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DTC codes / Volkswagen codes / P1241

P1241 · VolkswagenCylinder 5 Injector Circuit Open Circuit

P1241 on Volkswagen vehicles means the engine control module (ECM) has detected an open circuit in the electrical path for cylinder 5's fuel injector. The ECM commands the injector to fire but sees no current flow or an unexpected voltage drop, indicating a break in the wiring, a failed injector coil, or a poor connection.

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

Symptoms you may notice

  • Rough idle and noticeable misfire, especially at idle or low engine speeds
  • Engine hesitation or stumbling during acceleration
  • Check engine light illuminated, often with a flashing light under load indicating a misfire
  • Reduced fuel economy and increased emissions
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light if the open circuit is intermittent or only occurs under specific conditions
  • Possible strong fuel odor from the exhaust if the injector is stuck closed and unburned fuel passes through

Common causes, most likely first

  1. Failed cylinder 5 fuel injector (open coil winding)
  2. Damaged or broken wiring in the injector harness, particularly at the connector or where the harness flexes
  3. Corroded or loose electrical connector at the cylinder 5 injector
  4. Open circuit in the injector driver circuit inside the ECM (less common)
  5. Rodent damage or chafing of the injector wiring loom
  6. Poor ground connection for the injector circuit

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Perform a visual inspection of the cylinder 5 injector connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or loose pins
  2. Disconnect the injector and measure resistance across its terminals with a multimeter; compare to the specified value (typically 12–16 ohms for most VW injectors)
  3. Check for battery voltage at the injector connector with the key on and engine off, using a test light or multimeter
  4. Inspect the wiring harness between the injector and ECM for continuity and shorts to ground; wiggle-test the harness while monitoring resistance
  5. If the injector coil is open or out of specification, replace the cylinder 5 injector and clear the fault codes
  6. If wiring and injector test good, check the ECM driver circuit with an oscilloscope or by substituting a known-good injector; repair or replace the ECM as needed
  7. After repairs, clear codes and perform a road test to verify the misfire is gone and the code does not return

Don't overlook the injector harness

  • A common mistake is replacing the injector without checking the harness; the wiring often breaks inside the insulation near the connector, especially on higher-mileage Volkswagen engines.
  • The code can be set intermittently by a poor connection that only acts up when the engine is hot or vibrating, so a wiggle test of the harness while monitoring injector resistance is essential.
  • On some Volkswagen models, the injector wiring is part of the engine harness that can suffer from oil contamination or heat damage, leading to open circuits that are not obvious visually.
  • A failed injector can sometimes test good when cold but open when hot; resistance should be checked both cold and after warming the engine.
  • Do not assume the ECM is at fault until all wiring and injector tests are complete; ECM driver failures are rare and should be the last suspect.

Can I keep driving with P1241?

You can drive the vehicle short distances to a repair shop, but avoid heavy acceleration or sustained high speeds because the misfire can overheat the catalytic converter. If the check engine light is flashing, stop driving and have the vehicle towed to prevent catalytic converter damage.

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 Volkswagen vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.

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