes
- P0065 — Air Assisted Injector Control Range/Performance
- P0066 — Air Assisted Injector Control Circuit or Circuit Low
- P0067 — Air Assisted Injector Control Circuit High
- P0087 — Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too Low
- P0088 — Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too High
- P0089 — Fuel Pressure Regulator 1 Performance
Frequently asked questions
Is P0276 a wiring problem or an injector problem?
Both are possible. The circuit extends from the PCM driver stage, through the wiring harness, through the injector connector, and through the injector coil itself. Start by inspecting the connector and measuring coil resistance — most P0276 faults are connector or harness related before the injector itself fails.
Can a bad PCM cause P0276?
Yes, but it is uncommon. The PCM contains dedicated injector driver transistors; if the cylinder 6 driver fails, it cannot pull the injector control wire low and the circuit voltage stays high or erratic. Confirm injector and wiring integrity first before suspecting the PCM.
Will P0276 trigger limp mode?
On many vehicles the ECU will enable a reduced-power or limp-home mode when a single cylinder is confirmed non-functional, particularly on turbocharged engines or those with catalyst-temperature protection strategies. Behaviour varies by manufacturer.
How do I test a fuel injector at home?
Use a digital multimeter set to resistance (Ω). Unplug the injector connector and probe the two terminals on the injector body. A reading within the manufacturer's specified range (typically 0.5–16 Ω depending on type) indicates an electrically sound coil; an open-circuit (OL) or very high reading means the injector coil has failed.
Disabling P0276 in software
RaceTune can permanently disable P0276 — and any other OBD-II diagnostic trouble code — on every ECU family we support. The monitor is disabled inside the ECU itself, so the fault stops being logged: the warning light stays off and the engine never enters limp mode for this code. The change is tied to your exact software version.
Software modifications affect emissions compliance and are not road-legal in many jurisdictions. RaceTune service files are intended for motorsport, off-road, and export use.
Got P0276 in your scan?
Upload your ECU file — we'll identify the exact software version and confirm whether a disable is available for your car.
Upload your file