How much does it cost to fix P0265?

DIY repair typically costs $15–$150 for parts. Professional repair runs $100–$500 including parts and labor.

P0265

Powertrain

Moderate

Cylinder 2 Injector Circuit High

What could P0265 mean for your vehicle?

Add your vehicle to explore possible causes and next checks. AI guidance helps you investigate; it does not confirm a diagnosis.

The P0265 code means the PCM has detected higher-than-expected voltage in the cylinder 2 fuel injector circuit. The 'circuit high' designation indicates an electrical fault — most commonly a short to battery voltage in the wiring harness, a fuel injector with an open or high-resistance coil, or a malfunctioning PCM driver.

When the injector circuit voltage is too high, the injector may either fire continuously (causing fuel flooding on that cylinder) or not fire at all if the coil is open. Either condition results in a misfire on cylinder 2, causing rough running, vibration, and poor performance. The Check Engine Light will typically illuminate, and may flash if the misfire is severe enough.

Diagnosis should begin with a visual inspection of the wiring and connector for the cylinder 2 injector. Look for melted insulation, wires rubbing against metal engine components, or corroded pins. Use a multimeter to check the injector coil resistance — if it reads significantly higher than specification or as an open circuit, the injector needs replacement. This is a relatively affordable repair, especially if the cause turns out to be a wiring issue or the injector itself.

Severity

Moderate — Address SoonThis Week

Symptoms

•Engine misfires or runs rough
•Check Engine Light is on or flashing
•Reduced engine power and sluggish acceleration
•Rough idle that may cause the vehicle to vibrate
•Increased fuel consumption

Likely Causes

Short to voltage in injector wiring35%

Damaged wiring insulation that contacts a nearby power source creates a short to battery voltage, causing the cylinder 2 injector circuit to read above the PCM's expected voltage range.

Faulty fuel injector (open coil or high resistance)30%

An injector with an open coil or excessively high resistance causes the voltage in the circuit to read higher than normal. The injector may fail to open or fire intermittently.

PCM injector driver stuck on20%

If the PCM's internal driver transistor for cylinder 2 is stuck on or not properly switching, the injector may receive continuous voltage, and the PCM detects a high circuit condition.

Corroded or high-resistance connector15%

Connector pins with significant corrosion can create a high-resistance connection that causes voltage readings to appear elevated, especially under load when current flow increases.