P0270: 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 May 3rd, 2024

Reading Time: 3 minutes
Summary
  • DTC P0270 stands for “Cylinder 4 Injector Circuit Low.”
  • This code is logged when the PCM detects low voltage from the cylinder #4 injector circuit in the firing order.
  • Code P0270 is commonly caused by dirty fuel injectors, malfunctioning fuel injectors, and connector issues.
  • Symptoms of code P0270 include a lit check engine light, a rough running engine, and poor fuel economy.

The electronic fuel injection system is controlled by your vehicle’s powertrain control module (PCM). The latter has special transistors called “drivers” that turn the fuel injectors on and off.

P0270 is a generic trouble code related to a fault in the cylinder 4 injector circuit. Know more about it through this article.

What Does the P0270 Code Mean?

Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0270 stands for “Cylinder 4 Injector Circuit Low.” The code is set once the PCM detects low voltage from the cylinder #4 injector circuit in the firing order.

Each of the fuel injectors is equipped with a solenoid-operated valve that allows pressurized fuel to flow out.

Each of the fuel injectors is equipped with a solenoid-operated valve that allows pressurized fuel to flow out. The valve is controlled by a special transistor called a “driver.” The “driver” needs to be energized to create a closed circuit and move the valve to an open position.

The PCM monitors fuel injection operation and electrical resistance. A low voltage situation in cylinder #4 might mean your fuel injector is malfunctioning.

Note: The definition of code P0270 can differ according to the vehicle manufacturer. Check the appropriate repair manual or repair database for the exact code definition.

What are the Common Causes of the P0270 Code?

What are the Common Symptoms of the P0270 Code?

How to Diagnose the P0270 Code

DTC P0270 can be retrieved from vehicles of various makes and models. However, this does not mean that the diagnostic and repair procedures are the same for all vehicles.

If you’re an experienced DIYer, you can opt to do the job yourself. If you are unfamiliar with the system or vehicle repair in general, you should have a mechanic diagnose the problem.

The following video will give you an idea of what the diagnostic process might entail:

How to Fix the P0270 Code

It is not simple to fix code P0270. If you’re not familiar with vehicle repair, we recommend taking your vehicle to a mechanic.

If you have the necessary tools and know-how, you can try to fix the problem yourself. But before attempting any fixes, it’s good to brush up on your knowledge and research vehicle-specific repair information.

Repair manuals like those from Chilton or a subscription to an online repair database may provide you with the information you need to clear this code.

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