OBD-II Code P0260 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

P0260 is an injector circuit fault for Cylinder 2, Group B. It means the engine computer detected a problem with the electrical circuit controlling fuel injector 2. The injector may not be opening and closing correctly, which disrupts fuel delivery to that cylinder. You may feel engine misfires, rough idling, poor acceleration, or a loss of power on one cylinder. This affects engine performance and fuel efficiency, and needs to be addressed soon.

Affected Models

All vehicles 1996+
Common in Ford, GM, Toyota, Honda
Common in any multi-port fuel injected engine
Common in high-mileage vehicles
Common after DIY injector work with improper reinstallation

Common Causes

Faulty fuel injector on cylinder 2 with an open or shorted internal coil
Damaged wiring or broken wire in the injector circuit between ECM and injector
Corroded or loose connector at the cylinder 2 injector
Failed ECM driver circuit for cylinder 2 injector output
Injector harness chafing against engine components causing a short

How to Fix It

Connect an OBD-II scanner and check if cylinder 2 also has a misfire code (like P0302). A misfire code alongside P0260 confirms the injector circuit fault is actually affecting combustion.

The combination of P0260 + P0302 is a strong sign the injector or its wiring is faulty.
Inspect the wiring harness and connector at the cylinder 2 injector. Look for damaged insulation, pulled wires, or corroded pins. On many engines, the injector harness runs close to hot exhaust and can melt over time.

Clean corroded connectors with electrical contact cleaner. Replace damaged connectors entirely.
Use a multimeter to measure the resistance of the cylinder 2 injector. Disconnect it from the harness and measure resistance across the two terminals. Compare to the spec in your service manual.

Most fuel injectors measure between 12–17 ohms. Readings far outside this range indicate a failed injector.
Swap the cylinder 2 injector with an injector from another cylinder. Then clear the codes and drive briefly. If the fault code moves to the new cylinder location, the injector is bad. If it stays on cylinder 2, the wiring or ECM is the problem.

This swap test is the cleanest way to confirm whether the injector or the circuit is at fault.
Replace the faulty injector if the swap test confirms it. Use OEM or quality aftermarket injectors — cheap injectors often fail quickly. Have the new injector professionally flow-tested if possible.

Some shops can clean and test your original injectors before replacement — this saves money if they're serviceable.

When to Call a Professional

If swapping the injector to another cylinder confirms the fault follows the injector, replacement is needed. If the fault stays on cylinder 2 after swapping, the wiring or ECM is the problem. ECM repair or replacement is best left to a shop with the right diagnostic equipment. Expect $150–$400 per injector installed, plus any wiring repair costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a bad injector damage my engine?

Yes, over time. An injector stuck open over-fuels the cylinder, washing oil off the cylinder wall and causing premature wear. An injector stuck closed starves the cylinder of fuel, causing misfires that can overheat and damage the catalytic converter. Get it fixed before either situation causes further damage.

Is P0260 the same as a cylinder 2 misfire?

Not exactly, but they're closely related. P0260 is an electrical circuit fault — it means the injector's control circuit has a problem. A misfire code (P0302) means that cylinder actually failed to fire. You can have P0260 without a misfire if the injector is still partially working. But if the circuit is bad enough, a misfire usually follows.

How much does it cost to fix P0260?

Wiring or connector repair: $100–$350. Fuel injector replacement (one injector): $150–$400 installed. If all injectors need replacement: $600–$1,200 for a full set. ECM repair (worst case): $300–$1,500 depending on vehicle.