OBD codes / P0276
P0276
ModerateCylinder 6 Injector Circuit Low
A dead or erratic cylinder 6 pushes unburned fuel into the exhaust, and the catalytic converter can overheat if that continues for long. Drive sparingly and gently until it's repaired; if the check-engine light flashes, stop driving and have it diagnosed immediately.
What this code means
P0276 means the ECM measured lower-than-expected voltage on the cylinder 6 injector control circuit — the electrical fingerprint of a short to ground, an open circuit, or an injector coil that has shorted internally. The distinction matters: this monitor watches the circuit, not the spray, so a mechanically clogged injector won't set it. Six-cylinder and larger engines carry this code, and cylinder 6's location differs a lot between an inline-six, a V6, and a V8, so consult your engine's cylinder-numbering diagram before assuming which injector to test. The efficient diagnostic path is comparing cylinder 6's injector resistance and wiring against a known-good cylinder, then swap-testing if results are ambiguous. When the injector actually quits firing, P0206 (cylinder 6 injector circuit) and P0306 (cylinder 6 misfire) commonly store alongside.
Symptoms you might notice
- Misfire localized to cylinder 6
- Rough or lumpy idle
- Loss of power, especially noticeable under load
- Check-engine light, possibly flashing during heavy misfire
- Occasionally no symptoms if the circuit fault is intermittent
What it costs to fix
Typical range: $60–$450 · about ~0.5–2 hrs of labor
| If the cause is… | Part | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel injector (single) | $50–$300 | ~0.5–2 hrs |
| Wiring/connector repair | $5–$50 | ~0.5–2 hrs |
The spread depends mostly on what fails and where it lives: wiring repairs are cheap, injectors cost more, and V-engines whose rear-bank injectors hide under the intake — or direct-injection engines with pricier injectors — land at the top of the range.
The price swings on which cause it turns out to be — so confirm the cause before paying. Diagnose P0276 for my exact vehicle →
Frequently asked
Does P0276 mean I need a new injector?
Not automatically. The code condemns the circuit, not the injector specifically — wiring shorted to ground and corroded connectors set it just as readily. Test the injector's resistance first; replace it only if it reads shorted, open, or clearly different from the other cylinders.
What's the difference between circuit low and circuit high?
Direction of the voltage error. 'Low' (P0276) usually means a short to ground or a shorted injector coil pulled the circuit voltage down. 'High' (P0277) usually means an open circuit, corrosion resistance, or a short to battery voltage pushed it up.
How risky is driving with P0276?
The engine will usually limp along on the remaining cylinders, but every mile of active misfire sends raw fuel at the catalytic converter. Short, easy trips while you arrange the fix are reasonable; sustained driving or a flashing light is not.
Why do I also see P0306 on my scanner?
P0306 is the misfire code for the same cylinder — the downstream effect of the circuit fault P0276 describes. When both are present, fix the electrical problem first; the misfire code almost always stops returning once the injector fires properly again.
Seeing P0276 on your car? Get a diagnosis specific to your exact year, make and model.
Diagnose P0276 for my vehicleRelated trouble codes
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Generic OBD-II reference. Manufacturer-specific behavior varies — confirm with a scan tool and, for safety-related codes, a professional inspection.