What causes fault code P0265?

• Most likely: Short circuit to battery voltage (B+) in the injector 2 wiring harness • Likely: Faulty fuel injector (internal solenoid short) • Possible: Corroded or loose electrical connector pins • Rare: Faulty Engine Control Unit (ECU) internal driver failure

How do you fix fault code P0265?

STEP 1: Inspect the fuel injector connector for cylinder 2 for corrosion, moisture, or bent pins. Clean as necessary. STEP 2: Use a digital multimeter to check the resistance of the injector (unplugged). Most high-impedance injectors should read between 11–16 Ohms. If resistance is significantly low, replace the injector. STEP 3: Check for a short to voltage in the wiring harness. Verify if 12V is present on the control wire when it should be grounded by the ECM. STEP 4: Use an oscilloscope to monitor the injector pulse width and signal waveform while the engine is running. STEP 5: If wiring and injector resistance are within spec, the fault may lie within the ECM driver circuit.

Powertrain (Engine & Gearbox)Standard EOBD

P0265 - Cylinder 2 Injector Circuit High

Q: What are the symptoms of fault code P0265?

• Check Engine Light (MIL) illumination • Engine misfire on cylinder 2 • Rough idling and engine vibration • Decreased engine performance and power loss • Increased fuel consumption • Vehicle may enter 'Limp mode'

Last updated:1 February 2026

Related:Fuel Injector, Engine Control Unit (ECU/PCM), Kablage (Wiring Harness), Spark plug (in case of misfire)

System

Powertrain (Engine & Gearbox)

Related Fault Codes

P0200

Injector Circuit Malfunction

P0201

Cylinder 1 Injector Circuit Open

P0202

Injector Circuit - Cylinder 2 - Malfunction

P0203

Injector Circuit - Cylinder 3

Technical Description

P0265 is a generic OBD-II diagnostic trouble code (DTC) indicating that the Engine Control Module (ECM) has detected a high voltage condition within the fuel injector control circuit for cylinder number 2. The ECM monitors the injector circuit for specific voltage and current parameters. If the ECM attempts to ground the circuit to fire the injector but detects that the voltage remains high (short to voltage), P0265 is triggered. This usually implies an electrical fault in the wiring or the injector solenoid itself, preventing the injector from operating as commanded.

Possible Causes

Short circuit to battery voltage (B+) in the injector 2 wiring harness

Faulty fuel injector (internal solenoid short)

Corroded or loose electrical connector pins

Faulty Engine Control Unit (ECU) internal driver failure

Symptoms

Check Engine Light (MIL) illumination

Engine misfire on cylinder 2

Rough idling and engine vibration

Decreased engine performance and power loss

Increased fuel consumption

Vehicle may enter 'Limp mode'

Do you also have
other fault codes?

See how P0265 connects with your other fault codes. Our advanced analysis tool identifies causal relationships and root causes directly.

Analyze multiple codes

P0265 - Cylinder 2 Injector Circuit High

Related Fault Codes

Technical Description

Possible Causes

Symptoms

Recommended Solution

Workflow

Mechanic's Tip

Do you also have
other fault codes?

P0265 - Cylinder 2 Injector Circuit High

Related Fault Codes

Technical Description

Possible Causes

Symptoms

Recommended Solution

Workflow

Mechanic's Tip

Do you also have other fault codes?

Do you also have
other fault codes?