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P02B6

Moderate

Cylinder 8 - Fuel Trim at Max Limit

What Does P02B6 Mean?

The ECM has detected that the individual fuel trim correction for cylinder 8 has reached its maximum enrichment limit. The system is adding the maximum allowable extra fuel to cylinder 8 but still cannot achieve a stoichiometric mixture, indicating a severe lean condition on that cylinder. The driver may notice a cylinder 8 misfire, rough idle, hesitation under acceleration, and reduced power.

Common Causes

30%

Clogged or partially restricted cylinder 8 fuel injector unable to deliver adequate fuel

fuel injector #8
injector filter basket

25%

Vacuum leak at the cylinder 8 intake runner gasket or port allowing unmetered air entry

intake manifold gasket
intake runner seal
vacuum hose

20%

Faulty cylinder 8 injector electrical circuit reducing pulse width or causing intermittent operation

injector wiring harness
injector connector
ECM injector driver

15%

Low fuel pressure at the rail causing inadequate fuel delivery to cylinder 8

fuel pump
fuel pressure regulator
fuel filter

10%

Exhaust leak near the cylinder 8 port introducing false lean readings to the O2 sensor

exhaust manifold gasket
exhaust manifold

Diagnostic Steps

1

Review live data for cylinder 8 individual fuel trim — confirm it is at or near the maximum positive correction limit (typically +25% to +30%).

2

Perform a smoke test on the intake manifold focusing on the cylinder 8 intake runner, gasket surfaces, and vacuum connections.

3

Run an injector balance test by disabling each injector individually and comparing rpm drops — cylinder 8 should produce a similar drop as the others.

4

Check fuel rail pressure at key-on engine-off and at idle (typically 55-62 PSI), then verify it maintains pressure under load.

5

Inspect the cylinder 8 injector connector for corrosion, backed-out pins, or wiring damage, and measure injector resistance (typically 11-17 ohms).

6

If the vehicle has a V8 configuration, also check the fuel rail crossover tube or balance line for restrictions that could starve the rear bank.

Estimated Repair Cost

$150 - $500

Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P02B6 mean?

The ECM has detected that the individual fuel trim correction for cylinder 8 has reached its maximum enrichment limit. The system is adding the maximum allowable extra fuel to cylinder 8 but still cannot achieve a stoichiometric mixture, indicating a severe lean condition on that cylinder. The drive...

What causes P02B6?

The most common cause of P02B6 (Cylinder 8 - Fuel Trim at Max Limit) is: Clogged or partially restricted cylinder 8 fuel injector unable to deliver adequate fuel

How much does it cost to fix P02B6?

Typical repair costs for P02B6 range from $150 to $500, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.

Is it safe to drive with P02B6?

Driveable short distances but extended driving is not recommended. A maxed-out lean fuel trim on cylinder 8 causes elevated combustion temperatures risking catalytic converter damage and potential piston or valve damage from detonation.

How do I diagnose P02B6?

Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P02B6 to identify the root cause.

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Quick Info

Category

Powertrain

System

Fuel System

Difficulty

Moderate

Type

Generic (SAE)

Recommended Tools

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