What Does P1268 Mean?
The ECM has detected a high-to-low side short circuit in the cylinder #3 fuel injector driver circuit. This alternate manufacturer-specific code describes the same fault condition as P1263, where the injector's power and control wires are shorted together. The ECM cannot properly control fuel injection timing and duration for cylinder #3, causing a misfire.
Safety Warning
Cylinder #3 will misfire continuously, causing rough idle, hesitation, and reduced power. Catalytic converter damage from unburned fuel is a concern with prolonged driving. The shorted circuit can also damage the ECM's injector driver, escalating repair costs.
Common Causes
35%
Physical damage to the cylinder #3 injector harness causing internal wire-to-wire short
30%
Failed cylinder #3 fuel injector with shorted internal coil windings
20%
Corroded or contaminated connector at the cylinder #3 injector
15%
ECM internal failure on the cylinder #3 injector driver output
Diagnostic Steps
1
Check for misfire code P0303 and other injector driver codes to assess the extent of the problem.
2
Disconnect the cylinder #3 injector and inspect the electrical connector for signs of corrosion, heat damage, or cross-pin contamination.
3
Measure the fuel injector resistance and verify it falls within the manufacturer's specified range. Test for shorts between terminals and the injector body.
4
With the injector disconnected, check for continuity between the two harness wires at the connector — continuity confirms a wiring short.
5
Perform an injector swap between cylinder #3 and an adjacent cylinder, clear codes, and retest to determine if the fault is in the injector or the circuit.
Estimated Repair Cost
$100 - $500
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The ECM has detected a high-to-low side short circuit in the cylinder #3 fuel injector driver circuit. This alternate manufacturer-specific code describes the same fault condition as P1263, where the injector's power and control wires are shorted together. The ECM cannot properly control fuel inject...
The most common cause of P1268 (Cylinder #3 High To Low Side Short) is: Physical damage to the cylinder #3 injector harness causing internal wire-to-wire short
Typical repair costs for P1268 range from $100 to $500, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Cylinder #3 will misfire continuously, causing rough idle, hesitation, and reduced power. Catalytic converter damage from unburned fuel is a concern with prolonged driving. The shorted circuit can also damage the ECM's injector driver, escalating repair costs.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P1268 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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