What Does P1206 Mean?
P1206 indicates an open or short circuit in the fuel injector circuit for cylinder #1. The ECM has detected that the injector on cylinder 1 is not responding to driver commands as expected, likely due to a wiring fault or injector failure. Since cylinder 1 is often the most accessible, connector issues from engine bay heat exposure are common contributors.
Common Causes
30%
Failed fuel injector on cylinder 1 with open or shorted coil
25%
Corroded or heat-damaged wiring to the cylinder 1 injector
20%
Loose or corroded injector connector at cylinder 1
15%
ECM injector driver circuit malfunction for cylinder 1
10%
Wiring harness damage from engine vibration or maintenance interference
Diagnostic Steps
1
Review freeze frame data and check for companion misfire codes (P0301) to confirm the cylinder 1 misfire condition.
2
Measure the resistance of the cylinder 1 fuel injector and compare against factory specification and neighboring injector readings.
3
Inspect the injector connector at cylinder 1 for signs of heat damage, corrosion, or poor terminal tension.
4
Perform continuity and short-circuit tests on the wiring between the ECM and the cylinder 1 injector connector.
5
Verify the ECM is outputting the correct injector pulse using a noid light or oscilloscope at the injector connector.
6
Swap the cylinder 1 injector to another cylinder position, clear codes, and test drive to determine if the fault follows the injector.
Estimated Repair Cost
$150 - $600
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
P1206 indicates an open or short circuit in the fuel injector circuit for cylinder #1. The ECM has detected that the injector on cylinder 1 is not responding to driver commands as expected, likely due to a wiring fault or injector failure. Since cylinder 1 is often the most accessible, connector iss...
The most common cause of P1206 (Injector Circuit Open / Shorted - Cylinder #1) is: Failed fuel injector on cylinder 1 with open or shorted coil
Typical repair costs for P1206 range from $150 to $600, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
A dead cylinder 1 reduces engine output and causes rough running. Continuous misfire can lead to catalytic converter overheating and degradation, with risk of exhaust system fire in extreme cases.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P1206 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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