What causes fault code P0280?

• Most likely: Short to voltage (B+) in the wiring harness for injector 7 • Likely: Defective fuel injector (internal electrical short) • Possible: Corroded or damaged connector at the injector • Rare: Internal Engine Control Module (PCM) driver failure

How do you fix fault code P0280?

STEP 1: Inspect the connector on injector 7 and the wiring harness for signs of chafing, melting, or corrosion. Clean contacts if necessary. STEP 2: Measure the internal resistance of the injector using a multimeter (connector unplugged). Most high-impedance injectors should read between 12–16 Ohms. If significantly lower or 0 Ohms, the injector is shorted. STEP 3: Check for short to voltage in the wiring. With ignition on and engine off, monitor the signal wire; it should not have constant B+ if the driver is not active. Use an oscilloscope to verify the injector pulse wave form. STEP 4: Replace the fuel injector if resistance is out of spec or if the fault moves to another cylinder after swapping injectors.

Powertrain (Engine & Gearbox)Standard EOBD

P0280 - Cylinder 7 Injector Circuit High

Q: What are the symptoms of fault code P0280?

• Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminated • Engine misfire on cylinder 7 • Rough idling and reduced engine performance • Increased fuel consumption • Smell of raw fuel from the exhaust

Last updated:1 February 2026

Related:Fuel Injector Cylinder 7, Engine Control Module (PCM/ECU), Wiring Harness, Fuel Rail

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

P0280 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code indicating that the Engine Control Module (ECM) has detected a high voltage condition in the fuel injector circuit for cylinder number 7. This state typically suggests a short to voltage (B+) in the wiring harness or an internal short within the injector coil itself. The ECM monitors the injector driver circuit; if the voltage remains above a specific threshold when the driver is commanded on, or if the feedback voltage exceeds expected parameters, the fault is logged. This condition leads to a misfire or failure of the injector to pulse correctly.

Possible Causes

Short to voltage (B+) in the wiring harness for injector 7

Defective fuel injector (internal electrical short)

Corroded or damaged connector at the injector

Internal Engine Control Module (PCM) driver failure

Symptoms

Check Engine Light (MIL) illuminated

Engine misfire on cylinder 7

Rough idling and reduced engine performance

Increased fuel consumption

Smell of raw fuel from the exhaust

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P0280 - Cylinder 7 Injector Circuit High

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P0280 - Cylinder 7 Injector Circuit High

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