{"id":72205,"date":"2022-09-06T02:40:58","date_gmt":"2022-09-06T09:40:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=72205"},"modified":"2026-02-10T17:48:15","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T01:48:15","slug":"p0261-code-cylinder-1-injector-circuit-low","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/p0261-code-cylinder-1-injector-circuit-low\/","title":{"rendered":"P0261 Code: Cylinder 1 Injector Circuit Low"},"content":{"rendered":"\nReading Time: <\/span> 3<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n

Electronic fuel injection systems generally rely on the powertrain control module (PCM) to operate the fuel injectors<\/a> to deliver fuel to the engine cylinders. If the PCM detects a problem with the fuel injector on cylinder #1, the vehicle’s computer will log a P0261 code on a scan tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Does the P0261 Code Mean?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Diagnostic trouble code P0261 stands for “Cylinder 1 Injector Circuit Low.” This is a generic powertrain code that applies to select vehicles with OBD-II.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fuel injection systems are designed to provide the engine with the proper amount of fuel in all of its operating modes. This means that fuel being delivered to the engine is neither too lean nor too rich. However, if one of the fuel injectors breaks down, the fuel mixture can turn lean if the fuel spray pattern is reduced. On the other hand, if an injector is stuck open, a rich mixture can result.
If the PCM detects a low voltage condition in the fuel injector circuit for the #1 cylinder, the vehicle’s computer will set the code P0261.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If the PCM detects a low voltage condition in the fuel injector circuit for the #1 cylinder, it will set the P0261 code.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Note: <\/strong>The definition of code P0261 might be different depending on the vehicle manufacturer. Consult the appropriate repair manual or repair database for the exact code definition.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the Common Causes of the P0261 Code?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n