DTC Code P0280 – What does this code mean?

Severity:
moderate
<ul><li><b>DTC Code P0280:</b> Indicates a high current draw from the fuel injector servicing cylinder 7.</li><li>This generic powertrain code suggests the injector is operating poorly or not at all due to a circuit issue.</li></ul>

Symptoms for DTC Code P0280

<ul> <li><b>Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) Illumination</b>: The MIL will illuminate, indicating the presence of code P0280. This is a direct alert to the driver that there is an issue with the Cylinder 7 Injector Circuit.</li> <li><b>Rough Idle</b>: The engine will run rough at idle, which can be caused by an imbalance in the fuel-air mixture due to the injector circuit issue.</li> <li><b>Poor Fuel Economy</b>: Fuel economy will suffer as the engine may not be receiving the correct amount of fuel, leading to inefficient combustion.</li> <li><b>Lack of Power</b>: There will be a noticeable lack of power, indicated by poor acceleration. This is often due to the engine not receiving the proper fuel delivery from the injector.</li> </ul>

Common Causes for DTC Code P0280

<ul><li>Faulty electrical harness from the PCM to the injector can cause a disruption in the signal, leading to a high voltage draw.</li><li>Faulty electrical connector on the fuel injector may result in poor connectivity, causing the circuit to register high voltage.</li><li>Internally shorted fuel injector can lead to excessive voltage draw, triggering the error code.</li><li>Plugged or dirty fuel injector can cause improper fuel delivery, affecting the injector circuit's performance.</li></ul>

Determine the
root cause with AI

Enter symptoms and error codes and analyze them with artificial intelligence
Car details
Symptoms
Error codes
Thank you!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
✓ Quick
Diagnosis in less than 3 min
✓ Free
No hidden fees
✓ Personalized
Tailored to your case
✓ Data-based
with >40k reference case

Troubleshooting for DTC Code P0280

<ul> <li><b>Initial Scan</b>: Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm the presence of DTC P0280 and check for any additional codes that may be related.</li> <li><b>Visual Inspection</b>: Inspect the wiring and connectors for Cylinder 7 injector for any signs of damage, corrosion, or disconnection.</li> <li><b>Check Injector Resistance</b>: Use a multimeter to measure the resistance of the Cylinder 7 injector. Compare the reading to the manufacturer's specifications.</li> <li><b>Inspect Power Supply</b>: Verify that the injector is receiving the correct voltage by checking the power supply to the injector with a multimeter.</li> <li><b>Test Injector Driver Circuit</b>: Check the injector driver circuit in the Engine Control Module (ECM) for proper operation. This may involve using a test light or oscilloscope.</li> <li><b>Perform Injector Activation Test</b>: Use a scan tool to perform an injector activation test to ensure the injector is functioning correctly.</li> <li><b>Check for ECM Updates</b>: Verify if there are any ECM software updates or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related to this issue and apply them if necessary.</li> <li><b>Replace Injector</b>: If all tests indicate a faulty injector, replace the Cylinder 7 injector and clear the code. Re-test to ensure the issue is resolved.</li></ul>

Severity Description for DTC Code P0280

<p>The DTC code P0280 indicates a high voltage condition in the injector circuit for cylinder 7. This issue can lead to poor engine performance, increased emissions, and potential engine misfires.</p><ul><li><b>Immediate Actions:</b> Inspect the injector wiring and connectors for damage or corrosion.</li><li>Test the injector for proper operation and replace if necessary.</li><li>Check the engine control module (ECM) for faults.</li></ul><p>Delaying repair can result in further engine damage and reduced fuel efficiency.</p>

Related error codes

P1330

C111A

U0415

C1903

B263A

P24B6