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DTC codes / Ford codes / P1276

P1276 · FordCylinder 6 High To Low Side Open

P1276 on Ford vehicles means the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an open circuit between the high and low sides of the fuel injector for cylinder 6. The PCM commands the injector on, but the current feedback circuit shows no current flow, indicating a broken wire, failed injector coil, or poor connection in that circuit.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeFord specific
SeverityMedium
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaFuel and air metering (injector circuits)

Symptoms you may notice

  • Check engine light illuminated, often with no other symptoms besides the warning light
  • Noticeable engine misfire or rough running, especially at idle or under light load
  • Reduced engine power and poor acceleration due to a dead cylinder
  • Shaking or vibration felt through the steering wheel and floorboard
  • Worse fuel economy than normal because the affected cylinder is not contributing
  • In some cases, the PCM may enter limp mode or set additional misfire codes

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Open or broken wire in the injector harness between the PCM and cylinder 6 injector
  2. Failed cylinder 6 fuel injector with an open internal coil
  3. Corroded or loose electrical connector at the cylinder 6 injector
  4. Damaged PCM driver circuit for that injector (less common)
  5. Rodent damage or chafing of the injector wiring harness
  6. Water intrusion into the injector connector causing corrosion and an open circuit

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Inspect the cylinder 6 injector connector for corrosion, loose pins, or water intrusion and clean or repair as needed
  2. Perform a resistance test on the cylinder 6 injector and compare it to a known-good injector on the same engine
  3. Check for continuity and short-to-ground on the injector high and low side wires between the PCM and the injector
  4. Inspect the harness for chafing, rodent damage, or heat damage along its routing
  5. If the injector coil is open, replace the cylinder 6 fuel injector and clear the code
  6. If wiring is open, repair the affected wire section with a proper splice and heat shrink
  7. If the PCM driver is suspected, verify with a noid light or oscilloscope before replacing the PCM

Don't replace the injector before checking this

  • A common misdiagnosis is replacing the cylinder 6 injector when the real fault is a chafed wire in the harness near the intake manifold or valve cover.
  • The PCM may set P1276 without setting a misfire code if the open circuit is intermittent, so always check for pending codes and freeze-frame data.
  • Rodent damage to injector wiring is surprisingly common on Ford vehicles parked outdoors, especially in rural areas.
  • A noid light test at the injector connector quickly confirms whether the PCM is commanding the injector and whether the circuit is complete.
  • Corrosion inside the injector connector can create an open circuit that only appears when the engine is hot or vibrating, so wiggle-test the harness while monitoring injector resistance.

Can I keep driving with P1276?

You can drive the vehicle short distances to a repair shop, but avoid heavy acceleration and towing because the misfire can overheat the catalytic converter. If the engine is shaking severely or flashing the check engine light, stop driving and have it towed.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Guidance is general and written for Ford vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.

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