What Codes Will This Page Cover?
- P1271: Cylinder #1 High to Low Side Open
- P1272: Cylinder #2 High to Low Side Open
- P1273: Cylinder #3 High to Low Side Open
- P1274: Cylinder #4 High to Low Side Open
- P1275: Cylinder #5 High to Low Side Open
- P1276: Cylinder #6 High to Low Side Open
- P1277: Cylinder #7 High to Low Side Open
- P1278: Cylinder #8 High to Low Side Open
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What Is the P1271 Code?
Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
Get Additional Help
This collection of codes has to do with your Injection Driver Module (IDM). The IDM helps your vehicle handle fuel injection within the vehicle, especially when it comes to diesel engines. In every cylinder, you’ll have an individual injector; the IDM detects those individual injectors, and it can also detect whether the circuit on the right or left bank high side circuit is open or shorted to the ground. These codes indicate that the circuit between the IDM and the injector itself is open.
More About the P1271, P1272, P1273, P1274, P1275, P1276, P1277, and P1278 Codes
These codes are simply the same problem but repeated for a variety of cylinders. This is the list of these codes:
- P1271: Cylinder #1 High to Low Side Open
- P1272: Cylinder #2 High to Low Side Open
- P1273: Cylinder #3 High to Low Side Open
- P1274: Cylinder #4 High to Low Side Open
- P1275: Cylinder #5 High to Low Side Open
- P1276: Cylinder #6 High to Low Side Open
- P1277: Cylinder #7 High to Low Side Open
- P1278: Cylinder #8 High to Low Side Open
As you might notice, the only difference between all of these trouble codes is the specific cylinder that it targets. This makes the diagnostic process much easier because it guides you toward the cylinder that’s experiencing mechanical concerns.
What Are the Symptoms of a P1271 Code?
The check engine light is always going to be a prominent symptom of the P1271, P1272, P1273, P1274, P1275, P1276, P1277, and P1278 codes. Outside of the light, it might surprise you to learn that many vehicles do not have significant symptoms, especially if only a single cylinder is experiencing problems. If you do notice issues, then it will likely be a rough-running engine, engine misfires in general, and poor fuel economy.
What Are Some Causes of a P1271 Code?
The two most common causes of the P1271, P1272, P1273, P1274, P1275, P1276, P1277, and P1278 codes are issues with a defective fuel injector and issues with the connection between the fuel injector and the rest of the circuit. Because this is a circuit-specific code, it’s very common for the issue to be corroded wiring and poor connections on one side of the injector. In rare cases, it may be an issue with the PCM, but it’s most commonly due to issues like a software update that didn’t go through.
How Serious Is the P1271 Code?
The P1271, P1272, P1273, P1274, P1275, P1276, P1277, and P1278 codes should be treated as very serious. Remember, the fuel injectors are literally what put fuel into the vehicle. If there’s a problem with the fuel injector, then it means that fuel isn’t going into your engine as effectively, which can be a huge issue. Plus, the longer you leave the problem alone, the more likely you are to see long-term impacts.
Can I Still Drive with a P1271 Code?
These codes don’t usually cut off your ability to drive; you’ll often still be able to drive around with them. However, as mentioned before, long-term driving on these codes can create serious engine damage that will be very expensive to fix. If you’re experiencing this issue, then talk to an expert as soon as possible, but you should be able to drive to your repair shop.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P1271 Code?
The diagnosis process for these codes can be difficult simply because the circuit isn’t always easy to understand. Wiring is more complex than many other components of car mechanics. If you’re at all uncertain about your ability to handle wiring within your vehicle, then it’s best just to talk to an expert about it.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P1271 Code?
The inspection process can be fairly simple if you know what you’re looking for. Of course, that’s a big “if”. While many DIYers are able to fix this problem, at least mostly on their own, those without much experience might find it taxing and frustrating. If you’re not sure whether you’ll be able to inspect these codes, then talk to an expert instead.
Need Additional Help with Your P1271 Code?
Because of the complexity inherent in the P1271, P1272, P1273, P1274, P1275, P1276, P1277, and P1278 codes, most people who deal with them choose to get help from an expert. This is a great way to access a fix quickly and easily, with a nearly guaranteed fix from professionals who know what they’re doing.
The first step in this process is to find a repair shop in your area. With the KBB locator, it’s easier than ever to find your closest professional.
Next, it’s also a good idea to check out the OBD-II database. This extensive database will help you understand the OBD process, including other codes that you might have seen within your vehicle.
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