What Does P1205 Mean?
P1205 signals an open or short circuit condition in the fuel injector circuit for cylinder #5. The ECM cannot properly control fuel delivery to cylinder 5 due to an electrical fault in the injector or its wiring. This code is typically found on V6, V8, or inline-5 engines and will produce a noticeable misfire, power loss, and rough running.
Common Causes
30%
Failed fuel injector on cylinder 5 with internal winding failure
25%
Broken, frayed, or corroded wiring in the cylinder 5 injector circuit
20%
Damaged or poorly seated injector electrical connector
15%
ECM/PCM injector driver failure for the cylinder 5 output
10%
Harness routing issue causing wire chafing and intermittent contact
Diagnostic Steps
1
Check freeze frame data for operating conditions at fault onset, and note if any companion misfire codes are stored.
2
Measure cylinder 5 injector resistance and compare to specifications and other cylinder injectors for consistency.
3
Inspect the cylinder 5 injector connector and surrounding harness for physical damage, corrosion, or rodent damage.
4
Perform a pin-to-pin continuity test from the ECM connector to the cylinder 5 injector, checking for opens and shorts.
5
Use an oscilloscope or noid light to verify the injector driver signal is present and has the correct waveform at the cylinder 5 connector.
6
If electrical tests are inconclusive, swap the cylinder 5 injector with another cylinder to isolate the fault to the injector or the circuit.
Estimated Repair Cost
$150 - $650
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
P1205 signals an open or short circuit condition in the fuel injector circuit for cylinder #5. The ECM cannot properly control fuel delivery to cylinder 5 due to an electrical fault in the injector or its wiring. This code is typically found on V6, V8, or inline-5 engines and will produce a noticeab...
The most common cause of P1205 (Injector Circuit Open / Shorted - Cylinder #5) is: Failed fuel injector on cylinder 5 with internal winding failure
Typical repair costs for P1205 range from $150 to $650, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
A non-firing cylinder causes power loss and rough operation. Unburned fuel passing through the exhaust can overheat and damage the catalytic converter, creating a potential fire risk under the vehicle.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P1205 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Fuel Injection System
Difficulty
Type
Manufacturer
Recommended Tools
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