P0277
Fix within a few daysThe engine computer detected a low voltage or resistance in the electrical circuit for the fuel injector on cylinder #6.
Code P0277 means Cylinder 6 Injector Circuit Low. Common causes: Faulty injector (60%), wiring issue (35%). Drivability: Limit driving, fix within a few days. Repair cost: $50-$200 DIY, $150-$500 professional.
Can I Drive With P0277?
Limit driving, fix within a few days
Essential trips under 10 miles, avoid highways and heavy acceleration. Get it fixed quickly.
Stop driving immediately if: Flashing Check Engine Light, loud knocking noises, burning smell, significant power loss, or engine stalling repeatedly.
Symptoms of P0277
- 1Check Engine Light is on
- 2Engine runs rough or idles poorly
- 3Engine misfires or shakes
- 4Loss of engine power
- 5Engine hesitates during acceleration
- 6Reduced fuel economy
- 7Engine may stall
Common Causes of P0277
Parts most likely causing this code, ranked by probability
The injector itself has an internal electrical fault, causing the circuit resistance to be too low or shorted.
60% of P0277 cases are fixed by replacing this part
Damaged, corroded, or shorted wires or a loose/damaged connector in the cylinder 6 injector circuit cause an incorrect electrical signal.
35% of P0277 cases are fixed by repairing wiring or connectors
The engine computer's internal driver for the cylinder 6 injector circuit has failed, sending an incorrect signal.
5% of P0277 cases are fixed by replacing the ECM/PCM
Check These First (Before Buying Parts)
- Visually inspect the wiring harness and connector for cylinder #6 fuel injector for any obvious damage, fraying, or corrosion.
- Listen carefully to the cylinder #6 injector with a stethoscope or long screwdriver to confirm it is clicking, indicating it's attempting to fire.
How to Diagnose P0277
- 1Visually inspect the wiring harness and connector for cylinder #6 fuel injector for any damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
- 2With the engine off, disconnect the cylinder #6 injector and use a multimeter to check the resistance across its terminals. Compare to specifications (typically 10-16 ohms).
- 3With the engine running, use a stethoscope or listen closely for a distinct clicking sound from the cylinder #6 injector, indicating it's firing.
- 4Using a noid light or multimeter, check for power and ground pulses at the cylinder #6 injector connector while the engine is cranking or running.
- 5If possible, swap the cylinder #6 injector with an injector from a different cylinder (e.g., cylinder #1) and see if the code moves to the new cylinder. If it does, the injector is faulty.
- 6If the injector tests good, check for continuity and shorts in the wiring from the injector connector back to the engine control module (ECM/PCM).
P0277 on Popular Vehicles
Ford F-150
2004-2024Fuel injector failures are a known issue on some F-150 engines, particularly the 5.4L Triton and early EcoBoost models. Wiring can also be susceptible to damage or corrosion.
70% fixed by replacing injector or repairing wiring
Chevrolet Silverado
2007-2024Silverados can experience injector issues, especially with direct injection systems. Wiring integrity, particularly where it passes over the engine, should be carefully checked for chafing or heat damage.
65% fixed by replacing injector or repairing wiring
Honda Accord
2003-2024While less common than on trucks, Accord fuel injectors can fail. Wiring issues, often due to age or environmental exposure, are also a factor. Always check for proper connector seating.
60% fixed by replacing injector or repairing wiring
Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0277 mean?
P0277 indicates that the engine's computer has detected an electrical problem in the circuit for the fuel injector on cylinder #6. This means the voltage or resistance in that circuit is lower than expected.
Can I drive with P0277?
Limit driving, fix within a few days. A P0277 code means cylinder #6 is likely misfiring. Continued driving with a misfire sends unburned fuel into your exhaust, which can quickly damage your catalytic converter. Drive only for essential, short trips until repaired.
Will P0277 clear itself?
No, P0277 will not clear itself. This code indicates a hard electrical fault. The engine computer will keep the Check Engine Light on until the underlying issue with the injector circuit is resolved and the fault is no longer detected.
