P0270 Code: Cylinder 4 Injector Circuit Low

Reviewed by

William Guzenski, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Contact Center Manager and Technical Reviewer at CarParts.com

Written by CarParts.com Research Team - Updated on August 6th, 2024

Reading Time: 5 minutes
Summary
  • The diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0270 indicates “Cylinder 4 Injector Circuit Low.”
  • The powertrain control module (PCM) will set the P0270 code if it detects a low voltage signal from the fuel injector in cylinder #4.
  • Common causes of the P0270 code are a faulty fuel injector, clogged injector, and PCM failure.
  • A vehicle that sets the P0270 code can show symptoms like an illuminated check engine light, reduced engine performance, and decreased fuel efficiency.

Modern vehicles use electronic fuel injection technology to deliver fuel to the engine. Most systems use one injector per cylinder. A problem with the fuel injector on cylinder #4 can trigger the P0270 code. Use a scan tool to check if this code or other related codes have been stored in your vehicle.

What Does the P0270 Code Mean?

Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0216 stands for “Cylinder 4 Injector Circuit Low.” This code is triggered when the powertrain control module (PCM) detects a low voltage from the fuel injector in cylinder #4. This is likely because of a problem with the fuel injector or its circuit.

Fuel injector problems can cause other issues. For example, oxygen sensors might notice that the engine is running lean. As a result, the engine might compensate by running a rich air-fuel ratio, which will lead to poor fuel economy. The ripple effect doesn’t end there. If the PCM receives mixed signals from various sensors, other issues like insufficient power and catalytic converter damage can occur.

The P0270 code is triggered when the PCM detects a low voltage from the fuel injector in cylinder #4.

Note: The definition of code P0270 might be different depending on the vehicle manufacturer. Consult the appropriate repair manual or repair database for the exact code definition.

What are the Common Causes of the P0270 Code?

The problems that trigger the P0270 code are commonly caused by the following issues:

What are the Common Symptoms of the P0270 Code?

Your vehicle might exhibit the following symptoms if the P0270 is stored:

How to Diagnose the P0270 Code

P0270 is a generic powertrain code that can be triggered in most vehicles with an OBD-II system. Even though this code can be triggered in most modern vehicles, remember that the process to diagnose this code can vary depending on the vehicle’s make and model.

Diagnosing this issue might involve checking the electrical connections to the fuel injectors. If you aren’t familiar with your vehicle, it might be best to have a trained mechanic do the job for you. However, you can do it yourself if you’re confident in your DIY skills.

How to Fix the P0270 Code

There are many possible causes of the problems that trigger a specific OBD-II code, so there are also many ways to fix them. It can be hard to repair the problems that set a P0270 code without the right tools and technical knowledge because you might need to inspect and test the fuel injectors.

Since all vehicles are different, a fix for a problem that triggers an OBD-II code for one vehicle might not work for another because internal components can vary greatly among manufacturers. Under these circumstances, it’s best to bring your vehicle to the nearest repair shop and have a certified mechanic resolve the issue. But if you think you have the experience and automotive know-how to work on your vehicle, make sure to follow the right steps and observe the necessary protocols before you begin.

You should also consult a repair manual or repair database when it comes to troubleshooting and repairing DTCs. Chilton repair manuals can also be useful. An ALLDATA DIY subscription might be better, as it provides detailed factory repair information for drivers who want to do repairs themselves.

Get a Replacement Fuel Injector Today

Unless you replace the faulty fuel injector triggering the P0270 code, your vehicle’s performance will suffer. It’s only a matter of time before you start noticing a decrease in engine performance and fuel efficiency. At some point, your engine is also likely to start running rough. For your own sake, you should replace the fuel injector as soon as possible. Luckily, getting a replacement fuel injector is fast and easy with CarParts.com.

If you’re looking for a brand-new OE-grade fuel injector that perfectly fits your vehicle, you’ve come to the right place. Get the best of the best by choosing from our wide selection of high-quality fuel injectors, sourced from only the most trusted manufacturers in the industry. Don’t forget to use our vehicle selector, so you can easily browse through available parts that are compatible with your ride.

Don’t wait until the faulty fuel injector starts damaging your engine before replacing it. Check out our catalog of high-quality fuel injectors at CarParts.com and order one for your vehicle today!

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Published by
CarParts.com Research Team and William Guzenski, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician