P0208
Fix within a few daysThe engine computer detected an electrical problem with the fuel injector for cylinder #8. This means the circuit is open or has incorrect resistance.
Code P0208 means the fuel injector circuit for cylinder 8 has an electrical problem. Common causes: Bad injector (60%), wiring issues (30%). Drivability: Yes, for short trips, but fix quickly. Repair cost: $50-$200 DIY, $150-$500 professional.
Can I Drive With P0208?
Yes, for short trips only
Essential trips under 10 miles, avoid highways and heavy acceleration. Fix immediately.
Stop driving immediately if: Flashing Check Engine Light, loud engine noises, burning smell, significant power loss, or rotten egg smell from the exhaust.
Symptoms of P0208
- 1Engine misfire on cylinder 8
- 2Rough idle or engine shaking
- 3Reduced engine power
- 4Poor fuel economy
- 5Check Engine Light is on, possibly flashing
Common Causes of P0208
Parts most likely causing this code, ranked by probability
The fuel injector itself has an internal electrical open circuit, preventing it from firing correctly.
60% of P0208 cases are fixed by replacing this part
Damage, corrosion, or an open circuit in the wiring leading to the cylinder 8 fuel injector prevents proper electrical signal.
30% of P0208 cases are fixed by repairing or replacing wiring
A loose, corroded, or damaged electrical connector at the cylinder 8 fuel injector interrupts the circuit.
8% of P0208 cases are fixed by repairing or replacing the connector
The engine computer's internal driver circuit for cylinder 8's fuel injector has failed, which is a rare but possible cause.
2% of P0208 cases are fixed by replacing the ECM/PCM
Check These First (Before Buying Parts)
- Visually inspect the electrical connector on cylinder 8's fuel injector for looseness, corrosion, or damage.
- Inspect the wiring harness leading to the injector for any signs of fraying, cuts, or rodent damage.
How to Diagnose P0208
- 1Visually inspect the wiring and connector for cylinder 8's fuel injector for damage or corrosion.
- 2With the engine off, disconnect the injector and use a multimeter to check the resistance of the cylinder 8 fuel injector. Compare to specifications or another injector.
- 3With the engine cranking, use a noid light or multimeter to check for power and ground signals at the cylinder 8 injector connector.
- 4If the injector resistance is out of spec, swap the cylinder 8 injector with an injector from another cylinder and see if the code moves.
- 5If all checks pass, inspect the wiring harness back to the ECM/PCM for continuity and shorts.
P0208 on Popular Vehicles
Ford F-150
2004-2024On V8 F-150s, a failed fuel injector is a common cause for P0208. Inspect the injector connector and wiring carefully for signs of corrosion or damage, as these trucks are exposed to harsh conditions.
75% fixed by replacing injector or repairing wiring
Chevrolet Silverado
2007-2024Silverado trucks with V8 engines can experience P0208 due to a faulty fuel injector or issues with the injector's electrical connector. Check for oil leaks that might contaminate the wiring.
70% fixed by replacing injector or connector
Honda Accord
2003-2024If your Accord has a V6 engine, cylinder 8 is typically on the rear bank, making access more challenging. While less common than on trucks, a failed injector or wiring issue can still occur.
65% fixed by replacing injector or repairing wiring
Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0208 mean?
P0208 indicates an electrical fault in the fuel injector circuit for cylinder #8. The engine computer is not detecting the correct electrical signal from that injector.
Can I drive with P0208?
Yes, for short trips only. A P0208 code means cylinder 8 is misfiring. Continued driving with a misfire sends unburned fuel into your exhaust, which can quickly damage your catalytic converter. If the Check Engine Light is flashing, stop driving immediately.
Will P0208 clear itself?
No, P0208 will not clear itself. This code indicates a hard electrical fault or a component failure that requires diagnosis and repair. The engine computer will keep the light on until the underlying issue is fixed.
How do I fix P0208 myself?
Start by inspecting the wiring and connector for cylinder 8's fuel injector. If they look good, test the injector's resistance with a multimeter. If the resistance is off, replace the cylinder 8 fuel injector. If the injector tests good, you'll need to check the wiring harness for continuity back to the engine computer.
How much does it cost to fix P0208?
If you do it yourself, replacing a fuel injector for cylinder 8 typically costs $50-$200 for the part. A professional repair at a shop will cost $150-$500, including parts and labor.
P0208 keeps coming back - why?
If P0208 keeps returning, it means the root cause was not fully addressed. This often happens if you only replaced the injector but the wiring harness or connector was the actual problem, or if there's an intermittent electrical fault that wasn't caught during initial diagnosis. A rare cause is a faulty engine computer.
Will P0208 fail emissions/smog test?
Yes, P0208 will cause your vehicle to fail an emissions or smog test. Any active Check Engine Light, especially one related to a misfire or fuel system, is an automatic failure.
What's the difference between P0208 and P0308?
P0208 specifically indicates an electrical circuit problem with the fuel injector for cylinder #8. P0308 indicates a general misfire on cylinder #8, which could be caused by the injector, spark plug, ignition coil, or even mechanical engine issues. P0208 points directly to the injector's electrical function.
P0208 on Ford F-150?
On Ford F-150s, especially those with V8 engines, P0208 is commonly caused by a failed fuel injector. Access to the injectors can vary by engine, but they are generally serviceable. Always check the wiring and connector first, as these trucks can experience corrosion or rodent damage to wiring.
Questions to Ask Your Mechanic
Did you test the resistance of the cylinder 8 fuel injector?
Good answer: Yes, I measured it at X ohms, which is within specification (or out of specification). This tells me if the injector itself has an internal electrical fault.
What did you find when checking for power and ground at the injector connector?
Good answer: I used a noid light and confirmed there's a strong pulse signal, indicating the wiring and PCM driver are working (or I found no power/ground, indicating a wiring issue).
Repair Cost Estimate
DIY Repair
Parts only
$50-$200
Shop Repair
Parts + labor
$150-$500
Save $100-$300 by doing it yourself
Difficulty
intermediate
Time
1-3 hours
Intermediate - requires basic electrical diagnostic tools like a multimeter and potentially a noid light, along with mechanical skills to access and replace the injector.
Cost of Waiting
Continued driving with a P0208 code means cylinder 8 is misfiring. This sends unburned fuel into your exhaust system, which rapidly overheats and destroys your catalytic converter. A $50-$200 fuel injector repair now prevents a $800-$2,500 catalytic converter replacement later.
While You're In There...
These seals are removed and often degrade during injector replacement, and replacing them prevents fuel leaks.
If the misfire has been ongoing, the spark plug in cylinder 8 may be fouled and replacing it ensures optimal combustion.
Tools You'll Need
- OBD-II scan tool
- Multimeter
- Noid light set (optional, but highly recommended)
- Basic hand tools (sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers)
- Fuel injector puller (if applicable to vehicle)
P0208 is a common code indicating a problem with a single fuel injector circuit. Most repairs are straightforward and involve replacing the injector or fixing a wiring issue, getting your engine running smoothly again.
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Your Next Steps
Step 1: Visually inspect the cylinder 8 fuel injector connector and wiring for any obvious damage or corrosion. Ensure the connector is fully seated.
Step 2: If the visual inspection is clear, use a multimeter to test the resistance of the cylinder 8 fuel injector. Compare its reading to specifications or a known good injector.
Step 3: If the injector resistance is out of specification, replace the cylinder 8 fuel injector. If the resistance is good, use a noid light to check for a pulse signal at the injector connector while cranking the engine. If no pulse, further wiring or ECM diagnosis is needed.