How do I fix P0277 myself?
Start by visually inspecting the wiring and connector for cylinder #6 injector. If they look good, test the injector's resistance with a multimeter. If the injector is faulty, replace it. If the injector tests good, you will need to trace the wiring back to the engine computer for shorts or opens.
How much does it cost to fix P0277?
DIY repair costs for P0277 typically range from $50 to $200, primarily for a new fuel injector or wiring repair parts. Professional repair costs usually range from $150 to $500, covering parts and labor for diagnosis and replacement of the injector or wiring.
P0277 keeps coming back - why?
If P0277 keeps returning, it means the root cause was not fully addressed. This often happens if a wiring issue was misdiagnosed as an injector problem, or if a new injector was faulty. It can also indicate an intermittent short in the wiring that was missed during initial inspection, or in rare cases, a failing engine computer.
Will P0277 fail emissions/smog test?
Yes, P0277 will cause your vehicle to fail an emissions or smog test. The Check Engine Light being on is an automatic failure in most jurisdictions, and a misfiring cylinder will also lead to higher emissions readings.
What's the difference between P0277 and P0306?
P0277 specifically indicates an electrical circuit problem with the cylinder #6 fuel injector (Circuit Low). P0306 indicates a general misfire detected on cylinder #6. A P0277 code will almost always cause a P0306 code, but a P0306 can be caused by many other issues like a bad spark plug, ignition coil, or low compression, not just an injector circuit problem.
P0277 on Ford F-150?
On Ford F-150s, especially those with higher mileage or certain engine types (like the 5.4L Triton or early EcoBoost engines), fuel injector failures are not uncommon. Wiring issues, particularly around the intake manifold or due to rodent damage, can also trigger P0277. Always start with a thorough visual inspection and electrical testing of the injector and its circuit.
Questions to Ask Your Mechanic
Did you test the resistance of the cylinder #6 fuel injector itself?
Good answer: Yes, I measured it at [X] ohms, which is out of spec, or I swapped it with another cylinder and the code moved.
What did you find when you inspected the wiring and connector for cylinder #6 injector?
Good answer: I found corrosion/damage at the connector, or I found a short in the wiring harness near [location].
Did you check for power and ground pulses at the injector connector?
Good answer: Yes, I used a noid light and multimeter; I'm getting constant power but no ground pulse from the PCM, or I'm missing power.
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 a multimeter for electrical testing and potentially removing the intake manifold, which can be complex for beginners.
Cost of Waiting
Continued driving with a P0277 code means cylinder #6 is misfiring. This sends unburned fuel into your exhaust system, which rapidly overheats and destroys your catalytic converter. A $50-$150 fuel injector replacement now prevents an $800-$2,500 catalytic converter replacement later.
While You're In There...
If you need to remove the intake manifold to access the fuel injectors, replacing the gaskets prevents vacuum leaks and saves repeat labor.
A misfiring cylinder can foul the spark plug. Replacing it ensures optimal combustion after the injector fix, and it's easy to access if the injector is exposed.
Tools You'll Need
- OBD-II scan tool
- Multimeter
- Basic hand tools (sockets, wrenches)
- Screwdrivers
- Noid light (optional, but helpful)
- Fuel injector puller (may be needed for some vehicles)
- Intake manifold gasket set (if removing intake)
P0277 is a common electrical fault for a fuel injector. It's a fixable problem, and addressing it promptly will prevent more expensive damage to your vehicle's emissions system.
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Your Next Steps
Step 1: Visually inspect the wiring and connector for cylinder #6 fuel injector. Look for any signs of damage, corrosion, or a loose connection. Repair any obvious issues.
Step 2: If the visual inspection doesn't reveal the problem, use a multimeter to test the resistance of the cylinder #6 fuel injector. Compare the reading to your vehicle's specifications. If it's out of spec, replace the injector.
Step 3: If the injector resistance is good, test for power and ground pulses at the injector connector. If these are missing, you'll need to trace the wiring back to the ECM/PCM for shorts or opens. If all tests pass, consider a faulty ECM/PCM (rare).