P0264
Cylinder 2 Injector Circuit Low
If your code reader dashboard displays the generic DTC error code P0264, your vehicle is currently experiencing an active failure related to "Cylinder 2 Injector Circuit Low". Proper system troubleshooting is required to safely clear this warning.
Driver's Summary
Code P0264 means your vehicle detected a problem with the cylinder 2 injector circuit low system. You may notice rough idle, hesitation under load, check engine light, all of which are direct consequences of this malfunction. This is a serious fault — avoid extended driving and have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
Symptoms
Rough idle, hesitation under load, check engine light
Common Causes
- Faulty Cylinder 2 fuel injector
- Wiring harness shorted to ground
- Corroded injector plug
- Failed PCM component
How to Fix
- 1 Replace fuel injector on Cylinder 2
- 2 Repair wiring harness
- 3 Apply dielectric grease to clean connector
- 4 Replace PCM
Technical Explanation
To set P0264, the PCM samples the affected circuit multiple times per second, comparing live readings against manufacturer-programmed operating windows. Misfire rate is counted per cylinder over rolling windows and compared against two thresholds: a catalyst-damaging rate (triggers flashing MIL) and an emissions-exceeding rate (triggers solid MIL). The PCM logs which cylinder is misfiring based on crankshaft position at the time of each detected event. After two failed drive cycles, the code transitions from a pending to a confirmed DTC, and the PCM activates the MIL. Clearing the code without repairing the fault will result in re-illumination within one to two complete drive cycles.
Is It Safe to Drive?
This fault carries real mechanical risk. The root causes — including faulty cylinder 2 fuel injector — can trigger a chain reaction of component failures if the vehicle continues to be driven. Have it towed or drive directly to a shop without delay.
Mechanic's Pro Tip
Before replacing any component on P0264, spend 5 minutes inspecting the wiring harness and connector first — corrosion, chafed insulation, and backed-out pins cause the majority of these faults and cost nothing to fix. Use a multimeter to measure voltage drop across the connector pins under load; anything above 0.1V indicates excessive resistance that will cause intermittent failures even after replacing the sensor.
Injector replacement: $150 - $400