P0287
Fix within a few daysCylinder 11 Fuel Injector Circuit Low
Code P0287 means Cylinder 11 Fuel Injector Circuit Low. Common causes: Faulty fuel injector (60%), wiring/connector issues (35%). Drivability: Limit driving, fix within a few days. Repair cost: $50-$200 DIY, $150-$500 professional.
Can I Drive With P0287?
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 CEL, loud knocking noises, burning smell, rotten egg smell, significant power loss, or engine stalling.
Symptoms of P0287
- 1Check Engine Light is on
- 2Engine misfire or rough idle
- 3Reduced engine power
- 4Poor fuel economy
- 5Engine hesitation or stumbling
- 6Engine may run rough or stall
Common Causes of P0287
Parts most likely causing this code, ranked by probability
The fuel injector for cylinder 11 has an internal electrical fault, causing the circuit resistance to be too low or open.
60% of P0287 cases are fixed by replacing this part
Damage to the wiring harness leading to the cylinder 11 injector, or a corroded/loose connector, creates a low resistance or open circuit.
35% of P0287 cases are fixed by repairing wiring or connector
A rare internal fault within the engine computer's driver circuit for cylinder 11 can cause this code.
5% of P0287 cases are fixed by replacing the ECM/PCM
Check These First (Before Buying Parts)
- Visually inspect the cylinder 11 fuel injector's electrical connector for any signs of damage, corrosion, or if it's loose.
- Trace the wiring harness from the injector back as far as you can, looking for any chafing, cuts, or pinches.
How to Diagnose P0287
- 1Visually inspect the wiring harness and connector for cylinder 11 fuel injector for any damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
- 2Using a multimeter, check the resistance of the cylinder 11 fuel injector. Compare it to specifications or a known good injector.
- 3With the engine running, use a noid light to check for a proper pulse signal at the cylinder 11 injector connector.
- 4If resistance and pulse are good, swap the cylinder 11 injector with an injector from another cylinder (if accessible) and see if the code moves.
- 5If all other checks pass, consider testing the ECM/PCM for proper injector driver output.
P0287 on Popular Vehicles
Ford F-150
2004-2024Ford V8 engines, particularly the 5.4L and 5.0L, can experience injector failures. Accessing cylinder 11 (often rear passenger side) can be challenging due to intake manifold placement.
70% fixed by replacing the fuel injector
Chevrolet Silverado
2007-2024GM V8 engines (e.g., 5.3L, 6.2L) are known for fuel injector issues, sometimes related to ethanol content in fuel. Wiring harness inspection is crucial due to engine bay heat.
65% fixed by replacing the fuel injector
Dodge Ram
2009-2024Hemi engines can develop injector circuit issues. Cylinder 11 is typically on the passenger side, second from the rear. Check for oil leaks or debris affecting the wiring.
60% fixed by replacing the fuel injector
Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0287 mean?
P0287 indicates that the engine's computer has detected an electrical problem with the fuel injector circuit for cylinder 11, specifically a low voltage or open circuit condition.
Can I drive with P0287?
Limit driving, fix within a few days. Driving with a misfiring cylinder can cause significant damage to your catalytic converter and other engine components over time. Avoid long trips or heavy loads.
Will P0287 clear itself?
No, P0287 will not clear itself. This code indicates a hard electrical fault that requires diagnosis and repair. The Check Engine Light will remain on until the underlying issue is resolved.
How do I fix P0287 myself?
Start by inspecting the wiring and connector for cylinder 11. If they look good, test the resistance of the fuel injector. If the injector is faulty, you'll need to replace it. If the wiring is damaged, repair it.
How much does it cost to fix P0287?
DIY repair costs range from $50-$200 for a new fuel injector. Professional repair costs typically range from $150-$500, including parts and labor.
P0287 keeps coming back - why?
If P0287 keeps returning, it often means the initial diagnosis missed something. Double-check the wiring for intermittent shorts, ensure the connector is fully seated and free of corrosion, or consider a rare ECM/PCM issue if all other components test good.
Will P0287 fail emissions/smog test?
Yes, P0287 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 misfire directly impacts emissions.
What's the difference between P0287 and P0311?
P0287 specifically points to an electrical circuit issue with the cylinder 11 fuel injector. P0311 indicates a misfire detected in cylinder 11, which could be caused by the injector circuit problem, but also by spark, compression, or other fuel delivery issues.
P0287 on Ford F-150?
On Ford F-150s, especially those with V8 engines, P0287 often points directly to a faulty fuel injector. The wiring harnesses are generally robust, but always check the connector for corrosion or damage, especially on older models.
Questions to Ask Your Mechanic
Did you test the resistance of the cylinder 11 fuel injector and compare it to specifications?
Good answer: Yes, I measured the resistance at X ohms, and it's outside the specified range of Y-Z ohms, indicating a faulty injector.
What did you find when inspecting the wiring harness and connector for cylinder 11?
Good answer: I found some corrosion on the connector pins, which I cleaned, but the injector still wasn't firing correctly. Or, I found a frayed wire near the injector, which I repaired.
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 specific diagnostic tools like a multimeter and potentially a noid light, along with the ability to safely work with fuel system components.
Cost of Waiting
Continued misfires send unburned fuel into your exhaust, rapidly damaging your catalytic converter. A $50-$200 fuel injector job now prevents a $800-$2,500 catalytic converter replacement later. It also washes oil off cylinder walls, causing premature engine wear.
While You're In There...
These seals are critical for preventing fuel leaks and ensuring proper injector seating. They often degrade with age and should always be replaced when removing an injector.
If the intake manifold needs to be removed to access the injector, replacing its gasket is a must to prevent vacuum leaks and ensure a proper seal.
Tools You'll Need
- OBD-II scan tool
- Multimeter
- Noid light set
- Fuel injector puller (vehicle specific)
- Socket set
- Torque wrench
- Flathead screwdriver
- Pliers
P0287 is a common fuel system code. While it indicates a problem that needs attention, it's usually a straightforward fix involving a single component, and your engine will run smoothly again.
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Your Next Steps
Step 1: Perform a thorough visual inspection of the cylinder 11 fuel injector's wiring and connector. Look for any obvious damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
Step 2: If the visual inspection doesn't reveal the issue, use a multimeter to test the resistance of the cylinder 11 fuel injector. Compare the reading to your vehicle's specifications. If it's outside the range, replace the injector.
Step 3: If the injector resistance is good, use a noid light to confirm the PCM is sending a pulse to the injector. If there's no pulse, the issue could be wiring further back or the PCM itself. If there is a pulse, but the injector resistance was good, consider swapping the injector with another cylinder to confirm it's not a mechanical issue with the injector itself.